Summer is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to explore with you!
Our week-long Outdoor Explorers day camps are designed for kids ages 4-14. We spend every day outside, exploring parks and natural areas across Juneau. Our hands-on activities emphasize scientific inquiry, outdoor skills, social-emotional connection, and lifelong learning. Plus, we make sure to include intentional unstructured time for kids to play, create, and connect in a nurturing environment.
Sign up here by March 9 to receive an assigned registration day. The first wave of registration will take place March 16–22 for families with assigned days.
Read on for important information you’ll need for registration.
Registration Overview
To make registration more equitable and less stressful, we use assigned registration days.
Receiving an assigned day does not guarantee a spot, but it gives families the best chance to register before camps fill.
Now–March 9: Sign Up for an Assigned Day
- Sign up here to receive a randomly assigned registration day.
- Browse our full camp catalog below.
- Strongly recommended: Complete the Participant Agreement in advance for each child, so you don’t have to worry about it on your registration day.
March 12: Receive Your Assigned Day
- Check your email for your assigned registration day and link.
- Be sure to check your spam folder; emails will come from info@discoverysoutheast.org
March 16–22: Assigned Registration Days
- Register for camp on your assigned day. As usual, each child may enroll in one week of camp.
- Complete the Participant Agreement if not already submitted. Registrations are not considered complete (and participation is not guaranteed) until all required paperwork is submitted.
March 23–Onward: Open Registration
- “Regular” registration opens on March 23 for families who did not receive an assigned day.
- Families may register without an assigned day starting March 23.
Ages & Camp Groups
Camps are organized by age, not grade level. Children must meet the age requirement by the first day of camp.
If your child fits into more than one age group, families may choose the group they feel is the best fit.
Age Groups
- Dragonflies: Ages 4–6
- Flying Squirrels: Ages 6–8
- Porcupines: Ages 7–9
- Marmots: Ages 8–11
- Mountain Goats: Ages 11–14
Enrollment & Waitlist
Each child may enroll in one week of camp.
If your preferred camp is full or you are interested in additional weeks, please join the waitlist. We fill openings from the waitlist throughout the summer if a participant cancels, and we will contact you if a spot becomes available.
Tuition & Sliding-Scale Pricing
We proudly offer sliding-scale tuition for all camps—pay the amount that’s right for your family.
You may pay less than, equal to, or more than the recommended tuition.
The cost to operate camp is approximately $480 per child, per week.
Recommended Tuition
- Dragonflies (ages 4-6): $235 per child, per week
- All other age groups: $335 per child, per week
Families paying less than half of the recommended tuition are asked to complete the Youth Scholarship Program application and apply awarded funds toward camp tuition.
Sliding-scale tuition is made possible thanks to Discovery Southeast members, the U.S. Forest Service, and the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenue.
Required Forms
All programs require a Participant Agreement, which includes a legal waiver and important information to help us best support your child.
We strongly encourage families to complete the Participant Agreement before registration to help ensure a smooth process. Completing the agreement in advance does not guarantee a camp spot.
If it is not completed ahead of time, the Participant Agreement must be submitted within 48 hours of registration.
If your child has participated in Haadaa Héeni or Discovery Day programs during the 2025-2026 school year, you do not need to submit a new Participant Agreement unless there are updates to any of your information.
Learn More & Get Started
Browse the full camp calendar and catalog below. We recommend having 2-3 camps on your radar, as they can fill up quickly.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this page (or click here or for a shortcut). Your question is likely answered there, so be sure to take a look.
Camp Calendar Grid
Please note the location of each camp.
Camps with pick-up and drop-off at Twin Lakes are considered “van camps,” meaning campers will be transported from Twin Lakes in one of our 15-passenger vans to natural areas around Juneau. If a camp is not listed at Twin Lakes, campers will meet at and explore the listed natural area for the entire week.
Camp Catalog
Camp descriptions are organized by age group.
Dragonflies (Ages 4–6)
Time: 9am–1pm, Monday–Friday
Pick-up/drop-off: A designated trailhead (varies per week)
Campers will explore that natural area all week.
