Denali Education Center Youth Programs create immersive experiences at the southern entrance to Denali through meaningful education. Our programs challenge you to rethink the outdoors, 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 offered in both our Denali and Talkeetna campus to multi-day backcountry expeditions in Denali National Park and Preserve. Programs are offered to youth of all ages and abilities. Our programs encourage participants to develop personal connections to the natural world by providing them with opportunities to experience, explore, and discover untouched landscapes 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.
Denali Education Center was very excited to merge with the Northern Susitna Institute in 2020 and is even more excited to offer Youth Programs based out of the Talkeetna Campus for summer of 2021. As with our Denali based Youth Programs, COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed in order to ensure that all staff, participants, and families have a fun, inspiring, and safe summer experience.
*COVID-19 Protocols*
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!
The below are some preliminary COVID-19 protocols that will be implemented at all DEC programs this summer:
-There will be limited or no group transportation in shuttles or busses. It is expected that most camps will begin and end at DEC’s Talkeetna Campus. A specific schedule of drop-off and pick-up locations will be provided during camp orientation.
-Camps will take place outside. Campers should come dressed for a day in Alaska’s weather (which can vary greatly).
-Mask use during camps will be mandatory when 6′ spacing is not possible
-Additional safety measures may be implemented
Timber Tots
Timber Tots is a toddler and preschool program that employs
storytelling, play, and art to provide meaningful outdoor experiences
for the whole family. Timber Tots will get your kids laughing,
learning, and exploring all the wonders that the natural world 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!
Talkeetna Discovery Camp
Talkeetna Discovery Camp provides local youth with experiential learning adventures through hiking, exploring, and discovering the diverse habitats of the Northern Susitna Valley. This week-long day camp is open to students entering 1st through 8th grades.
2021 Summer Sessions
Week 1: July 5th – 9th
Boreal Scouts (students entering grades 1 and 2 in the fall)
Week 2: July 12th – 16th
Bedrock Detectives (students entering grades 3 and 4 in the fall)
Week 3: July 19th – 23rd
Susitna Explorers (students entering grades 5 and 6 in the fall)
Week 4: July 26th – 30th
Mountain Voyagers (students entering grades 7 and 8 in the fall)
