Young Explorers: Alaska - High School Summer Programs (800) 321-4353

Welcome to a world where moose meander across open roads, bush planes are more prevalent than cars, and vast expanses of wilderness remain untouched by human feet. Designed specifically for the young adventurer ready to get out and explore Alaska, this trip offers a taste of our high school adventures for younger travelers who want to explore
our beautiful world and see some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. Come discover wild Alaska in an action-packed week of high-energy activities, educational wildlife encounters, and hands-on service designed to benefit the local communities and environments around you.

In the Shadow of Denali
After arriving in Anchorage, you’ll make your way to the outskirts of Denali National Park, your base for this exciting exploration of Alaska’s interior. Denali is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley, which challenges some of the world’s best mountaineers each year. You won’t climb it, but you will experience exceptional views of it as you travel around this incredible region of Alaska. There are over six million acres in Denali National Park, and this is just a small portion of the United States’ least densely populated state.

Action-Packed Alaska
You’ll spend your days in the land of the midnight sun taking part in adventures that will take you deep into Alaska. You’ll strap on a helmet and jump on bikes to explore the boundless backcountry; your powerful peddling will pay off with uninterrupted views of Mount McKinley! Hike through forests and learn about the areas you’re exploring, jump on a horse for a different perspective of this spectacular scenery, and if you want a truly remarkable experience, you can take an optional flight-seeing tour (additional cost) and take in Alaska’s grand views from the air. To top off your week, jump in a raft and paddle the Nenana River through the heart of the Alaskan interior.

Service and Learning
Throughout your time in Denali you’ll learn about caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears from knowledgeable naturalists. You’ll visit sled dogs and learn how they are used during Alaska’s harsh Arctic winters. Lend a hand with environmental clean-up efforts, small construction projects, and other great initiatives that will assist the local wildlife and the communities in this stunningly beautiful pocket of the world! Explore Alaska, expand your environmental awareness, and enjoy active endeavors in America’s “Last Frontier!”

This program is specially designed for our young travelers, who are eligible to earn up to 10 hours of Servicio comunitario each week. This program also connects with our Costa Rica Young Explorers program, making the Young Explorers: Alaska a great stepping-stone to our international programs! If you are ready to experience the thrills of Alaska or have questions about this unique opportunity with Rustic Pathways, e-mail us at alaska@rusticpathways.com.

Itinerary--Young Explorers: Alaska

Tuesday, Day 1: Arrive to Alaska!
Welcome to the Last Frontier! Students will travel from their home country, or USA city and meet Rustic Pathways staff at the Anchorage International Airport (ANC). For more information on the flight requirements for participants, please see our most updated information at: http://www.rusticpathways.com/2009/extra/arrangements/usa.html
Students will then overnight in Anchorage at a comfortable guest house.

Wednesday, Day 2: Anchorage to Denali National Park
After a morning orientation, the Young Explorers will head up to the Denali National Park area, where we will have a base house that they will call home for the week (students may be camping in tents on the property surrounding the house). This first afternoon, we’ll take a trip into Denali National Park to view a Sled Dog Demonstration, then may offer a bit of assistance through a volunteer dog-walking program, which will be fun for both you and the dogs! A short hike through an interpretive nature trail will follow this informative and enjoyable afternoon with the sled dogs!

Thursday, Day 3: A day rafting on some raging rapids!
Now that you’ve settled into Alaska with an afternoon in Denali National Park, you’ll get ready to take on the Nenana River’s exciting whitewater that goes all the way to class IV rapids! It will make for an exciting day that won’t soon be forgotten as you adventure through backcountry areas that meander in the shadow of North America’s tallest peak, Mt. McKinley!

Friday, Day 4: Lend a hand!
Today is a fun day of service that will be beneficial for many visitors and the local community! Depending on the week you travel, you may find yourself working on a cool trail building project in conjunction with local land management or conservation agencies, helping on an important community maintenance project, or other beneficial activity in the Healy area.

Saturday, Day 5: Grab your bike!
We’ll set out for an exciting ride through the immense backcountry of this open area and weave through vast alpine valleys, rolling down roads as you witness some of the most spectacular views you could imagine. If we’re lucky, we’ll pedal past caribou, moose, and maybe even spot a Grizzly feeding on the tufts of tundra in the distance. After a big day on the bike, you’ll chill out that night with a barbecue and enjoy a guest presentation on wildlife.

