Join our compassionate and energetic staff to explore the outdoors through a variety of hands-on and sensory activities. Campers ages four to five will learn more about their role in the outdoors while strengthening their social skills!

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9am-3:45pm). $330 per week or pro-rated for 4 day weeks.

Paws and Claws

• Learn Alaska animal print identification through finger painting. 
• Discover and practice what it’s like to eat with a beak!
• Explore the textures and patterns of different animal hides.

The Fab Five

• Observe nature with all five senses. 
• Create art you can touch from nature you find.
• Discover and taste wild Alaskan edible plants.

S’mores & Science *NEW*

• Learn about camp fire safety.
• Create natural slime to explore solids and liquids.
• Follow a recipe for a no-bake s’mores treat.

Dino Diggers

• Design & paint a rock dino egg.
• Create fossils with Playdough.
• Become a paleontologist and dig for bones!

Earth Explorers! *NEW*

• Become a superhero for our planet & learn about other environmental heroes!
• Clean-Up the backyard game
• Make your own magic wand out of recycled material.

Baby Belugas 

• Sing & dance the Baby Beluga!
• Make art with sand and seashells.
• Get moving and play Great Pacific Garbage Patch Tag.

Forest Fairytales & Dragon Scales

• Learn about the magic transformation of plants!
• Build a fort with natural materials.
• Make rainbow dragon bubbles & magic wands.

Buzzy Bugs

• Dissect and discover the world inside a log.
• Go on a bug hunt.
• Make bug art!

Super Stars *NEW*

• Use Oreos to learn about the sweet side of the moon’s phases. 
• Build & decorate your own spaceship.
• Design a planet walk with chalk and learn about our solar system.

Outdoor Orchestra 

• Make your own maracas!
• Become a rhythm master.
• Learn to make music with water.

Fun on the Farm

• Pick berries and make your own jam!
• Explore all the parts of plants you can eat.
• Learn the Alaskan animal version of the Old McDonald song.

Dancing Chickadees *NEW*

• Build your own musical instruments!
• Create a bird feeder to hang up at home.
• Perform a puppet show.

Join our enthusiastic instructors in our day programs, focused on many different environmental concepts. Your camper will take part in hands-on learning, activities, and games that encourage positive interactions with each other and the environment. 

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop-off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9am-3:45pm). $330 per week or pro-rated for 4 day weeks.

Outdoor Detectives

• Design a park ranger badge.
• Match and paint animal prints.
• Dissect a log and investigate like a scientist!

Gleeful Gardners *NEW*

• Explore all the parts of plants you can eat.
• Paint a flower pot & plant your own seeds.
• Visit a garden/greenhouse for a colorful scavenger hunt.

Woodland Wizards

• Decorate magic wands and cast spells.
• Create a costume out of materials found in nature.
• Build fairy houses and adopt your own pet rock!

Jurassic Journey *NEW*

• Paint a dino-egg.
• Become a paleontologist & dig for bones!
• Learn about the earth with the Rock Cycle song.

Planet Protectors! *NEW*

• Learn how everyday acts can help save the planet.
• Battle trash monsters to clean up the backyard field game!
• Create a recycling art project.

Deep Sea Safari *NEW*

• Explore Alaska’s coastal wildlife. 
• Build binoculars to help spy for salmon.
• Create your own sea star art.

Wild & Wacky Science *NEW*

• Make magic glacier goop.
• Build your own icecap and learn about climate change.
• Explore constellations with stories and marshmallows!
  

Creative Crawlers *NEW*

• Make paintbrushes from nature.
• Explore a butterfly’s transformation journey.
• Build a bug habitat and track the progress in your own science journal.

Out of this World

• Journey through the cosmos with a group planet chalk art & solar system walk. 
• Use Oreos to learn about the sweet side of the moon’s phases.
• Explore the world beneath us with earthworms!

Scales & Tales *NEW*

• Put on a salmon life cycle puppet show.
• Create a rainbow fish art project.
• Spark imagination and share stories by the water.

Happy Harvest *NEW*

• Pick berries and create jam. 
• Join the colors of the woods scavenger hunt. 
• Learn about hibernation with the Sleeping Bears game.

Birds of a Feather *NEW*

• Craft a spotted owl with pinecones.
• Learn to eat with a beak with our fun snack game.
• Build a natural bird feeder and explore bird habitats

Our knowledgeable and energetic instructors lead day programs focused on a wide range of environmental topics. Campers will take part in hands-on lessons, activities, and games that strengthen the concepts of outdoor stewardship and group cooperation. 

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9am-3:45pm). Starting from $330 per week.

