Description
Get ready for Discovery Days!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each day, we will explore beautiful parks and natural areas around Juneau. Campers will enjoy hiking, playing group games, building with natural materials, and learning about local plants and animals.
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.
WHAT TO BRING
At Discovery Southeast, we run programs in all kinds of weather. Whether it’s rainy or sunny, we believe each day offers something wonderful to discover in nature — and the right gear makes all the difference. Weather conditions can fluctuate throughout the day, so layers are key!
This packing list covers the essentials for exploring our temperate rainforest home, based on years of experience.
Note: Children carry their own backpacks throughout the day, so please be mindful of this when packing.
- Backpack: one that comfortably fits your child
- Waterproof cover for backpack (or lining inside the backpack — a kitchen garbage bag works!)
- Water bottle: at least 1 liter to keep hydrated
- Lunch and snacks: pack more than you think — kids tend to get extra hungry outside!
- Footwear: rain/hiking boots or tennis shoes (depending on the weather/activity)
- Rain gear: rain jacket and pants, plus waterproof mittens/gloves (for colder/wetter days)
- Warm layers: a sweatshirt or fleece (to wear over a t-shirt), comfortable socks
- Sun protection: sunscreen and a hat (for sunny days)
- Extra clothing: a full change of clothes and extra socks in a sealed plastic bag
- Bug spray (optional)
Please do not bring: any electronics (including phones and smart watches), toys, or knives.
If any of these items are hard to come by, please let us know. We have gear to lend and lunches to share!
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
After registering, you’ll receive a link to our online Participant Agreement, which needs to be completed once a year, and at least 10 days before the program starts (or within a day of registering if you register inside of 10 days). If your child participated in our summer camps in 2025, we don’t need a new Participant Agreement from you, unless you need to update any information. Otherwise, please fill out the form here. If you would like time to review it before you sign, a PDF version is available there as well. Registration is voluntary, so if you don’t agree with the terms there, please don’t register, and instead, let us know at info@discoverysoutheast.org.
CANCELLATIONS
If you cancel more than a week in advance of the program, we offer a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee.
If you cancel a week or fewer days in advance, a refund is only possible if we can fill your spot, and if so there’s still the $10 cancellation fee.
If you don’t complete a Participant Agreement before the program starts, 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 $10 cancellation fee.
Email info@discoverysoutheast.org for cancellations.
Discovery Days and Spring Break Camp are possible thanks to a community of support.
This program is partially funded by the citizens of the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenues.
