© 2025 The Alaska Center Education Fund
Trailside Discovery Camp’s after-school program is available exclusively to students at Winterberry Charter School. Each day offers time outdoors and a mix of themed “Club Activities” like crafting, nature exploration, reading, and soccer — all rooted in creativity, sustainability, and STEM learning. For students looking for more adventure, our “Adventure Club” includes biking and skiing programs that emphasize safety, skill-building, and fun.
Whether it’s your child’s first year or they’re returning for more, Trailside’s after-school program at Winterberry encourages curiosity, confidence, and connection through outdoor education — all in a safe and inclusive environment.
Outdoor Adventure Skills
For outdoor enthusiasts, our Adventure Club includes skiing and biking programs, encourage new skills and providing support for first-time bikers & skiers.
Hands on Learning Experiences
We immerse campers in nature with hands-on activities, promoting an appreciation for the natural environment, sciences, history, outdoor skills, and leadership.
Choose your own Adventure
Campers engage in diverse monthly activities like crafting, nature exploration, reading, soccer, and more!
Program Details
Requirements
The Winterberry after school program is currently only open to campers who attend Winterberry Charter School. The program is for ages 5-15. Biking Club will be for age 7+. (We will accept younger campers with biking skills who can bring their own bike.)
Pricing & Payment Information
Pricing
- Winterberry after school program will be $60/day for Thursdays or $35 for other days of the week, with daily or monthly signup options available
- Monthly, including Thursdays, is $620
- Monthly, Thursdays only, is $200
- Monthly, excluding Thursdays, is $500
- Rates will be prorated for holidays and school breaks
Payments
- We are offering a variety of bi-weekly and monthly payment plans as well as custom payment plans upon request. Installment payment plan options are available during registration.
- There will be no refund issued for non-attendance for any reason. If you are experiencing an exceptional circumstance, please be in touch with us. We will consider these on a case-by-case basis.
- Contact us at (907) 274-KIDS (5437) or via email at trailside@akcenter.org.
- What payment methods do we accept?
- Credit card (3.4% surcharge)
- ACH (e-check with 0% transaction fees)
Schedule
Regular school day aftercare
offered from 3:15 – 5:30 PM.
Sample Schedule
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM Check-in and self-directed play
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM Snacktime
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM Club rotations
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Clean up and self-directed play
Disclaimer: scheduled times are subject to change and dependent on Winterberry’s dismissal schedule.
Thursday After School Program
The after school program for Thursdays will run from 12:30 PM -5:30 PM. Activity selections will be released monthly.
Sample Schedule
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Check In & Self-Directed Play
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch/snacks
1:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Choose Your Own Adventure Club Activities on Rotation
- Monthly outdoor skill club based on weather and interest, such as crafting, nature exploration, or reading, as well as biking and skiing.
- Activities like nature walks, bird watching, or hands-on environmental projects.
- Campers choose an activity based on their interests.
- Emphasis on maintenance, skill development, and exploration.
4:30-5:30 PM: Free Play, Wrap-Up and Reflection
- Group reflection on the day’s adventures.
- Announcements for upcoming events and activities as well as group clean up.
- Parents pick up campers with smiles and stories to share!
Packing List
We are an outdoor camp rain or shine! Alaska can be unpredictable so please check the weather each morning and send your campers with the following items in a backpack. Please label ALL items with your camper’s name and phone number. Trailside Discovery Camp is not responsible for lost or stolen camper items.
- Closed Toed Shoes
- Appropriate clothing- easy to move in, no foul language or imagery displayed
- Rain Jacket/ Winter Jacket (weather appropriate outer layers)
- Warm Jacket/Layer
- Full Water Bottle
- Lunch & Snacks
The following items are not permitted at camp:
- Personal Toys
- Tablets or Gaming Devices
- Energy Drinks
- Toy Weapons
- Cellphones (please keep them in your camper’s backpack)
- Pokemon or other trading card games
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
Cell Phone Policy: We have no tech policy. We will not use technology (other than safety equipment or for learning tools) in our programming, and we heavily discourage sending your camper with a cell phone as it takes away from being present both within the camp community and in nature. However, we understand that many families rely on cell phones for communication and logistics. Please have a discussion with your camper about appropriate cell phone use; it is not to be used for entertainment apps or web searches and should be left in their backpack while at camp.
Parent Handbook
View our full Winterberry Parent Handbook.
View the Municipality of Anchorage’s Parent Guide to Licensed Child Care.