Our Youth Programs provide meaningful education in and around Denali National Park through immersive experiences.
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 and explore this untouched landscape along with their peers. All youth programs teach and practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
Protection of Public Health: Covid-19 and other public health mitigations for Denali Education Center Youth Programs are still being developed. Vaccinations will not be 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.
To be added to our camp email list and receive Youth Program updates,
please email our Youth Program Manager at youth@denali.org
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
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 offered in partnership with Denali National Park and Preserve. This camp is open to students entering 1st through 8th grades.
2022 Summer Sessions
Session One: June 13th-17th
Session Two: June 20th-24th
Denali Backcountry Adventures
2022 Summer Session
May 29th – June 3rd (Open Enrollment)
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.
Each summer DEC and NPS are able to pattern with a variety of organizations to host youth from across Alaska. This summer we will host one open enrollment DBA as well as three other Partner DBA programs. Visit our Denali Backcountry Adventures Page to view our partner program dates.
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.