Arctic Zoo Keepers *NEW*

• Take a field trip to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn about conservation.
• Play Predator & Prey Tag, learn about arctic ecosystems!
• Design and build habitats using material from nature.

Forest Forensics

• Write secret messages in invisible ink.
• Pick up animal tracking skills.
• Learn compass and map skills for a scavenger hunt!

Shakes & Quakes *NEW*

• Learn about tectonic plates.
• Build towers and test for energy impact.
• Use kinetic energy to make your own ice cream milkshakes.

Mountain Mindfulness ⛰️

• Make your own stress ball project.
• Practice guided mediation and outdoor watercolors.
• Hike out for an outdoor picnic.

Ocean Commotion 

• Explore the effects of oil spills.
• Create sand art depicting an Alaskan ocean ecosystem.
• Play the Great Pacific Garbage Patch game!

Arctic Artists

• Sketch, identify, and press Alaskan flowers and plants. 
• Use Alaskan mud and clay to sculpt an animal.
• Paint watercolor landscapes with a local Alaskan artist.

Full STEAM Ahead

• Design and build a rollercoaster to learn about types of energy.
• Compete in an egg drop challenge using natural and recycled materials.
• Make your own paint and create art!

Scenic Snapshots 📸

• Snap some pics on a Polaroid scavenger hunt!
• Create a storyboard and short video to share at closing ceremonies
• Collect materials for nature picture frames.

TDC Junior Chef 👩‍🍳

• Work as a team to hike out and prepare a backcountry lunch.
• Create a camping recipe & document your cooking skills.
• Learn about edible plants!

Description: Learn, Practice, Explore! Our High Adventure Programs increase your outdoor survival & recreation skills. Get to know the lakes and trails of Anchorage through biking, boating, archery, and other outdoor adventures.

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop-off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9am-3:45pm). Prices start from $330 per week (see Grid)

Paddling Pirates 🛶

• Learn paddling skills for canoeing, kayaking, & paddle boarding.
• Join a scavenger hunt and expand your map reading skills. 
• Create a flag & defend your ship with a friendly game of dodgeball!

Backcountry Bikers 🚲

• Get to know parts of a bike and go dirt trail riding.
• Learn biking skills for single tracks.
• Compete in biking games & challenges.

Fantastic Fishers 🛶🎣

• Hook bait & cast a line in our catch and release fishing program at stocked local lakes.
• Learn the life cycle of salmon & create Alaskan fish print art!
• Learn canoeing & kayaking skills, and how to fish from small watercraft.

Fire Away 🏹

• Learn archery skills, and safety.
• Get to know how fire affects our ecosystems.
• Give it your best shot in an archery competition! 

TDC Olympians 🏹

• Design your own flag and play flags of the world trivia game.
• Test your skills in a friendly archery competition.
• Work & compete as a team in a series of challenges.

Arctic Adventurers 🚲🛶🏹⛺👩‍🍳

• Learn & practice archery skills, paddling techniques and trail bike riding.
• Forage for edible plants and enjoy cooking outdoors.
• Join us for an overnight at Eklutna campground and work as a team to practice your camp skills!

Land & Water 🚲🛶🎣

• Water: Grow your skills in kayaking, canoeing, and fishing!
• Land: Go on a biking, hiking field trip, and learn to geocache.
• Join in on an Alaskan animal trivia competition.

Picture Perfect Paddling 🛶📸

• Learn skills from a local nature photographer.
• Go on a field trip to Potter’s Marsh for waterfowl photography.
• Learn canoeing & kayaking skills and use them to get new photo angles!

Pedal & Paddle 🚲🛶

• Join in on a bike skills workshop and take a dirt trail ride.
• Learn kayaking & canoeing paddling skills.
• Go on a field trip to Eklutna Lake!

Time & Trail Travelers 🚲⛰️

• Take a bike ride on the Iditarod Trail!
• Explore Glen Alps trailhead and hike Flattop.
• Meet a sled dog & learn the history of dog mushing in Alaska.

Description: Combine your camper’s sense of adventure with education! These programs are aimed to increase camper’s confidence in high adventure skills while exploring topics of science, conservation, history, art, and engineering. 

Peaks & Creeks* ⛰️

• Learn about hydropower and the power of the current!
• Take a hiking field trip to Glen Alps, plan a route, and practice your map skills.
• Build a papier-mâché mountain range.

Hiking through History* ⛰️

• Go on a Field trip to Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s rich indigenous culture- past, present, and future!
• Take a hike in Glen Alps & explore Thunderbird Falls, learn about how water has changed our environment.
• Participate in a group painting: historical timeline of Alaska.

Wildlife on the Water* (2 Weeks) 🛶

• Take field trips to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Potter’s Marsh.
• Develop and practice your kayak & canoeing skills.
• Learn about endangered species in the Arctic.

