Denali Discovery Camp

June 8 – 12th, 2026
June 15 – 19th, 2026

Overnight

1st–8th Grade

REGISTER NOW!

Program Overview

Denali Discovery Camp (DDC) provides local youth with the 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.

2026 Camp Dates:
DDC Week 1: June 8th-12th
DDC Week 2: June 15th-19th

Registration opens on March 2nd, 2026 at 9:00 AM Alaska Time


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. Groups may have an 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 2-3 weeks, 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 be given to local residents, relatives of local residents, and returning campers from around Alaska. Preference will also be given to previous local residents or “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. If there are remaining spots available, we will accept first-time campers from around Alaska, and lastly all other applicants who are coming from out of state can fill the remaining spots.

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
  • Paid position
  • Must be 16 or older for full-time role. There may be part-time options for 14- and 15-year-olds
  • Assigned to one of the camper groups for the week to assist the lead instructors
  • Job Description