Summer Camp Leader Discovery Southeast

Full-Time: 35-40 hours per week

Seasonal: May 26 - August 7, 2026

Must be able to attend training May 26 - 29, 2026.
Part-time work supporting our school-based programs is available in April and May, if desired.

Pay Range
We offer a competitive pay range of $18-$28 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

- $18-$22 per hour: This starting rate applies to candidates who are new to the field, pursuing a degree in education, or have recently completed an undergraduate degree.
- $23+ per hour: Candidates with an advanced degree and/or multiple years of teaching experience will be considered for a higher pay rate.

We are committed to compensating our team fairly and transparently, and we encourage individuals of all experience levels to apply.

Organizational Background
For over 35 years, Discovery Southeast has facilitated education and exploration programs in Juneau, AK, the traditional lands of the Áakʼw and Tʼaakʼú Ḵwáan. Founded by outdoor leaders, we are a regional nonprofit dedicated to ensuring local residents—especially children—have the opportunity to experience the remarkable natural areas that attract visitors from around the world. Our field-based, hands-on programs teach kids how to experience, explore, and feel comfortable in the natural world. We focus on reaching all youth in Juneau, particularly those who might not otherwise be introduced to the outdoors at a young age. Ultimately, we hope to promote a better understanding of ourselves, the natural world, and our place in it.

We aim to recruit, retain, and develop staff who bring Traditional Ecological Knowledge, diverse backgrounds, and a mindset of curiosity about the complete history of Southeast Alaska.


Position Overview
As a Summer Camp Leader, you will spend your days outside with children, supporting them as they explore, learn, and play. You and a co-leader will be responsible for a group of up to 12 kids in one of five age groups: Dragonflies (ages 4-6), Flying Squirrels (ages 6-8), Porcupines (ages 7-9), Marmots (ages 8-11), and Mountain Goats (ages 11-14). You’ll explore many of Juneau’s beautiful natural spaces while facilitating fun and educational experiences.

Each week of camp will focus on a different nature theme. Some weeks will be more active, including hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Other weeks will focus more on science and art, such as botany, flower pressing, the salmon life cycle, and outdoor skills like fire-building. In addition to your co-leader, you’ll work alongside other Discovery Southeast staff and community partners in the field for specific activities. Your main responsibility will be to ensure the safety and well-being of your group, while developing your knowledge of child development and practicing inclusivity and cultural responsiveness.

Camps run Monday to Friday every week. Staff will work from 8:00AM to 3:30PM each day and participate in a weekly hour-long staff meeting. Before and throughout the summer, leaders will receive training and experience in inquiry-based, hands-on field leadership and Southeast Alaska natural and cultural history.

Summer Camp Leaders will work 8 weeks of day camps, plus 1 week of training before camp and 1-2 days of midsummer training. A week-long break for July 4th is included for all staff. Additional days or weeks off may be negotiated.

Responsibilities
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of a group of up to 12 children.
- Promote good decision-making skills, leadership, and curiosity about the outdoors.
- Plan, prepare, and lead engaging, fun activities with a focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and exploration.
- Complete weekly tasks, including restocking supplies, cleaning the vans, and other duties as needed.
- Attend weekly staff meetings, participate in mandatory training, and maintain open, consistent communication with team members.

Qualifications
- Experience and interest in working with children (preschool, elementary, or middle school age), especially in group or outdoor education settings.
- Experience managing groups of 6-12 children, in settings such as at sleepaway camp, day camp, schools, or extracurricular activities.
- Experience in planning and facilitating engaging outdoor activities and games.
- Comfort and experience in outdoor environments, such as guiding, backcountry travel, or natural history interpretation. Familiarity with Lingít Aaní (Southeast Alaska) is preferred but not required.
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge is highly desired.
- Passion for Discovery Southeast’s mission of providing children with meaningful outdoor experiences that foster a deep connection to nature.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate with a team, be flexible, problem-solve, and create a safe, inclusive, and formative experience for all participants.
- Current First Aid and Child/Infant CPR certification (or higher) by the start of employment. Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification is preferred but not required.
- Physical ability to maintain energy throughout an 8-hour day, which may include hiking or walking up to 6 miles per day, carrying gear in a daypack, or kayaking, often in wet or challenging weather conditions.
- Comfort driving a 15-passenger van is preferred but not required.

Discovery Southeast provides regular training as well as on-the-job opportunities to learn from experienced leaders. Applicants will need to pass a background check before employment.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
Submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to Kelly Sorensen at education@discoverysoutheast.org.

We prefer to receive applications by February 6, 2026 but later applications may be considered as needed.
Additional information about our programs can be found at DiscoverySoutheast.org.