Quest Trips

Open to campers age 8-14, our Quest Trips are specifically designed to get a real taste for the Alaskan wilderness. Get outside into the world without computers, phones, windows, or walls and see parts of Alaska most people only dream of.

Lead by experienced guide staff, these trips are geared for the camper who is ready for a little more adventure.

Operating under permit from Chugach National Forest

enrollment open January 8, 2020

Quest Trips

Our introductory trips are designed for campers who are ready to spend extended time away from the walls and windows of everyday life. After two days of checking gear, reviewing equipment, teaming building, wilderness safety, practicing basic skills, and Leave No Trace camping skills, campers head out for a three-day, two-night campout and discover adventure (Wed-Fri trip). Two staff per 12 campers. Trips are $430

Camping & Hiking

  • Learn about low-impact camping
  • Adventure the local surroundings
  • Eklutna Lake Campground

Camping & Paddling

  • Learn water safety
  • Build paddling skills
  • Lower Ohmer Campground

These trips are designed for campers to expand their backcountry camping skills. After two days of team building, practicing skills, and preparing gear, campers head out for a three-day, two night wilderness trip. They return for pick up on Friday afternoon (Wed-Fri trip). Two staff per 12 campers. Trips are $430

TRIPS:

Marine Encounter

  • Explore tide pools and pebble beaches
  • Become one with the tides
  • Explore the area around Caines Head

Backpacking

  • Trekking in the Chugach National Forest
  • Explore segment of Iditarod National Historic Trail
  • Lost Lake Trail

Swan Lake Canoe

  • Learn water safety
  • Swan Lake excursion
  • Paddling and portaging skills

Kayak Trip

  • Refine paddling skills
  • Navigating on lakes
  • Explore Hidden Lake

Longer trips for teens combine backcountry skills with natural history as campers further develop their outdoor skills. After one day in camp practicing skills and preparing gear, campers leave on Tuesday morning and do not return until Friday afternoon. Trips are designed for campers with prior experience. Two staff per 10-12 campers. All trips are $490

CANOE TRIP
  • Master paddling and portaging skills
  • Freshwater ecology
  • Location TBD
BACKPACKING
  • Learn the art of packing
  • Trek around the Alaska range
  • Learn outdoor survival skills
CLIMBING
  • Passionate climbers!
  • Hike Hatchers Pass and explore the climbing adventures
  • Leadership development
KAYAK TRIP
  • Master paddling skills
  • Birds and marine mammals included
  • Investigate tidal treasures
FISHING TRIP
  • Master fishing basics
  • Camping skills
  • Explore Alaska fishing spots
TEACHER NATURALIST IN TRAINING ( AGES 14-16)

This program was designed to be an educational leadership program for mature campers who are interested in working in Environmental Education or related fields.
During the Teen Naturalist in Training (or T.N.T.) program, campers will learn about the roles and responsibilities of an environmental instructor, behavior management, lesson planning and instruction, and developmentally appropriate practices. They will also put these skills into practice by leading games and lessons throughout the week with children ages four through seven. Campers are then given the opportunity to continue to hone skills by returning for subsequent weeks of volunteering to work with campers.

Want to learn more about our programs? Contact trailside@akcenter.org or call (907) 274-KIDS (5437).