TDC Summer 2024 Sneak Peek

Summer 2024 Programs Sneak Peek Scholarships Available!

TrailsideDiscovery.org 907-274-5437 (Kids)

NEW CAMPS!

Pop Up Camp

KinderCamp

These programs run May 23 & May 24.

Drop-off starts at 7:30 am, and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. (The main session runs between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm.) $80 per day. Ages 4-14

These programs run August 15, 16, 19, 20, & 21. Drop-off starts at 7:30 am, and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. (The main session runs between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm.) $80 per day. Ages 4-6

After school lets out, we will get the summer kicked off with our Pop-Up Salmon Run Camp—an exciting environmental education day camp that brings the magic of the salmon run to life! With a mix of educational games, nature walks, and immersive experiences, the Pop-Up Salmon Run Camp promises a unique and memorable opportunity for young minds to connect with the natural world.

After our school-aged campers head back to the classroom, Trailside KinderCamp will offer a unique blend of fun and environmental education specifically designed for our preschool-aged campers.

KinderCamp provides a safe and nurturing environment for youngsters to explore, play, and learn. Each day will focus on a unique theme of the forest, from animals to ecosystems.

Salmon Run: Learn about the salmon life cycle Create salmon-inspired art Explore river habitats

Forest Friends: Spend time in the forest Create forest-themed crafts.

Discover the animals and plants that grow and live in the forest.

Ages 4-5 Environmental Education Programs Join our compassionate and energetic staff to explore the outdoors through a variety of hands-on and sensory activities. Campers ages four to five will learn more about their role in the outdoors while strengthening their social skills!

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. (Main session runs between 9:30am-3:30pm). $380 per week or pro-rated for 3 and 4 day weeks.

Dino Diggers Design & paint a rock dino egg.

Create fossils with Playdough.

Become a paleontologist and dig for bones!

Raindrops & Lollipops Become a detective to figure out how puddles are formed, then go jumping in some puddles!

Create your own clouds and make it rain in a fun arts and craft project.

Video record live weather reports throughout the week.

Earth Explorers Learn about recycling and make your own recycled art piece Read about environmental superheroes and make superhero puppets Explore the different colors of nature on a walk through the forest Funky Ferns Take a nature walk and create journey sticks to remember your adventure.

Learn what different trees smell and feel like.

Build your own tree mural for the whole camp to enjoy.

Seeds & Leaves Discover how plants grow from seeds to fruit.

Grow your own plant and decorate its little pot home.

Build your own magical forest with natural objects and playdough.

Super Stars Use Oreos to learn about the sweet side of the moon’s phases.

Build & decorate your own spaceship.

Design a planet walk with chalk and learn about our solar system.

Baby Belugas Identify and decorate seashells from the Pacific Ocean.

Paint fish that live deep under the sea using glow in the dark paint.

Sing the baby beluga song and learn about Alaskan sea creatures.

Scales & Tails Paint the five types of salmon.

Create a salmon picture book and read it to your friends.

Print fish t-shirts to bring home.

Bears & Berries Forage for edible berries and make a field guide.

Make your own jam from fruit you forage.

Play ‘Berries or Bust’ and learn about hibernation.

Dancing Chickadees Learn about Alaskan birds & build your own pine cone bird feeder.

Discover why different birds have different beaks.

Listen to bird calls and practice your own!

Ages 6-7 Environmental Education Programs Join our compassionate and energetic staff to explore the outdoors through a variety of hands-on and sensory activities. Campers ages four to five will learn more about their role in the outdoors while strengthening their social skills!

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. (Main session runs between 9:30am-3:30pm). $380 per week or pro-rated for 3 and 4 day weeks.

Mineral Magic Hunt for treasure and find different rock shapes, colors, and textures.

Grow your own crystals; learn how jewels form in nature.

Eat rocks! Enjoy edible crystal snacks.

Out of this World Journey through the cosmos with a group planet chalk art & solar system walk.

Use Oreos to learn about the sweet side of the moon’s phases.

Create constellation artwork.

Rain or Shine Make your own clouds you can share with friends.

Create your own tornado in a bottle.

Build and fly a kite!

Deep Sea Safari Model your own hydrothermal vent ecosystem.

Make friends with Alvin, a deep sea scientific robot.

Create your own paper anglerfish and learn about how organisms survive with no light.

