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 4/29/2021)
Camp registration is open and filling fast! While our summer programs may operate a little differently 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
2021 DDC Camp Schedule: We are offering one camp group for each age this year with two or three “camper groups” offered during each week of camp. We understand that this configuration is not ideal for many families, especially those with multiple children of differing ages. This fewer-groups-per-week model is set in order to reduce the number of groups in the park and staffing constraints. We look forward to when we can offer ALL four camp groups during each week of DDC in 2022!
Here is the camp breakdown for this year:
DDC Session 2: June 21-25
Ecosystem Explorers (Entering 5th/6th grades)
Wilderness Researchers (Entering 7th/8th grades)
-DDC will not include any overnight components. All camps will operate as ‘day camps’.
-DEC is eliminating group transportation in shuttles or busses. 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 snacks packed 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 at all times.
-Campers traveling from out of state in the two weeks before DDC will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result 24-72 hours prior to the start of the program
2021 DDC Tuition: Due to the elimination of camp overnights in 2021, DEC has lowered all DDC tuition to $250 per camper for all age groups. Partial and full scholarships are available 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 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.
-Group cooking will be limited and all campers will be given one mess set for the duration of the program
-Hikes offered during the program will 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.
-Campers will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result 24-72 hours prior to the start of the program
-Mask use during camp will be mandatory when 6′ spacing is not possible.
Be sure to check back with us for updates!
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
DDC Registration Link
Denali Discovery Camp (DDC) provides local youth with experiential learning adventures through hiking, 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 (Waitlist only as of 3/29/21)
Nature Scouts…students entering 1st & 2nd grades
Denali Detectives…students entering 3rd & 4th grades
Session Two: June 21st-25th (Spaces available as of 3/29/21)
Ecosystem Explorers…students entering 5th & 6th grades
Wilderness Researchers…students entering 7th & 8th grades
Denali Backcountry Adventures
DBA Registration Link
2021 Summer Session
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.
