Program Overview
Since 2000, Denali Discovery Camp has been connecting young people to the wonders of Denali National Park and Preserve through exploration, teamwork, and fun.
Have your child join us at the Denali Education Center as a Nature Scout (1st-2nd grade), Denali Detective (3rd-4th grade), Ecosystem Explorer (5th-6th grade), or Wilderness Researcher (7th-8th grade), and let the learning begin!
Because the wilderness as a classroom is a privilege, Denali Discovery Camp teaches and adheres to Leave No Trace principals and strives to maintain a low-impact camp experience for current and future campers.
Mission
To provide local children quality learning experiences through hands-on adventures and fun in Denali National Park and Preserve.
Goals
- Provide an opportunity for children to experience the outdoors in a fun and safe manner.
- Develop a sense of inquiry and curiosity about the natural world.
- Cultivate skills of observation, awareness, and reflection about our environment.
- Promote understanding of the subarctic ecosystem.
- Convey the significance of Denali National Park and Preserve as a protected ecosystem.
- Foster stewardship of wilderness and wild places.
Registration
All Denali Discovery Camp groups are currently full. To add your child to the waitlist, click the link for registration above.
Scholarships to fully or partially cover the cost of tuition are available through the Scott Menke Memorial Fund.
Email Shannon Conway at youth@denali.org for questions about the waitlist or scholarships.
All paperwork is due two weeks after confirmation of program enrollment. Paperwork includes a Medical History Form, Authorization Form, Code of Conduct, and Scholarship Application (if applicable). Paperwork can be filled out online; pick the correct session for your child.
Cancellation and Refund policy is as follows:
5 weeks before camp- Full refund
4 weeks before camp- 75% refund
3 weeks before camp- 50% refund
2 weeks before camp- No refund
Tuition for each camp group:
Please click on the camp name or more detailed information about each group.
Nature Scouts…students entering 1st & 2nd grades, $250
Denali Detectives…students entering 3rd & 4th grades, $275
Ecosystem Explorers…students entering 5th & 6th grades, $300
Wilderness Researchers…students entering 7th & 8th grades, $325
Instructors
In the words of one parent, our instructors are “top-notch!” Instructors are hired primarily from our local Denali community, so you know they know their stuff. We strive to maintain a ratio of no more than four students per instructor. They are hand-picked because of their experience, knowledge, and dedication to quality education. They are classroom teachers, science teachers, English teachers, music teachers, STEM teachers, environmental educators, scientists, authors, former Park Rangers, current Park Rangers, and more! All instructors have previous experience working with youth, wilderness safety, and first aid training, and a joy for what they do.
General Information
Denali Discovery Camp runs for five days, Monday through Friday. Each day, you will drop your child off at the Murie Science and Learning Center at 9:00 am, ready for a full day of adventure. During the day, they will hike, explore, and learn about Denali. Parents pick up campers at 4:00 pm at the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Protection of Public Health: Covid-19 and other public health mitigations for Denali Discovery Camp are outlined in specific program information. Vaccinations are not required. Covid testing may be required using test kits supplied by DEC. Mask requirements will mirror current federal, state, or organizational policies for vehicles and indoor spaces. Immediate evacuation of any student who tests positive for Covid or otherwise displays concerning health symptoms will be the responsibility of parents/guardians with assistance from DEC and NPS.
Please Note: A detailed and updated itinerary, including trails, pickup, and drop-off locations, will be provided to all parents and guardians on Day 1 of Camp at orientation.
