June 9 – 13th, 2025
June 16 – 20th, 2025

Overnight

1st–8th Grade

SIGN UP MARCH 10th!

Program Overview

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. 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.

2025 Camp Dates:
Week 1: June 9 – 13th
Week 2: June 16 – 20th

2025 Registration Dates coming soon!

Instructors

Hired from our local Denali community and beyond, our instructors know their stuff! All staff have experience working with youth, have a minimum of First Aid/CPR certifications, a love of the outdoors, and know that learning should be fun!

Each age group will have at least one NPS Education Ranger and at least one DEC Educator with their group at all times. Younger groups may have a high school aged Instructor-in-Training with them as well.

Do you have what it takes to be a Discovery Camp Instructor, or Instructor-In-Training? Check out the job description and get in touch!

Work With Us

General Information

Denali Discovery Camp starts and ends at the Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali National Park. Upon registration, parents will be sent detailed camp information, such as pick-up and drop-off locations, bag lunch requirements, and an equipment list.

  1. Register your child or young adult for camp by clicking on the REGISTER NOW button on the eligible camp page. 
  2. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email confirming your application has been received. 
  3. Our staff will review each application to ensure students are qualified to participate in our locally focused camps.*
  4. Within a week, you will receive an email confirming your youth’s place in one of our camps. 

*NPS and DEC define ‘local’ as youth from the Cantwell-Denali-Healy corridor. Preference will given to local campers, and campers from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Preference will also be given to “Denali-adjacent” families; those that have a history of professional connections to Denali National Park. These camps are not designed for traveling families vacationing in Alaska.

The Goals and Objectives for DDC are in-line with core standards of environmental education.  We aim to provide an opportunity for children to experience fun in the outdoors, develop a sense of curiosity about the natural world, cultivate skills of observation and awareness, promote an understanding of Denali National Park, and foster stewardship of wilderness and wild spaces.

For further information, please contact Caitlin Mott at youth@denali.org.

Camper Groups

Play is at the heart of learning for the Nature Scouts. Scouts use their five senses to explore and discover Denali in new ways

  • Tuition: $250 
  • Students entering 1st & 2nd grade
  • Day camp Monday – Wednesday
  • Sleep overnight on Thursday
  • Pick up on Friday at NOON at MSLC

Mystery is at the core of learning for the Denali Detectives. Detectives use guided inquiry to explore and discover Denali in new ways

  • Tuition: $275
  • Students entering 3rd & 4th grade
  • Day camp Monday – Wednesday
  • Sleep overnight on Thursday
  • Pick up Friday at NOON at MSLC

Ecosystem Explorers search for and investigate the unknown to discover what Denali has to explore! Curious and courageous explorers will venture off trail, wander along drainages, and climb mountains to discover new places.

  • Tuition: $300
  • Students entering 5th & 6th grade
  • Day camp Monday – Tuesday
  • Overnight Wednesday – Friday
  • Pick up on Friday at NOON at MSLC

Wilderness Researchers will diligently investigate a subject to discover or prove a theory or fact. Researchers must be dedicated, patient, and willing to go the distance to gather information and data. Get ready to travel to the heart of Denali to experience true wilderness and the impact humans have on it. 

  • Tuition: $325
  • Students entering 7th & 8th grade
  • Day camp Monday
  • Overnight Tuesday – Friday
  • Pick up on Friday at NOON at MSLC
  • PLEASE NOTE: The Wilderness Researchers group is only available for WEEK 1 of DDC.
  • Paid position
  • Students entering 9th – 12th grade
    • Minimum age 14
  • Assigned to one of the camper groups for the week to shadow and assist the lead instructors
  • Job Description