Planet Protectors Learn how everyday acts can help save the planet.

Battle trash monsters field game!

Create a recycling art project.

Woodland Wizards Decorate magic wands and cast spells.

Go on a nature walk and build fairy houses.

Play Plant Bingo and learn about the forest.

Little Spruce Trees Print tote bags from you favorite leaves Craft a wooden necklace and use the tree rings to determine the age of your jewelry.

Walk through the woods and make a wildflower bouquet.

Creative Crawlers Go on a bug hunt.

Make magic slime and learn about the importance that slimy slugs have in our ecosystem.

Build a bug habitat and track the progress in your own science journal.

Moose on the Loose Make antler headbands and learn how moose survive the winter.

Get your own copy of Moose in May and read it with your herd.

Create an arctic animal food chain.

Salmon Symphony Make your own salmon picture book to read to friends.

Dance and sing to ‘The Salmon Song’.

Paint the five types of salmon.

Happy Harvest Gather berries and make your own jam.

Track your snacks on a world map.

Get your legs moving for a ‘Can it Compost’ Relay Race.

Outdoor Detectives Sleuth around with a magnifying glass for clues about bird habits.

Explore the world of birds and track your findings like a real ornithologist.

Make a birdhouse!

Ages 8-10 Environmental Education Programs Join our compassionate and energetic staff to explore the outdoors through a variety of hands-on and sensory activities. Campers ages four to five will learn more about their role in the outdoors while strengthening their social skills!

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. (Main session runs between 9:30am-3:30pm). $380 per week or pro-rated for 3 and 4 day weeks.

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shakes & Quakes Learn about tectonic plates.

Compare rocks and minerals.

Explode a paper mache volcano!

Captivating Caterpillars Demonstrate metamorphosis with a piece of artwork.

Go on a bug hunt to identify different types of insects.

Snap photos of insects in the wild.

Alaskan Aviators Discover the role of flight in Alaska’s history at the Aviation Museum.

Learn about different models of planes and design your own for a competition.

Design a kite and test how it flies in the wind.

Ocean Commotion Test the water quality of nearby bodies of water.

Use nets to discover what lives in an aquatic ecosystem.

Design a microscopic sea critter for a plankton race.

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Mountain Mindfulness Make your own stress ball project.

Practice guided mediation and outdoor watercolors.

Hike out for an outdoor picnic.

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Peaks & Creeks Hike to Thunderbird Falls to learn about the power of waterfalls!

Paint a landscape scene.

Make artwork to express the seasons.

Branching Out Discover different soil types and make soil crayons.

Identify tree species in our area.

Be an Alien Scientist and learn about earth’s biodiversity.

Solar Scientists Build a solar-powered robot.

Create your own sundial and tell time using the sun.

Disinfect water using the power of the sun.

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Fires & Flowers Create a wildflower arrangement to bring home.

Learn how wildflowers reshape ecosystems after wildfires.

Learn about wildfire management.

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TDC Junior Chef Collect blueberries and make jam to bring home.

Practice Leave No Trace principles while cooking lunch together on a hike.

Compete in a Chopped-style cooking competition.

Arctic Zoo Keepers Take a field trip to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn about conservation.

Play Predator & Prey Tag, learn about arctic ecosystems!

Design and build habitats using material from nature.

Birds & Beaks Sleuth around with a magnifying glass for clues about bird habits.

Explore the world of birds and track your findings like a real ornithologist.

Make a birdhouse!

Ages 8-10 High Adventure Programs Learn, Practice, Explore! Our High Adventure Programs increase your outdoor survival & recreation skills while exploring topics of science, conservation, history, art, and engineering. Get to know the lakes and trails of Anchorage through biking, boating, archery, and other outdoor adventures. High Adventure activities generally occur 3 days per week, while the other days are used to build knowledge and skills in the outdoors.

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9:30am-3:30pm). Prices start from $425 per week (see Grid)

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Tidal Explorers Learn about how sand dunes are formed and take part in a sand art project.

Identify types of sea shells and create shell necklaces.

Test gravitational forces using water to understand tides.

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Wetland Wonders Model the importance of wetlands in a handson experiment.

Search for migrating birds at a marsh.

Design a wildlife wetland diorama.

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Rockin' Riders Identify types of rocks while biking on trails.

Bust open a geode and discover how they form.

Take a biking field trip to Eklutna to understand its unique geology.

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Fire Away Note: Archery practice occurs 3 days of the week.

Learn archery skills and safety at a local archery range.

Learn about the effects of wildfires.

Give it your best shot in an archery competition!

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Backcountry Bikers Note: While prior single track riding experience is not required, this program is designed for kids that are already confident on a bike and excited to go mountain biking.

Take part in a workshop about bike maintenance and repair.

Explore local single track mountain biking trails.

Learn about how single tracks are built and maintained.

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Aquatic Anglers Use sieves to identify macroinvertebrates in the mud.

Take a trip to a local fish hatchery.

Learn about fishing methods and go lake fishing!

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Treetop Trekkers Compete in a forest succession board game.

Learn how to navigate with a compass during an obstacle course.

Take a trek in the Chugach Mountains.

Ages 10+ Environmental Education Programs Join our compassionate and energetic staff to explore the outdoors through a variety of hands-on and sensory activities. Campers ages four to five will learn more about their role in the outdoors while strengthening their social skills!

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. (Main session runs between 9:30am-3:30pm). $380 per week or pro-rated for 3 and 4 day weeks.

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Geode Geniuses Grow crystal structures by making sugar candy.

Make your own seismograph and test it by simulating an earthquake.

Go on a hiking field trip to see silt in a river.

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AK Survival Learn how to safely forage and cook wild foods.

Take part in a wilderness first aid workshop.

Practice your teamwork skills while building a shelter.

Extraordinary Engineers Wire your own moving robot.

Create energy using the power of the water current.

Compete in a marble roller coaster competition.

Waterways & Woodland Days Play a tag game that explains how trees survive the winter.

Test the water quality of lakes surrounding camp.

Use nets to discover what lives in an aquatic ecosystem.

Teacher Naturalists in Training (12+) Discuss the work naturalists do and gain skills to become one.

Take part in hands-on activities to understand the natural world.

Teach lessons and activities to younger campers.

TDC Master Chef Collect blueberries and make jam to bring home.

Practice Leave No Trace principles while cooking lunch together on a hike.

Compete in a Chopped-style cooking competition.

Meteorology Magic Create clouds in a jar.

Learn about the ozone layer and UV light while testing your sunglasses.

Play meteor shower dodgeball.

Trailblazers Take on a challenging hike.

Compete in team building competitions.

Lead younger campers in a hands-on Leave No Trace principles lesson.

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Arctic Artists Create a splatter painting inspired by fungal networks in the tundra.

Sketch your surroundings, then make your art come to life on canvas.

Go on a nature walk and snap pictures of wildlife!

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Youth Leaders in Action 12+ Learn about Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, practice your leadership development skills, and have the opportunity to apply for AYEA’s yearly Youth Organizer Summit!

Work with AYEA teens to design & complete an environmental stewardship project.

Identify local wild plants while learning about food access in different regions of Alaska.

Ages 10+ High Adventure Programs Learn, Practice, Explore! Our High Adventure Programs increase your outdoor survival & recreation skills while exploring topics of science, conservation, history, art, and engineering. Get to know the lakes and trails of Anchorage through biking, boating, archery, and other outdoor adventures. High Adventure activities generally occur 3 days per week, while the other days are used to build knowledge and skills in the outdoors.

These programs run Monday-Friday, drop off starts at 7:30 am and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm.

(Main session runs between 9:30am-3:30pm). Prices start from $425 per week (see Grid)

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Hiking Through History Go on a field trip to Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska’s rich Indigenous culture- past, present, and future!

Take a hike in Glen Alps & explore Thunderbird Falls.

Create a historical timeline with your group.

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Capture Alaska Paddle out on the lake to capture reflections on camera.

Learn about slow camera exposure during a field trip.

Decorate a frame for your favorite photo from the week.

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Oceans Alive Gain skills in paddling and rowing!

Learn about bycatch during a commercial fishing game.

Design a microscopic sea critter for a plankton race.

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Biking for a Better World Bike around our local parks during a trash clean up.

Design a civic action project to help keep our parks clean.

Go on a scenic biking field trip and take polaroids.

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Bull's Eye Note: Archery practice occurs 3 days of the week.

Gain archery and safety skills at a local range.

Learn about subsistence hunting, fishing, and foraging.

Try to hit the bull’s eye in an archery competition!