Sunday, Day 6: Get out for a hike!
This morning take a hike and explore some of Alaska’s expansive backcountry with your awesome trip leaders. They’ll get you to some truly awe-inspiring viewpoints and teach you about the immense amount of flora and fauna that exists here! Students interested in doing an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley can do this (at an additional cost), which affords you views only the climbers get to see! In the afternoon you’ll need to grab your cowboy boots and hat, as your group will jump onto horseback for a different perspective of the Alaska wilderness. Enjoy your final night with a small campfire under the midnight sun of Alaska.

Monday, Day 7: The final day in the Last Frontier
Unfortunately all good things come to an end and your group will head back to Anchorage and enjoy a celebratory dinner for what was an incredible adventure through Alaska. You’ll laugh about biking, hiking, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, and helping in the shadow of Denali! Students connecting to other Alaska programs will remain in Anchorage, while other students returning home, or connecting to other Rustic Pathways programs in the lower 48 states or internationally, will catch their flights Monday night.

Tuesday, Day 8: Students returning to the lower 48 in the USA will arrive today from Alaska. Keep in mind that this program is meant to connect with our Young Explorers program in Costa Rica and other Rustic Pathways trips!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

Young Explorers: Alaska
A Note on Packing for Alaska’s Summer Climate
Summers are an ideal time to visit Alaska, as the days are long, and the climate is generally very comfortable. Early summer is very clear and sunny, and late summer and fall is the rainy season. The summer solstice is on June 21, and Anchorage receives about 19 hours of sunlight on this day. In Denali National Park, average high temperatures are in the mid 60s, and average low temperatures are in the low 40s. Anchorage and its environs are slightly warmer. Summer snowfall is rare and very unlikely in the areas we will visit, including Denali. Pack expecting to encounter a mixture of these climates – warm, cool, dry, and rainy. Also, please pack as light as possible as opportunities to leave items behind in hotels or with drivers are limited.
Carry-on Luggage (small backpack is best)
- passport
- wallet
- photocopy of your passport/Identification
- camera
- journal
- a good book
- a pen

Checked Luggage (Backpacks designed for backpacking are recommended)
- 2 photocopies of your passport/Identification
- hooded rain coat and pants, no ponchos please, you should be able to do service work in your raingear
- fleece jacket
- sleeping bag
- 4 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of shorts, a pair of convertible shorts/pants can be convenient!
- 2 pairs of jeans/pants (one can be for lounging around)
- 4 pairs of underwear
- 5 short-sleeved t-shirts, tank tops, or athletic shirts
- long-sleeved t-shirt or sweatshirt (Patagonia Regulator top recommended)
- hat/visor - sunblock (SPF 25+ is recommended)
- sunglasses
- swimsuit
- sturdy gym shoes (for day hikes, horseback riding, service and mountain biking)
- small towel
-toiletries, including travel toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap container and soap, and contact lens care supplies if needed
- hand sanitizer- insect repellent with DEET
- plastic bags
- watch (with an alarm if possible)
- personal medications
– don’t forget to let the staff know which medications you take
personal first aid kit:
-several band aids of assorted sizes
- double antibiotic ointment
- medical tape
- preferred mild pain reliever
- 4-6 sterile bandages
- ace bandage
- 10 antiseptic wipes
-Personal blister care

Additional items you may want:
-water bottle
- flashlight or headlamp
- sandals or flip-flops
- polypropylene underwear (shirt and pants)
- 1 pair of convertible nylon pants/shorts
- sleeping pad (Our base will be camping)
- compass
- travel pillow
- pictures of home, family, and friends
- a bag for dirty clothes, such as a mesh bag, a pillowcase, or even a trash bag
- Allowance - $150-$300 for the week.

Young Explorers FAQs

1. Will I be fit enough to do this program?
This trip is designed for active students, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be ready to run a marathon! As long as students are relatively healthy, can comfortably hike several miles, and have a great attitude with a willingness to participate in the group’s activities, you’ll be able to enjoy your Young Explorers program! If you have any questions about your ability to participate, please email us at: alaska@rusticpathways.com or call us at: 800.321.4353

2. What kind of special equipment do I need?
For packing lists, you can click on the tab above. Anything not on there, can generally be left at home! We recommend packing light and trying to leave those extra items home, to make your travels a bit easier! Special gear like bicycles, rafting gear, and the like, will be provided by Rustic Pathways.

3. How much previous outdoor experience is required?
None, but a positive attitude is necessary and the willingness to participate in new activities!

4. How often can I do laundry?
Since this is a week program, it is recommended to pack enough for the week without needing to do laundry. There are laundry mats, but with the amount of activities packed into the student’s week, it is hard for us to squeeze in laundry during the week. Students connecting multiple weeks will have time in Anchorage to do their laundry on this program.

5. Are the mosquitoes a problem?
Much like wilderness areas in other parts of the US, Alaska has its fair share of insects. Mosquitoes are the most prevalent and persistent, especially in the early morning and at dusk. You will want to have a long sleeve shirt and long pants in the evenings. Also bring a small bottle of insect repellent containing DEET.

6. What is the weather like?
Summers are an ideal time to visit Alaska, as the days are long, and the climate is generally very comfortable. Early summer is very clear and sunny, and late summer and fall is the rainy season. The summer solstice is on June 21, and Anchorage receives about 19 ½ hours of sunlight on this day. In Denali National Park, average high temperatures are in the mid 60s, and average low temperatures are in the low 40s. Anchorage and its environs are slightly warmer. Summer snowfall is rare and very unlikely in the areas we will visit, including Denali. Expect to encounter a mixture of these climates – warm, cool, dry, and rainy. Light, synthetic clothes that dry quickly are suggested over cotton clothes.

7. How often will I have access to email and phones?
You will never be away from phones and email for more than four days. At the same time, parents should understand that often, these internet access points are quite limited, or expensive and should not be concerned if their child is having too much fun to email or call home during their trip. Remember, no news is good news!

8. How many staff members will be leading this trip?
There will be a minimum ratio of one staff member for every six students.

9. Will I be drinking bottled water?
Bottled water is not necessary for this program, as the tap water is safe to drink. Students wishing to drink bottled water can purchase it when they are in cities, but it will not be readily available to students. When necessary to drink water from streams or natural water sources, staff will have iodine or water filtration devices available.

10. Do I need to get a visa for this program?
Entering the United States has become more difficult in recent years. U.S citizens who pass between the U.S. and Canada may need to make additional preparations. Please check your flight itinerary carefully. U.S. citizens who fly to Alaska directly from the U.S. will not need a visa, but bring your passport. Students from countries other than the USA, including Canada, please check with your embassy for visa requirements, and bring your passport. One good source for information on entry requirements is www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.

11. What will the accommodation be like on this trip?
Depending on the size of the group, students will either be staying in a house, or enjoying a group camp setup with a central area to be used for cooking, bathing, and other activities for the group.

12. What immunizations do I need to get for this trip?
No special immunizations are needed in Alaska, but Rustic Pathways requires an up-to-date Tetanus shot for all students participating on our programs.

13. What costs are not included on this trip?
Airfare to Anchorage is not included in the trip cost. Phone calls and email time are not included. Students may also want to bring allowance money for bottled water, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and other personal items. Optional activities, such as the flightseeing tour of Denali are not included either.

14. Will there be a flight leader to Alaska?
Students must make their own flight preparations to Alaska, and no flight leaders will accompany flights to or from Alaska. Please send us a copy of your flight itinerary as soon as possible, as Rustic Pathways staff will be available to pick up and drop off all students at the Anchorage airport. Please note the departure and arrival city is Anchorage.

15. How does this program connect to other programs?
Alaska programs finish on Monday nights, and many Rustic Pathways trips depart the United States on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Students fly out of Anchorage on Monday nights and should arrive at a gateway city in time to connect to these programs. Airport coordinators will be available in Anchorage and all international gateway cities. Please see http://www.rusticpathways.com/traveldesk for general information on connecting programs. You may also look up departure dates at www.rusticpathways.com and then navigating to the specific trip.

16. How long is the flight to Alaska?
Non-stop, one-way flights from Seattle to Anchorage average 3 ½ hours.

17. What kind of food will I be eating?
The food will be a mix of delicious fresh Alaskan seafood, organic veggies, and even a little barbecue throughout the week. We’ll eat as much local produce as is available, and most of our meals students will be able to help out in cooking! During the day, we’ll generally eat packed lunches, and a few meals will be shared in restaurants. Due to the area we are, however, it is generally easier for the group to cook its own meals.

18. How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
Rustic Pathways adventure programs, generally see approximately a 50-50 balance of males to females, but sometimes our programs tend to lean to a 60% female and 40% male balance.

19. How is the Young Explorers program different from other Rustic Pathways trips?
This trip is geared toward the younger adventurer. This trip and our Costa Rica Young Explorer trip, have a younger age group than our other programs geared for the older students. The Alaska program is designed for 13-15 year olds looking to get a taste of adventure, while remaining in one area. As a program in Alaska, it is also close enough to home for parents to feel comfortable with their first away from home travel experience, while giving them the latitude to explore an incredible region right in their back yard! Since this Alaska program connects well with our Costa Rica Young Adventurers trip, it is also a great lead in to an international travel experience for younger students!