June 1-5: Plants & Animals
LOCATION: Fish Creek Park (North Douglas)
Everything grows—plants, animals, and even us! During this session at Fish Creek Park on North Douglas, we’ll discover what’s growing around us in two different places: the forest and the beach. What plants are popping up? What animals are busy in the woods and by the water? We’ll also taste delicious treats from nature like spruce tips (perfect for making our own tea). Come explore and see how nature grows and changes.
June 8-12: Insect & Animal Homes
LOCATION: Auke Village Recreation Area
Every creature needs a home! This week at Auke Village Recreation Area, we’ll explore where animals and insects live and what they need to survive. We’ll get low to the ground and look up high in the trees as we search for bird nests, squirrel homes, spiderwebs, and other hidden habitats. We’ll also use natural materials to build our own tiny homes.
July 13-17: Plants & Animals
LOCATION: Haadaa Héeni Children’s Forest (Discovery Southeast’s property at Back Loop and River Rd in the Valley)
Everything grows—plants, animals, and even us! During this session at the Haadaa Héeni Children’s Forest, we’ll discover what’s growing around us in the forest. What plants are popping up? What animals are busy in the woods and by the water? We’ll also taste delicious treats from nature like fresh blueberries (perfect for making our own tea). Come explore and see how nature grows and changes.
July 27-31: Water & Sand
LOCATION: Sandy Beach (Savikko Park)
Have you ever wondered where creeks go or how beautiful patterns appear in the sand? In this session at Sandy Beach, we’ll explore how water and sand shape the world around us. We’ll play at the beach, splash in the water, and create fun designs in the sand. Let’s discover how water flows and what we can build together!
Flying Squirrels (Ages 6–8)
Time: 8:30am–3pm, Monday–Friday
Pick-up/drop-off: Twin Lakes Park (Caouette Cabin)
From Twin Lakes, campers will be transported in one of our 15-passenger vans to natural areas around Juneau.
June 1-5: Nature Wanderers
This week, we’ll explore the wonders of nature in an open-flow format. Campers will follow their curiosity as we wander—discovering local plants and animals, practicing outdoor skills, and creating art with natural materials we find along the way. We’ll also embrace the spirit of play, with group games and shared adventures that encourage connection, creativity, and exploration.
June 8-12: Wild Skills & Creations
This camp is great for kids who love getting creative and working with their hands! Campers will learn valuable outdoor skills and make art using natural materials. Activities may include building shelters, tracking animals, identifying plants (beginner level), pressing flowers, designing fairy houses, and more. Campers will build self-confidence and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them!
June 15-19: Beach Week
Get ready for a week of exploring the rocky shores of Southeast Alaska! Campers will dive into beach adventures, looking for unique rocks, building with natural materials, and playing games on the beach and in the forest. We’ll investigate tide pools, learn about marine life, and spot birds and mammals along the shore. Plus, there will be plenty of time for nature-themed art projects to capture the beauty of the coast!
June 22-26: Junior Adventure
This week is packed with action and fun! Activities may include hiking local trails like East Glacier, the Gold Creek Flume, or Perservance, indoor rock climbing at The Rock Dump, and going fishing along Juneau’s rocky coasts. The excitement continues with high-energy relay games and wilderness adventure challenges designed to test skills and teamwork.
July 6-10: Wild Skills & Creations
This camp is great for kids who love getting creative and working with their hands! Campers will learn valuable outdoor skills and make art using natural materials. Activities may include building shelters, tracking animals, identifying plants (beginner level), pressing flowers, designing fairy houses, and more. Campers will build self-confidence and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them!
July 13-17: Streams & Salmon
Water is everywhere in Southeast Alaska, and this week, we’ll dive into the streams, rivers, and lakes that shape our rainforest! Campers will learn about the salmon life cycle, investigate stream ecology, and discover how moving water shapes the land around us. Activities may include fishing, searching for aquatic insects, studying salmon anatomy through dissection, and creating nature art. Grab your boots and get ready to explore!
July 20-24: Animals & Insects
Who lives in this wild and wonderful place? This week will focus on animals, insects, and their homes. We’ll explore different habitats, search for animals’ homes, and build our own nests, dens, caves, and caches. This camp is perfect for kids who like to explore, build, and learn about creatures big and small!
