Culture Camp Core Instructor

position title: core instructor

department: culture camp

wage: contract - $300.00 per day

flsa status: non-exempt

funding source: grant funded

core instructors, also called camp counselors, serve as mentors, role models, and leaders for campers aged 11–17. These instructors lead daily activities, support cultural workshops, and guide youth through the camp schedule with an emphasis on leadership development, cultural learning, and building strong peer relationships.

instructors work closely with artists, language leads, and cultural educators to integrate tlingit language, values, and protocols into every aspect of camp life. They provide supervision, encouragement, and mentorship to youth as they participate in traditional arts, food gathering, outdoor skills, leadership activities, and daily cultural practices.

this role requires maturity, patience, and a strong ability to connect with teenagers in a culturally grounded and respectful way.

• ensuring that the yakutat tlingit tribe’s culture camp is deeply rooted in tlingit language, customs, and ceremonial practices.
• mentor and encourage youth, fostering self-confidence, teamwork, and respect.
• these individuals will encourage the integration of daily yakutat tlingit language immersion, clan protocol teachings, and cultural etiquette across all camp activities.
• monitor camper well‐being and ensure a safe and supportive environment, addressing minor conflicts or challenges with guidance and care.
• artists will teach traditional tlingit art forms such as weaving, drum making, beading, regalia making, and formline design.
• workshops will blend technical skill‑building with cultural teachings, emphasizing the importance of creativity, pride, clan identity, and cultural stewardship.
• design and lead hands‑on workshops in a traditional tlingit art form (e.g., weaving, drum making, beading, formline, regalia).
• support and assist guest instructors, artists, and camp leadership during workshops and special events.
• they will offer language instruction, lead cultural reminders before and during workshops, and support the ceremonial flow of camp events such as openings, closings, honoring, and transitions between activities.
• help with daily camp set‑up, clean‑up, and preparation for activities.
• participate in camp planning sessions, orientation, and final camp clean‑up.
• model tlingit values such as respect, responsibility, humility, and reciprocity in all interactions with campers and staff.
• mandatory reporter.
• performs other duties as assigned.

• working with tribal programs, education programs, or youth programs is preferred.
• safety protocols and hygiene standards and ability to follow them.
• the tlingit history of yakutat, tlingit arts and subsistence lifestyle is preferred but not required.
• cultural knowledge of tlingit practices, or willingness to learn and respectfully integrate traditional teachings into daily camp life.
• strong written and oral communication.
• strong teamwork and collaboration skills across multiple program areas.
• dependability and a strong work ethic.
• leadership, with the ability to guide and support young people respectfully.
• strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• strong interpersonal and people skills, including the ability to work with parents, youth, elders, and staff in a respectful and welcoming manner.
• problem‑solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• self‑motivated and dependable, able to work independently or collaboratively.
• working well with others, to include public.
• handle multiple tasks and work under short time frames and attend to.
• ability to adapt activities to meet a range of developmental needs and interests of older youth.
• serve as a positive role model.
• be flexible, patient, and have a team‑centered attitude.
• comfortable working with youth of all ages and backgrounds.
• meet physical demands to assist with set‑up, clean‑up, and carrying supplies between locations.
• provide support where needed and proactively offer support to instructors, cooks, and leadership staff.
• maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with care…