2026 Lead Summer Camp Counselor
Company/Organization: Alaska Botanical Garden
Location: 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
Application Dates: Apr 1, 2026 - May 20, 2026
Job Description
The Alaska Botanical Garden is looking to hire a cheerful, engaging, and reliable individual to lead our summer camps. The Lead works with the Camp Director, Assistant Manager, and Assistant Counselors to plan and deliver environmental education programs to campers ages 5-15. All activities are delivered outside in our outdoor classroom, and on nearby forest trails. Lead Camp Counselor will be expected to lead a variety of pre-planned lessons, games and activities related to gardening, art, cooking, and botany. Camp runs Monday-Friday and the Lead can expect to work an 8:15am-4:15pm shift; no weekends required. Summer Camp season begins May 21st and ends August 7th.
- Staff training May 21st– May 29th
- Summer Camps run June 1st – August 7th
Required Duties & Responsibilities
- Available for the entire camp season May 21st – August 7th , 2026
- Deliver pre-planned environmental education and garden related curriculum activities
- 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 parents, campers, and camp managers
- Attend required meetings and assist with other programs and projects as needed
- Report all accidents, illness, and signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse to the Camp Director
- Safely lead and manage groups of 15-18 campers and other staff 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
- Maintain camp curriculum binders, activity tubs and equipment
Required Qualifications
- Completed at least 2 years of college with credits in environmental education, early childhood, horticulture or related field; or have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
- Have an interest in horticulture 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 8 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 and knowledge of Alaskan ecology
• Interest and knowledge of Anchorage’s trail system
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