July 27-31: Junior Harvesting
Join us for a sweet, berry-filled adventure! Guided by our experienced naturalists, campers will venture into nature to learn about and harvest delicious berries.The fun continues with hands-on projects like mashing berries into colorful paint, whipping up tasty homemade jam, and getting our hands dirty at local gardens. From berry harvests to outdoor games, this week is all about playing, creating, and enjoying the best of the summer season!
August 3-7: Nature Wanderers
This week, we’ll explore the wonders of nature in an open-flow format, perfect for easing into the final days of summer break. Campers will follow their curiosity as we wander—discovering local plants and animals, practicing outdoor skills, and creating art with natural materials we find along the way. We’ll also embrace the spirit of play through activities that encourage connection, creativity, and exploration.
Porcupines (Ages 7–9)
Time: 8:30am–3pm, Monday–Friday
Pick-up/drop-off: A designated trailhead (varies per week)
Campers explore that natural area all week.
June 15-19: Wild Skills & Creations
LOCATION: West Glacier (Skater’s Cabin)
Located at West Glacier Skater’s Cabin, this camp is great for kids who love getting creative and working with their hands! Campers will learn valuable outdoor skills and make art using natural materials. Activities may include building shelters, tracking animals, identifying plants (beginner level), pressing flowers, designing fairy houses, and more. Campers will build self-confidence and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them!
June 22-26: Movers & Makers
LOCATION: Sandy Beach (Savikko Park)
Located at Sandy Beach, this high-energy camp is for kids who love to move and explore! Throughout the week, campers will hike up to two miles a day—practicing off-trail navigation, trail awareness, and wilderness skills along the way. When not on the move, campers will build with natural materials, create nature art, and explore working with natural clay. Each day balances energetic group activities with focused exploration and creative projects, offering both physical challenge and imaginative play.
July 6-10: Beach Week
LOCATION: Auke Village Recreation Area
Get ready for a week of exploring the rocky shores of Auke Village Recreation Area! Campers will dive into beach adventures, looking for unique rocks, building with natural materials, and playing games on the beach and in the forest. We’ll investigate tide pools, learn about marine life, and spot birds and mammals along the shore. Plus, there will be plenty of time for nature-themed art projects to capture the beauty of the coast!
July 13-17: Wildlife Biologist
LOCATION: Fish Creek Park (North Douglas)
Step into the role of a wildlife biologist at Fish Creek Park on North Douglas! Campers may explore intertidal creatures, examine animal skulls, practice bird watching, and learn how scientists measure the height of trees without cutting them down. We may also track animals, build nests and dens, model how different beaks and teeth work, and create our own field guides. Each day blends scientific discovery, hands-on projects, and outdoor play, making this camp a great fit for curious kids who enjoy learning about wildlife!
Marmots (Ages 8–11)
Time: 8:30am–3pm, Monday–Friday
Pick-up/drop-off: Twin Lakes Park (Caouette Cabin)*
From Twin Lakes, campers will be transported in one of our 15-passenger vans to natural areas around Juneau.
*The only exception is PEAK Week where campers will meet staff at a different trailhead each day.
June 1-5: Outdoor Skills
This session is for kids who love to work with their hands, create, and learn new things! Campers will gain valuable wilderness skills while working together on creative and problem-solving projects. Activities may include off-trail orienteering, geocaching, basic shelter and fire building, and creating a field guide to identify local plants. Through skill-building challenges and teamwork, campers will deepen their understanding of the natural world and grow their confidence outdoors.
June 8-12: Adventure
Designed for our most adventurous campers, this high-energy week is packed with exciting land- and water-based activities. Campers may paddleboard on a lake, try trail biking, tackle the Eagle Valley Center challenge course, and practice slacklining. Hiking opportunities may include more challenging local trails such as the John Muir or Eaglecrest. Campers will discover their strength and resilience in powerful ways!
June 15-19: Ocean Week
Grab your tallest boots and get ready to explore Southeast Alaska’s largest ecosystem—the ocean! This week focuses on marine life, ocean science, and the many ways humans are connected to the sea. Activities may include investigating marine mammal adaptions, studying humpback whale migrations, and taking a closer look at Alaska’ fisheries. Through shoreline exploration, hands-on activities, and games, campers will build a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in our lives while having lots of fun along the way.
June 22-26: Wildlife Biologist
Step into the role of a wildlife biologist this week! Campers will explore intertidal creatures, examine animal skulls, practice bird watching, and learn how scientists measure trees without cutting them down. We may also track animals, build nests and dens, model how different beaks and teeth work, and create our own field guides. Each day blends scientific discovery, hands-on projects, and outdoor play, making this camp a great fit for curious kids who enjoy learning about wildlife!
July 6-10: Introduction to Adventure
This session is designed for campers who are ready to try outdoor adventures for the first time! Throughout the week, campers will build confidence as they take on fun challenges at a supportive pace. Activities may include hiking moderate trails like Treadwell Ditch, indoor climbing at The Rock Dump, riding the Goldbelt Tramway, kayaking on a lake, and playing adventure-based games. Campers will strengthen skills, make new connections, and discover the excitement of outdoor adventure!
July 13-17: Fish Finders
Dive into the world of freshwater and saltwater fish found in Juneau’s lakes, streams, and ocean! Campers will learn about different fish species and what makes healthy habitats. We’ll also explore fishing gear and how it’s used. Activities may include practicing with rods, reels, and nets, designing lures or flies, learning about traditional fish traps, and exploring different ways to prepare fish.
July 20-24: PEAK Week*
*NOTE: This camp meets at a different trailhead every day.
For campers who love to hike, this week is all about going up! Each day brings a new peak or scenic destination. Possible locations include Eaglecrest, Salmon Creek Dam, Sheep Creek, Mount Roberts, Mount Juneau, Mount Jumbo, John Muir Trail, Dan Moller Trail, West Glacier Trail, and Thunder Mountain. Campers should be prepared for long hikes each day. This is a physically demanding week that celebrates teamwork, determination, and a love of adventure—and it’s a camp classic!
July 27-31: Harvesting
Get ready to explore where food comes from—in the forest, garden, and along the shoreline! Summer in Juneau brings an abundance of plants, and learning to recognize them is an important skill for budding naturalists. Campers will practice plant identification, learn foraging basics, garden, and explore fishing techniques, all while keeping a nature journal to record their discoveries. Activities may include harvesting wild edibles, collecting kelp and seaweed, and preparing plants for simple outdoor cooking or creative projects.
August 3-7: Nature Wanderers
This week, we’ll explore the wonders of nature in an open-flow format, perfect for easing into the final days of summer break. Campers will follow their curiosity as we wander—discovering local plants and animals, practicing outdoor skills, and creating art with natural materials we find along the way. We’ll also embrace the spirit of play through activities that encourage connection, creativity, and exploration.
Mountain Goats (Ages 11–14)
Time: 9am–3:30pm, Monday–Friday
Pick-up/drop-off: Twin Lakes Park (Caouette Cabin)
From Twin Lakes, campers will be transported in one of our 15-passenger vans to natural areas around Juneau.
June 8-12: Alaska Survival
This week focus on outdoor skills, teamwork, and problem-solving in the wilderness. Activities may include practicing wild plant identification, learning basic water filtration and first aid concepts, experimenting with shelter-building using tarps and natural materials, and developing navigation skills through orienteering and exploratory hikes. Through a variety of immersive activities and group challenges, campers will build confidence and gain useful skills for outdoor exploration.
June 15-19: Adventure
Designed for our most adventurous campers, this high-energy week is packed with exciting land- and water-based activities. Possible activities include kayaking on the ocean, practicing archery, tackling the Eagle Valley Center challenge course (ropes course), and slacklining. Hiking opportunities may include more challenging local trails such as West Glacier and Dan Moller. Campers will discover their strength and resilience in powerful ways!
July 20-24: Wild Week
In collaboration with Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL)
Join us for a week full of outdoor exploration, games, and fun challenges! Led collaboratively by Discovery Southeast and SAIL, this camp offers a supportive and inclusive environment for youth of all abilities. Activities may include completing the Eagle Valley Center challenge course (ropes course), trail biking, kayaking, foraging, outdoor cooking, and slacklining.
July 27-31: Girls’ Adventure
This camp is all about adventure, confidence, and community! Activities may include shelter building, outdoor cooking, indoor rock climbing, navigation and orienteering, paddle boarding, and kayaking. We’ll also enjoy scenic hikes, creative nature art, and plenty of team-building games. All middle schoolers who identify as girls are welcome to join in on this fun-filled week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s up with the assigned registration days?
In past years, hundreds of families have tried to get camp spots first thing when our registration opens. It can be stressful for families, slow down our website, and create disparity for those who aren’t available on that given morning. By randomly assigning days to register we hope to avoid the derby. Yes, you’ll still have other families registering that same day, but fewer. And yes, if you are assigned a later day, you’ll have fewer choices remaining, but hopefully still be able to find a good fit for your family.
Do I need to sign up for an assigned day of registration?
We highly recommend you do, because most (if not all) camp spots will be filled by the end of the first week. However, you are still welcome to register later during our regular, open registration, starting March 23, if you wish.
Will there be a camp spot for my child?
Receiving an assigned day does not guarantee a spot will be available; however, we expect and hope every family can find something that works for them. If you weren’t able to register for your preferred camp, you’re welcome to join the waitlist. We enroll children from the waitlist throughout the summer when other participants cancel.
Can we sign up for multiple weeks?
We ask that you enroll your child in one week of camp. If you’re interested in another week of camp, please sign up for our waitlist so that we can contact you if space becomes available.
What if I want to enroll my child with a friend?
Registration days will be assigned by family, not friend groups. Fortunately, we believe our camps are great places to meet peers and develop new friendships. That said, if you want your child to be in the same camp as a peer, and that peer has a later registration date, you may wait until that later date to register both children at the same time.
When does my child need to be the requisite age for camp?
Camp is organized by age, not grade level. Children should be the requisite age by the time camp begins. For example, children enrolling in the June 15-19 Flying Squirrels camp should be 6 years old by June 15, the first day of camp.
My child falls into more than one age group. What age group should I sign up for?
You can self select which group you think will be a better fit for your child, and what works best for your family. An 8-year-old, for example, may participate in Flying Squirrels (6-8), Porcupines (7-9), or Marmots (8-11).
What paperwork and legal waivers are required?
All Discovery Southeast programs require a Participant Agreement for each child. This form includes medical information, risk acknowledgment, and legal waivers. The information you share helps us support your child and is kept confidential.
Families are encouraged to complete the Participant Agreement before registration. If it is not completed in advance, the form must be submitted within 48 hours of registering to finalize your child’s enrollment.
If your child has participated in Haadaa Héeni or Discovery Day programs during the 2025-2026 school year, you do not need to submit a new Participant Agreement unless there are updates to any of your information.
Please note: Completing a Participant Agreement in advance does not guarantee a camp spot.
What's expected of my child at camp?
We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where every participant can enjoy a meaningful camp experience. Kindness is a core value — extended to ourselves, to one another, and to the land. To ensure the wellbeing of the group, campers are expected to follow all instructions provided by adult leaders.
If your child would benefit from 1:1 support during the camp day, please provide details in your Participant Agreement. We aim to provide extra support whenever possible. Important information to describe in the Participant Agreement includes: common triggers, communication preferences, sensory considerations, group dynamics, and/or preferred methods to self-regulate. We will follow up via phone or email to discuss information provided in the Participant Agreement and confirm next steps.
Our programs often involve using the bathroom in the woods. A few locations have access to a toilet; however, your child should be prepared to use nature’s “facilities.” Staff will support your child, if needed, in learning this “outdoor skill” while maintaining privacy.
How does the waitlist work?
We keep a waitlist for every camp that fills up.
We enroll children from the waitlist when other participants cancel. If a camp is full or you’re interested in an additional week, you’re welcome to join the waitlist. We’ll notify you via email if a spot becomes available for your child.
Can I cancel?
If you cancel more than 10 days in advance, we offer a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.
If you cancel 10 or fewer days in advance, a refund is only possible if we can fill your spot, and if so there’s still the $25 cancellation fee.
If you don’t complete a Participant Agreement, or if your child is not allowed to participate due to behavior reasons, a refund is only possible if we can fill your spot, and if so, there’s still the $25 cancellation fee.
Email info@discoverysoutheast.org for cancellations.
Thanks for your interest in Discovery Southeast camps. We look forward to a wonderful summer outdoors!