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Trail Riders Xtreme Note: While prior single track riding experience is not required, this program is designed for kids that are already confident on a bike and excited to go mountain biking.

Increase your biking skills on single tracks.

Learn about how single tracks are built and maintained.

Learn basic bicycle maintenance and repair.

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Happy Hikers Create a 3D art piece about the Alaska Range.

Learn the first aid skills necessary to survive in the backcountry.

Hike out and enjoy a picnic with views on a field trip.

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Fishing Frenzy Hook bait and cast a line while fishing in a local lake.

Visit a fish hatchery to learn about how fish in lakes get stocked!

Work together to compete in a game of boating basketball.

Alaska Quest Trips: Russian Jack Park Description: Our Alaska Quest Trips are designed for campers who are ready to expand their backcountry camping skills and push themselves in a safe and fun environment. After a week of day camp, team building, gear prep, and skill practice, campers will head out with our trained and skilled staff on an unforgettable adventure in Alaska’s great wilderness! Trips programs will take place at and leave out of our Russian Jack location.

QI Ages 8-9 Manitoba Cabin: June 3rd to June 7th This is a week-long program focused on camping skills, leadership, and outdoor exploration! In this program, campers will work as a team Monday through Wednesday to prepare for their camping trip on a normal day camp schedule. In these first few days, they will gain skills in outdoor cooking, setting up camp, building a campfire, and safety in the outdoors. Then, they will leave Thursday morning to spend one night at Manitoba Cabins. On the trip, campers will go hiking to explore the many trails in the area. They will also put their new camping skills to the test all while making memories to last a lifetime. The trip will return Friday afternoon to unpack.

Difficulty: Beginner - No previous experience necessary. Campers will learn the skills needed, but must be able to spend a night away from home without their caretakers.

Intro to Camping - Eklutna: June 24th to June 28th This is a week-long program focused on camping skills, leadership, and outdoor exploration! In this program, campers will work as a team Monday through Wednesday to prepare for their camping trip on a normal day camp schedule. In these first few days, they will gain skills in outdoor cooking, setting up camp, building a campfire, and safety in the outdoors. Then, campers will leave Thursday morning and head to Eklutna Campground. Thursday night will be spent exploring camp and putting new camp skills to work all while making new friends and gaining confidence in the outdoors! The trip will return Friday afternoon to unpack.

Difficulty: Beginner - No previous camping experience needed. Campers will learn the necessary skills, but must be comfortable spending a night away from home without their caretakers. Campers must also be competent hikers in order to learn to hike with crampons on the glacier!

Alaska Quest Trips: Russian Jack Park Description: Our Alaska Quest Trips are designed for campers who are ready to expand their backcountry camping skills and push themselves in a safe and fun environment. After a week of day camp, team building, gear prep, and skill practice, campers will head out with our trained and skilled staff on an unforgettable adventure in Alaska’s great wilderness! Trips programs will take place at and leave out of our Russian Jack location.

AQII Ages 10-12 Hidden Lake Kayaking: June 3rd-June 14th This is a two-week-long program focused on learning about and exploring one of Alaska’s most famous lake systems!! Campers will spend the first week of the program in Anchorage learning about lake ecology and Alaskan ecosystems. Campers will help create a meal plan, practice their camp cooking skills, pack group gear, and prep for their trip. The second week of the program includes a four-day, three-night backcountry camping trip based out of Skilak Lake to Hidden Island. On the first night, campers will frontcountry camp on Skilak Lake in preparation for their kayak trip. Campers will then kayak from the shores of Skilak Lake out to Hidden Island, where they will set up camp for two nights.

Difficulty: Intermediate - While campers should have the maturity and independence to spend 3 nights camping away from home, they do not need to have technical skills or backcountry experience as this will be a frontcountry trip.

Tonsina Point Backpacking: July 1st to July 12th This two-week program is designed as an introduction to backpacking, perfect for campers who are excited to grow in their skills and independence! The first week takes place in Anchorage working on camp skills, such as cooking, gear prep, meal planning, and backpacking essentials. The second week of the program includes a fourday, three-night trip to Seward, Alaska. Spend a night at Miller’s Landing Campground discovering ocean life and tidal zones before backpacking 2 miles out to Tonsina Point campground for 2 nights of camping, hiking, exploring, and learning!

Difficulty: Intermediate - While campers should have the maturity and independence to spend 3 nights camping away from home, they do not need to have technical skills as we will teach them the skills they need to enjoy a backpacking trip.

Alaska Quest Trips: Russian Jack Park Description: Our Alaska Quest Trips are designed for campers who are ready to expand their backcountry camping skills and push themselves in a safe and fun environment. After a week of day camp, team building, gear prep, and skill practice, campers will head out with our trained and skilled staff on an unforgettable adventure in Alaska’s great wilderness! Trips programs will take place at and leave out of our Russian Jack location.

AQ III Ages 12-14 Halibut Cove Lagoon Sea Kayaking: June 17th - June 28th This is a two-week-long program focused on sea kayaking, camp skills, and ocean ecology. In this program campers will spend the first week in Anchorage practicing kayaking, water safety, and partner cooperation, as well as creating a meal plan and packing for their adventure. The second week of the program will be a five-day, fournight trip to Halibut Cove Lagoon. On Monday, campers will take a water taxi across the Homer Spit to camp in Kachemak Bay State Park. Tuesday and Wednesday will be spent exploring tidal treasures while kayaking around Halibut Cove Lagoon. A water taxi will pick the group back up on Thursday to camp on the Homer Spit for one night before driving back to Anchorage to be picked up Friday afternoon. This program begins Monday, June 17th on a normal day camp schedule for the first week. It departs Monday (6/24) and returns on Friday afternoon (6/28) to derig & unpack!

Difficulty: Advanced - Some previous camping & kayaking experience required. Campers will have a chance to practice paddling techniques but will need to be able to paddle near the shore in the sea for about 6 miles in order to explore all that Kachemak Bay has to offer.

Reed Lakes Backpacking: July 22nd to August 2nd Join us for a two-week-long program focused on hiking, backpacking, and leadership skills. In this program, you will spend the first week of the program in Anchorage developing hiking skills, as well as creating a meal plan and packing as a group for your adventure. The second week is a five-day, four-night backpacking trip in Hatcher Pass State Park. Explore both the lower and upper Reed Lakes and put your backpacking and leadership skills into action!

Difficulty: Advanced - Some previous camping & backpacking experience required. Campers will have a chance to practice hiking with packs on, but will need to be able to hike 5 miles & traverse boulders with a pack on to make it to camp.

Climate Leaders in Action: Alaska Youth for Environmental Action

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Youth Leaders in Action

Campers and AYEA teens alike are invited to take part in Trailside Discovery Camp’s Climate Leaders in Action program to bond with peers and get our youth excited about the connection between AYEA’s and Trailside’s mission! This is a week-long program for campers ages 12+ who will soon be transitioning out of camp and into AYEA. Current AYEA teens are encouraged to sign up to learn about opportunities available through Trailside, including summer employment as an Assistant Instructor for our environmental education or high adventure programs. Participants will reflect on their roles as environmental stewards, learn about environmental topics affecting Alaska, bond with peers while kayaking, and design an action project to carry out over the week. Campers can expect to meet members and mentors from AYEA and learn how to apply for their week-long fall summit, where AYEA teens from all over the state come together to create and implement a statewide campaign of their choosing. AYEA teens can expect to apply their leadership and organizing skills as well as be exposed to opportunities for engagement and resume-building through Trailside.

Volunteer at Trailside Discovery Camp Volunteer at Trailside Discovery CamP

We are excited to announce that we are opening applications for volunteers at Trailside Discovery Camp! The ideal volunteer candidates are 14-15 year olds with a love of the outdoors. This program is geared towards building teaching skills and environmental science knowledge for youth who would be interested in working as Instructors at Trailside once they are 16 years old. Teens who have completed the Teacher Naturalist in Training program in previous years are encouraged to apply. Those who have participated in the joint TDC and AYEA programs Climate Leaders in Action or Sustainability Stewards are also encouraged to apply.

Volunteering at Trailside strengthens leadership skills and interpersonal relationships within our community.

This is a great opportunity for teens needing service hours and wanting to get involved at Trailside. Adults who would like to volunteer are also welcome to apply; however, we will not allow parents to volunteer for any session that their child is attending. The application process is necessary to ensure that volunteers are capable of caring for the social-emotional well-being of campers and share our philosophy of experiential learning. We will require a background check for volunteers, as is required by American Camp Association standards.

Trailside will cover the background check fee and will provide environmental education training for those who can attend.