Denali Education Center Youth Programs create immersive experiences in Denali through meaningful education. Our programs challenge you to rethink Denali, and what you thought was possible.
Denali Education Center offers a variety of fun, affordable, educational programs for kids and young adults in Alaska. Our programs range from day camps to multi-day backcountry expeditions and are offered to youth of all ages and abilities. Our programs encourage participants to develop personal connections to Denali National Park and Preserve by providing them with opportunities to experience, explore, and discover this untouched landscape along with their peers. All youth programs teach and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Unlock the appreciation, leadership, and stewardship we all possess with the Denali Education Center.
2021 DDC and DBA Updates
(Updated 3/1/2021)
We are excited to be in the final planning stages for offering our summer youth camps this summer! Please check back into this page to read the most up-to-date information about our summer camps. We will be sure to add and update the information we share here as the camps approach and we continue to finalize details of the camps’ itineraries and safety protocols. While our summer programs may look a little different this year, Denali Education Center staff and partners are committed to offering youth programs that are fun, informative, and- above all else- safe for our participants and community!
To be added to our camp email list and receive Youth Program updates
Please email our Youth Program Manager, Justine Schmidt, at youth@denali.org
Registration: All camp registrations will open on March 15th at 9:00 am. That morning a link to our registration pages will appear under the camp headers below.
2021 DDC Tuition: This summer has been hard on everyone. To help make your summer a little easier, DEC has lowered all DDC tuition to $250 per camper for all age groups for the 2021 season. We will also be offering partial and full scholarships for all camps. Scholarship applications can be found on each camp page and should be filled out and returned after your child has been accepted into camp.
2021 DDC Camp Schedule: To help reduce the potential for large group gatherings this summer we will be offering one camp group for each age group. Additionally, each of our two ‘camp weeks’ DEC will only host two camper groups. We have outlined our camp schedule below.
DDC Session 2: June 21-25 Ecosystem Explorers & Wilderness Researchers (Entering 5th/6th & 7th/8th grades)
-In 2021 DDC will not include any overnight components. All camps will operate as ‘day camps’.
-DEC will strive to limit and/or eliminate any group transportation or shuttle bus use throughout our DDC camps. It is expected that most camps will begin and end at the MSLC parking area within the Park. A specific schedule of drop-off and pick-up locations will be provided during camp orientation.
-No shared food will be provided during camps. All campers should plan to have their own lunch and snack options each day.
-DEC will not be hosting our DDC camp wrap-up BBQs this summer.
-Camps will take place outside. Campers should come dressed for a day in Denali’s weather (which can vary greatly).
-Mask use during camps will be mandatory when 6′ spacing is not possible.
2021 DBA Camp Schedule: This summer DEC will offer one open session of Denali Backcountry Adventures from July 4th-9th. On March 15th at 9:00 am we will post a registration link for this camp below its header below.
2021 DBA Camp Itinerary and Safety Notes:
-This summer our DBA programs will be ‘base camping’ in Denali’s wilderness campgrounds. This will help ensure that campers and staff are able to maintain a high level of sanitation and safe distancing throughout their program.
-Campers will be assigned a solo tent to use throughout the program.
-Hikes offered during the program will still be off-trail in Denali’s wilderness areas.
-When vehicle use is required during the program DEC will limit capacity to 50%. Masks use will be mandatory when riding in any vehicle or shuttle bus.
-Mask use during camps will be mandatory when 6′ spacing is not possible.
Be sure to check back with us again soon to check out our other updates!
COVID-19 Updates
The health and safety of our program participants is our top priority! While our youth and summer programs may look a little different this year, Denali Education Center staff and our partners are committed to offering youth programs that are fun, informative, and- above all else- safe for our participants and community this summer!
If you’re not on our Community Update email list,
Sign Up Here to stay informed of upcoming events and community opportunities.
Tundra Tots
Tundra Tots is a toddler and preschool program that employs
storytelling, play, and art to provide meaningful outdoor experiences
for the whole family. Tundra Tots will get your kids laughing,
learning, and exploring all the wonders that Denali has to offer!
For ages 2-5 – siblings welcome!
Please Note: This is an Outdoor Program.
Please come dressed for the weather and prepared to explore!
Older siblings may be recruited to help!
Denali Discovery Camp
2021 Discovery Camp Registration will open on March 15th at 9:00 am!
That morning we will post a link to register here.
Denali Discovery Camp (DDC) provides local youth with experiential learning adventures through hiking, camping, exploring, and discovering the diverse habitats of Denali National Park and Preserve. This week-long day camp is open to students entering 1st through 8th grades.
2021 Summer Sessions
Session One: June 14th-18th
Session Two: June 21st-25th
Nature Scouts…students entering 1st & 2nd grades
Denali Detectives…students entering 3rd & 4th grades
Ecosystem Explorers…students entering 5th & 6th grades
Wilderness Researchers…students entering 7th & 8th grades
Denali Backcountry Adventures
2021 DBA Registration will open on March 15th at 9:00 am!
That morning we will post a link to register here.
2021 DBA Date
July 4th – 9th
Denali Backcountry Adventures is a summer backpacking expedition for high school students interested in exploring
Denali’s vast wilderness. Throughout the program, Denali
Backcountry Adventure participants learn experientially about
the physical and mental preparations required to launch a backcountry expedition. The program offers the opportunity to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills that increase
the student’s understanding and enjoyment of Denali.
W.I.L.D. About Denali
Wilderness Intensive Learning Development (W.I.L.D.) teaches respect, self-confidence, and teamwork during a three day, two-night wilderness camping experience in Denali National Park. W.I.L.D. is supported by McKinley Creekside Cabins and Cafe, and the Maureen Sims Memorial Endowment.
Scott Menke Memorial Fund
Denali Education Center and the Menke family created the Scott Menke Memorial Fund to honor his memory and benefit local youth. Working together with the Menke family, we continue to inspire future generations and embody the incomparable spirit Scott shared with us.
