Talkeetna Discovery Camp

July – August 2026

9 aM – 3 PM, with some overnights

Kindergarten–8th Grade

REGISTER NOW!

Program Overview

Taking inspiration from both Denali Discovery Camp and Wild Wonders (offered by the Northern Susitna Institute in the past), Talkeetna Discovery Camp aims to inspire awe and exploration in young people. Through hikes, science, art, and just plain fun, campers will be immersed in the natural world, exploring with their peers and fostering respect and love for their surroundings.

2026 Camp Dates:
July 6th – 10th, entering Kindergarten/1st Grade
July 13th – 17th, entering 2nd/3rd Grade
July 27th – 31st, entering 4th/5th Grade
August 3rd – 7th, entering 6th/7th/8th Grade

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

Instructors

Hired from our local community and beyond, our instructors know their stuff! All staff have experience working with youth, have a minimum of First Aid/CPR certifications, have a love of the outdoors, and know that learning should be fun! We have a minimum ratio of 5:1 students to staff. Groups may also have an Instructor-in-Training in addition to their two Instructors.

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

Talkeetna Discovery Camp starts and ends at the Denali Education Center’s Talkeetna Campus unless otherwise noted in camper material. All camp activities take place in and around the local Talkeetna community; and we are pleased to announce that this year we are introducing overnight camping components for the Susitna Explorers and Mountain Voyager groups. After registration, participants adults will be sent detailed camp information, such as pick-up and drop-off locations, bag lunch requirements, and an equipment list.

We never want gear to be a barrier for participants to join our programs. It is our pleasure to offer some gear for participants in need to borrow for our programs, however in order to make sure we have enough for everyone we ask that you let us know your camp gear needs as soon as possible.

The tentative gear list is below and please be on the lookout for emails after registration containing the confirmed gear list for your participants group. The *starred* items below may be available to borrow from the DEC.

Required Day Pack Gear (required on day of overnight campout as well)

⬜ Sack lunch

⬜ *Two one-liter water bottles

⬜ Warm jacket

⬜ Warm hat

⬜ Mittens or gloves

⬜ *Rain jacket, WATERPROOF (not just water-resistant)

⬜ *Rain pants, WATERPROOF (not just water-resistant) 

Required Overnight Gear

⬜ One bag for overnight gear and one day pack

⬜ Two large garbage bags to cover belongings and/or line bag from rain

⬜ *Sleeping bag (preferably rated to at least 20 degrees) in stuff sack

⬜ *Sleeping pad

⬜ Shoes for camp or extra pair of shoes (crocs or lightweight sneakers)

⬜ *Synthetic long underwear – tops and bottoms

⬜ Sleeping clothes: shirt and sweatpants that can be additional clothes

⬜ Long hiking pants (athletic pants work fine, preferably synthetic or fleece)

⬜ A short sleeved t-shirt – cotton is OK, synthetic is better

⬜ Mid-weight long sleeve – cotton is OK, synthetic is better

⬜ *Mid-layer: Fleece jacket or wool sweater (no cotton)

⬜ Extra warm socks – NO cotton, preferably wool or synthetic/wool blend

⬜ One pair of underwear for each day

⬜ Shoes for watersports (can be the same as camp shoes if crocs)

⬜ Clothes for watersports and/or bathing suit

⬜ Towel for watersports and/or swimming

⬜ Personal items and medications: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.

Optional

⬜ Pillow 

⬜ Mosquito repellent and sunscreen

⬜ Stuffed animal, book, or journal

Please Leave at Home:

  • Extra snacks on overnights, cell phones, knives, lighters, matches, radios, electronic games or toys.

While vaccines are not required, COVID testing may be required using kits supplied by the DEC. Mask requirements will mirror current CDC recommendations.  If a camper needs to be removed for a health-related reason, DEC will work closely with the guardian to ensure the camper’s safety and privacy.


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

Camper Groups

Boreal Scouts (entering Kindergarten-1st grade in Fall 2025):

Boreal Scouts will focus on the wildlife in the Talkeetna area. From bugs to beavers to bears, the Boreal Scouts will cover it all while hiking local trails and exploring all that the woods and rivers have to offer.

  • Tuition: $250
  • Students entering Kindergarten & 1st grade
  • July 6th – 10th
  • Monday – Friday 9am – 1pm

The Bedrock Detectives will learn all about why Alaska rocks: from glaciers to earthquakes to the soil under our feet. Bedrock Detectives will make models, explore the geologic wonders in their backyards, and spend quality time with (and maybe in) the dirt and mud.

  • Tuition: $250
  • Students entering 2nd & 3rd grade
  • July 13th – 17th
  • Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm

The Susitna Explorers will do just that – explore the Susitna and learn about how water shapes Alaska. From learning about watersheds to spending time on the rivers and lakes, the Susitna Explorers will be filled with water knowledge.

  • Tuition: $300
  • Students entering 4th & 5th grade
  • July 27th – 31st
  • Monday and Tuesday 9am – 3pm
  • Overnight Wednesday and Thursday
  • Pick up on Friday at the DEC

Wildlife, rocks, and water all move around the state, but what about the people? The Mountain Voyagers will learn about how humans move themselves around the Last Frontier.

  • Tuition: $300
  • Students entering 6th, 7th & 8th grade
  • August 3rd – 7th
  • Monday and Tuesday 9am -3pm
  • Overnight Wednesday and Thursday
  • Pick up on Friday at the DEC
  • Paid position
  • Must be 16 or older for full-time role. There may be part-time options for 14- and 15-year-olds
  • Work collaboratively with two lead camp instructors to help teach and supervise youth
  • Job Description