Tales from the Trails* (2 Weeks) 🚲🛶⛰️

• Join a Bird to Gird biking field trip!
• Participate in a poetry in nature workshop & find your inspiration.
• Design wild animal puppets and put on a show for younger age groups.

Description: Our knowledgeable staff is excited to lead campers through a variety of programs that will connect them to their natural environment through creative activities, team-building games, and hands-on lessons. Our goal is to encourage a deeper connection to the Alaskan environment and lifelong learning.

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop-off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9am-3:45pm). $330 per week.

Photography in the Wild 📸

• Learn how a camera works.
• Create a storyboard and direct a video.
• Develop & practice photography skills in natural environments.

TDC Masterchef 👩‍🍳

• Pick berries & learn about edible Alaskan plants.
• Take a hiking field trip, and work as a team to filter and boil water for a backcountry lunch.
• Create a camping recipe & document your cooking skills!

Extraordinary Engineering

• Learn about environmentally sustainable engineering.
• Build a marble roller coaster/Rube Goldberg machine.
• Take part in a marshmallow toothpick structure building contest!

Backcountry Artists

• Go on a field trip to Eklutna to collect clay & create pinch pots.
• Sketch landscapes while hiking at Arctic Valley.
• Practice your watercolor painting skills. 

Backcountry Bloggers 📸👩‍🍳

• Learn to create a blog & find your writing voice.
• Learn how to cook a camp meal, document each step.
• Document “A day in the life at Trailside!” with photos and stories.

Teacher Naturalist in Training (12+)

• Learn how to be an environmental educator.
• Design your own educational activity!
• Practice your skills and lead a lesson and game for a younger age group.

Description: Learn, Practice, Explore! Our High Adventure Programs increase your outdoor survival & recreation skills. Get to know the lakes and trails of Anchorage through biking, boating, archery, and other outdoor adventures.

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop-off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9am-3:45pm). Prices start from $330 per week (see Grid)

Trail Riders Xtreme 🚲

• Increase your biking skills on single tracks.
• Participate in a trail maintenance project to keep Anchorage bike paths sustainable.
• Learn basic bicycle maintenance and repair.

Venture Bound Vikings 🛶

• Practice canoeing, kayaking, & paddle boarding.
• Learn about Norse Mythology.
• Build your own Viking shield!

Ride & Rescue 🚲🛶

• Enjoy Single Track biking and small craft water rescue skills workshops.
• Learn wilderness first aid skills such as CPR & backcountry splint making.
• Work as a team to carry out rescue missions both on the water and the trails.

TDC Olympians 🏹

• Play flags of the world trivia game and design your own flag.
• Test your skills in a friendly archery competition.
• Work & compete as a team in a series of challenges.

Alaskan Anglers 🛶🎣

• Hook bait & cast a line in our catch and release fishing program at stocked local lakes.
• Learn the life cycle of salmon & create Alaskan fish print art.
• Learn canoeing & kayaking skills, and how to fish from small watercraft.

AK Survival ⛰️

• Learn compass navigation skills and put them to the test with orienteering.
• Discover historical Alaskan survival techniques and practice shelter building.
• Learn how to pack a backpack for the backcountry, and bring it on a hiking field trip!

Books & Boats 🛶

• Work as a group to write a play and perform for younger groups!
• Join a book club on the water, read and discuss a young adult chapter book with fellow campers.
• Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on Anchorage lakes.

Spokes & Floats 🚲🛶

• Learn to complete maintenance on your bike.
• Bike to an Anchorage lake to hop in some boats and learn paddling techniques!
• Participate in a bike & boat relay race challenge.

Ride & Rescue 🚲🛶

• Enjoy single track biking and small craft water rescue skills workshops!
• Learn wilderness first aid skills such as CPR & backcountry splint making.
• Work as a team to carry out rescue missions both on the water and the trails.

#SavageSeas 🛶📸

• Develop and practice kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding skills.
• Direct, and film videos with underwater GoPros!
• Create digital content to teach water conservation.

Iron Moose Challenge 🚲🛶

• Push yourself to complete the entire Anchorage Moose Loop.
• Explore complex single tracks of Kincaid.
• Practice kayaking & canoeing skills and compete in relay races!

Description: Combine your camper’s sense of adventure with education! These programs are aimed to increase camper’s confidence in high adventure skills while exploring topics of science, conservation, history, art, and engineering. 

Peaks & Creeks ⛰️

• Learn about hydropower and the power of the current!
• Take a hiking field trip to Glen Alps, plan a route, and practice your map skills.
• Build a paper mache mountain range.

