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
(we will list a note when sessions are reaching near capacity)
Session 1: Glacier Goonies. June 11-15. 7-9 year olds.
We'll explore glaciers: how we're shaping them and how they've shaped us.
Session 2: Marine Scene. June 18-22. 7-9 year olds.
We'll learn about sea life and search for southeast sea critters near and far.
Session 3: Eco-Ninjas. June 25-29. 7-9 year olds.
We'll Leave No Trace while investigating erosion, trail building, renewable energy, and more.
Session 4: Wilderness Adventures. July 2-6**. 10-12 year olds.
We'll learn orienteering and backcountry safety skills. This week includes a raft trip down the Mendenhall River.
Session 5: Journey Downstream. July 9-13. 7-9 year olds.
**There are only three spots left in this session!**
We'll fish, frolic, and explore Juneau's streams, creeks, and rivers.
Session 6: Nature Time Travelers. July 16-20. 7-9 year olds.
**There are only three spots left in this session!**
We'll hunt for mining ruins and take a look at Juneau both now and then...
Session 7: Beachcombers. July 23-27. 7-9 year olds.
We'll discover intertidal zones and search high and low (tides!) for the creatures that live there.
Session 8: Alpine Explorers. July 30-August 3. 10-12 year olds.
We'll hike high into the alpine zones in search of vistas and wild spaces.
Session 9: Our Wild Backyard. August 6-10. 7-9 year olds.
We'll delve into what's right outside our doorsteps and look at wildlife, edibles, and nature with every step.
**Wondering how the week of July 2-6 is going to work due to the holiday?
Friday, July 6th 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 Second Annual 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.
Take a look back at last summer: 2011 Outdoor Explorers Archive
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.
Check out the Outdoor Explorers videos from Summer 2010:
