Calling all college students and recent graduates! Do you love kids? Love nature? Love being outside? Apply for our summer 2012 Alaska Conservation Foundation internship and assist with Outdoor Explorers this summer!
About Outdoor Explorers...
Exciting week-long summer day camps for ages 7-12 are spent exploring the trails and beaches, flora and fauna of Juneau's spectacular wilderness setting. Each day's destination is a new place and experience as children learn to be safe, confident, and responsible outside while having a great time with old and new friends. In addition to hikes and explorations, each week features role-play games, an art project, and an age-appropriate outdoor presentation by a local expert on the natural history of Southeast Alaska.
Registration process
Download the following Registration Form, print it out, complete it, and return with payment to our offices at PO Box 21867, Juneau, AK 99802. Member price of $165, non-member price of $195. Each child is limited to three weeks. If they would like to attend weeks beyond that there will be a waitlist.
One full scholarship is available for any child who needs one. Please contact us to learn more.
2012 Outdoor Explorers Summer Day Camp Schedule
Session 1: June 4-8
Session 2: June 11-15
Session 3: June 18-22
Session 4: June 25-29
Session 5: July 2-6*
Session 6: July 9-13
Session 7: July 16-20
Session 8: July 23-27
Session 9: July 30-August 3
Session 10: August 6-10
2011 Outdoor Explorers Summer Day Camp Schedule
(we will list a note when sessions are reaching near capacity)
Session 1: Beachcombers. June 13-17. 7-9 year olds.
Scope out the intertidal zone and kick back at the beach.
Session 2: Journey Downstream. June 20-24. 7-9 year olds.
Splash, fish, and investigate the rivers and creeks of Juneau.
Session 3: Nature Time Travelers. June 27-July 1. 7-9 year olds.
Explore the places where nature and Juneau's history collide.
Session 4: Backcountry Survival. **July 4-8. 10-12 year olds.
Orienteering, backcountry safety, and adventures outdoors.
Session 5: Eco-Ninjas. July 11-15. 7-9 year olds.
Leave no trace! Examine erosion, waste, trailbuilding, and more.
Session 6: The Marine Scene. July 18-22. 7-9 year olds.
A whale of a week investigating ocean marine life and learning about safety in and around the water.
Session 7: Our Wild Backyard. July 25-29. 7-9 year olds.
Discover wildlife, edibles, and special places wherever you look...
Session 8: Juneau Rocks! August 1-5. 10-12 year olds.
Spend the week digging up facts about geology, mining, and nature. This week includes a riveting rafting trip down the Mendenhall River!
Session 9: Alpine Adventures. August 8-12. 7-9 year olds.
A hiking-focused week for the sturdy, heading high up the slopes in search of vistas and wild places.
**Wondering how the week of July 4-8 is going to work due to the holiday?
Friday, July 8th will be a full day instead of a half-day. There will be no official Outdoor Explorers camp on July 4th.
Instead, we are planning on entering the parades with any kids who would like to participate with Discovery Southeast's Parade of Species! Children are not required to come to or participate in the parade - if requested we can provide a discount for Session 4 participants.
Learn more about the Parade of Species.
Details about the program
Groups consist of 13 participants ages 7-9 or 10-12, with two adult naturalists. Participants must dress appropriately for each day's weather and terrain, and need to bring their own water and lunches.
Daily camp times are from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Fridays are a half day picnic excursion at Auke Rec from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Parents join their campers at noon on Fridays for an oceanside potluck picnic and a celebration of the week's fun activities and accomplishments. All Fridays this summer will be Member Days! Join the potluck action at Auke Rec and spend the afternoon enjoying the beach with nature-minded folks of all ages.
Transportation is provided from Riverbend Elementary School and Harborview Elementary School. Drop off time is at 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM and pick up time is at 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM (Friday drop off time is 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM and pick up time is 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM).
Itineraries vary from week to week. Locations we often use include Point Bridget/Cowee Meadow, Windfall Lake, Point Louisa, Outer Point, Eaglecrest, Montana Creek, Dredge Lakes, West Glacier Trail, and the Dan Moller Cabin. Fridays are typically spent at Auke Village Recreation Area or Sandy Beach.
Meet the 2011 Outdoor Explorers Team
Spencer Miller
Born in Alaska, Spencer finds himself most comfortable while closest to nature. After high school and a summer working at Gastineau Guiding, Spencer participated in a three-month expedition through the Brazilian Amazon with the National Outdoor Leadership School. There he slept next to crocodiles, ate insects, and learned how to survive in the jungle! This summer, Spencer is thrilled to be back in Juneau, playing outside, and enjoying the unique and beautiful place we call home. Having grown up as an active child (and participating in Discovery Southeast activities as an elementary schooler!) he appreciates learning through exploration and knows the benefits of getting out of a chair and running around. When not hiking or looking through a camera lens, Spencer loves biking, rock climbing, and playing in the mud.
Celeta Marie Cook
Born and raised in Canada, Celeta had dreamed of coming to Alaska since she was old enough to read a map. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Quest University Canada, specializing in child development and what motivates children to care about social and environmental action. Celeta is passionate about education, especially when it involves hands-on experiences. She has worked with children all over the world, and is continually inspired by how much energy and compassion they bring to everything they do. She also loves dinosaurs, knitting, marine life, learning new languages and exploring.
This program is partially funded by the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenues.
This program is also made possible by The North Face Explore Fund
Visit Discovery Southeast's Explore Fund Planet Explore page
Did you participate in Outdoor Explorers this summer?
We want to know what you thought of it! Your feedback helps us make this program even better.
Watch a video about Outdoor Explorers from 2011:
Check out the Outdoor Explorers videos from Summer 2010:
