2026 Assistant Summer Camp Counselor
Company/Organization: Alaska Botanical Garden
Location: 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
Application Dates: Apr. 1, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Job Description
The Alaska Botanical Garden is looking to hire a cheerful, engaging, and reliable individual to assist with our summer camps. The Assistant works with the Lead Camp Counselor and Managers to help deliver environmental education programs to campers ages 5-15. All activities are delivered outside in our outdoor classroom, and on nearby forest trails. Assistant Camp Counselor will work alongside the Lead to help deliver pre-planned lessons, games and activities related to gardening, art, cooking, and botany. Camp runs Monday-Friday and the Assistant can expect to work an 8:00am-1:00pm shift or 12:00pm-5:00pm; no weekends required. Summer Camp season begins May 21st and ends August 7th.
- Staff training May 21st – May 29th
- Summer Camps runs June 1st – August 7th
Required Duties & Responsibilities
- Available for the entire camp season May 21st - August 7th, 2026
- Assist in delivering pre-planned environmental education and garden related curriculum activities
- Help maintain children’s garden beds, entry beds and compost piles in the outdoor classroom
- Gain subject matter competency related to specific Garden areas and for each camp’s weekly theme
- Communicate effectively with campers, volunteers and camp managers
- Report all accidents, illness, and signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse to the Camp Director
- Assist in safely leading and managing groups of 15-18 campers and volunteers, to different areas around the garden and off site
- Respond to environmental, wildlife and other natural hazards; willing to carry bear deterrent and first aid kit
- Help maintain camp curriculum binders, activity tubs and equipment
Required Qualifications
- Be at least 17 years of age at time of hire
- Have an interest in gardening or environmental education and an interest in working with the public and kids
- Awareness of safety issues related to wildlife encounters, specifically bear and moose
- Able to walk (up to 5 miles) standing with lifting/pushing up to approximately 30 pounds
- Comfortable working outside up to 5 hours in rain, wind, buggy conditions, and sun
- Skilled at working in a fast-paced environment and possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Interest in learning Alaska’s ecology
- Interest and knowledge of Anchorage’s trail system
- Experience working with kids
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