Hiking through History ⛰️

• Go on a field trip to Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s rich Indigenous culture- past, present, and future!
• Take a hike in Glen Alps & explore Thunderbird Falls.
• Create a historical timeline for your group.

Bike Spokes & Brush Strokes (2 Weeks) 🚲

• Decorate a tote bag using leaf printing.
• Go exploring on bike trails and grow in your skills and confidence!
• Participate in an outdoor watercolor class.

Gears & Engineers* 🚲

• Learn about Kinetic energy,  roller coaster construction, and take part in engineering challenges!
• Go on a field trip to Hilltop single tracks to expand biking skills.
• Work as a team to build a bike out of recycled parts.

Climate Leaders in Action (2 Weeks) 🚲🛶⛺

• Go on a field trip to the Village of Eklutna, discussion on river dam and salmon sustainability.
• Follow the principles on LNT as you bike, boat, and help keep the area clean! 
• Take part in a low-waste camping challenge at Eklutna campground.

Description: Our Alaska Quest Trips are designed for campers who are ready to expand their backcountry camping skills and push themselves in a safe and fun environment. After a week of team building, gear prep, and skill practice, campers will head out with our trained and skilled staff on an unforgettable adventure on Alaska’s trails, lakes, and oceans! Specific trip plans and COVID-19 Mitigation plans will be released in 2022.

AQI Ages 8-9

Intro to Camping at Eklutna

Join us for a week-long program focused on camping skills, leadership, and outdoor exploration! In Intro to Camping, you will learn how to plan and pack meals, how to set up a campsite, and work as a team. Spend three days and two nights at Eklutna campground making memories to last a lifetime.

AQII Ages 10-12

Hidden Lake Kayaking

Join us for a two-week-long program focused on canoeing, portaging practice, and learning about lake ecosystems! In Alaska Quest I: Water you will spend the first week of the program in Anchorage learning kayaking & water safety skills, as well as creating a meal plan, prepping, and packing group gear. The second week of the program includes a three-day, two-night kayaking trip to Hidden Island. 

Marine Encounters Backpacking (Tonsina Point)

This two-week program is designed as an introduction to backpacking, perfect for campers who are excited to grow in their skills and independence! The first week takes place in Anchorage working on teamwork and camping skills, as well as discovering ocean life, tides, and camping skills. The second week of the program includes a three-day, two-night trip to Seward, Alaska. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center and spend a night at Miller’s Landing Campground before backpacking 2 miles out to Tonsina Point campground.

AQ III Ages 12-14

Reed Lakes Backpacking

Join us for a two-week-long program focused on hiking, backpacking, and leadership skills. In this program, you will spend the first week of the program in Anchorage developing hiking skills, as well as creating a meal plan and packing as a group for your adventure. The second week is a five-day, four-night backpacking trip in Hatcher Pass State Park. Explore both the lower and upper Reed Lakes and put your backpacking and leadership skills into action!

Caine’s Head Sea Kayaking

Join us for a two-week-long program focused on sea kayaking, camp skills, and ocean ecology. In this program, you will spend the first week in Anchorage practicing kayaking, water safety, and partner cooperation; as well as creating a meal plan packing for your adventure. The second week of the program will be a five-day, four-night kayaking trip to Caine’s Head Recreation site in Seward, Alaska. Camp on the beach of Miller’s Landing and explore the tidal treasures and kayak along the shores of North and South Beach.

Hope to Homer Fishing

Join us for a two-week-long program focused on sustainable Alaskan fishing. In this program, you will spend the first week at day camp in Anchorage learning about the different types of Alaskan salmon and fish, how to rig a fishing rod, different fishing techniques, as well as prepping gear & creating a meal plan for the trip. The second week will be a five-day, four-night camping trip spending the first two nights in Hope fishing for pink salmon, followed by spending two nights camping in Homer to go on a halibut charter!

TDC Trips Guides join members of AYEA for a three-day, two-night camping trip focused on community, adventure, and environmental justice. AYEA teens will come to Trailside on Thursday, July 21st, and spend the morning with Climate Leaders in Action participants. In the afternoon participants will learn camping skills, prepare gear, and create a meal plan. The trip will leave Friday morning to head to Eklutna Lake where the group will spend 3 days & 2 nights camping surrounded by some of the most majestic scenery Alaska has to offer. The group will have the opportunity to get out on the water to learn & practice kayaking, go on a hike to enjoy elevated views, and learn about the history of Eklutna & the Dena’ina people.

AYEA works to provide teens the skills, network, and inspiration to effectively advocate for their environment and community. This trip is an opportunity for Southcentral AYEA teens ages 13-18 to connect with each other and for older Trailside campers to learn about the programs available to them when they age out.