June 17-21st, 2024
June 24-28th, 2024

Overnight

1st–8th Grade

Program Overview

Denali Discovery Camp (DDC) provides local youth with experiential learning adventures through hiking, exploring, and discovering the diverse habitats of Denali National Park and Preserve. This week-long day camp is offered in partnership with Denali National Park and Preserve. This camp is open to students entering 1st through 8th grades. Because the wilderness as a classroom is a privilege, Denali Discovery Camp teaches and adheres to Leave No Trace principals and strives to maintain a low-impact camp experience for current and future campers.

2024 Camp Dates:
Week 1, June 17 – 21st
Week 2, June 24 – 28th
Registration opens on March 4th!

Instructors

Hired from our local Denali community and beyond, our instructors know their stuff! All staff have experience working with youth, have a minimum of First Aid/CPR certifications, a love of the outdoors, and know that learning should be fun!

Each age group will have at least one NPS Education Ranger and at least one DEC Educator with their group at all times. Younger groups may have a high school aged Instructor-in-Training with them as well.


Do you have what it takes to be a Discovery Camp Instructor, or Instructor-In-Training? Check out the job description and get in touch!

General Information

Denali Discovery Camp starts and ends at the Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali National Park. Upon registration, parents will be sent detailed camp information, such as pick-up and drop-off locations, bag lunch requirements, and an equipment list.

The Goals and Objectives for DDC are in-line with core standards of environmental education.  We aim to provide an opportunity for children to experience fun in the outdoors, develop a sense of curiosity about the natural world, cultivate skills of observation and awareness, promote an understanding of Denali National Park, and foster stewardship of wilderness and wild spaces.

For further information, please contact Shannon Conway at youth@denali.org.

Camper Groups

Play is at the heart of learning for the Nature Scouts. Scouts use their five senses to explore and discover Denali in new ways

  • Tuition: $250 
  • Students entering 1st & 2nd grade
  • Day camp Monday – Wednesday
  • Sleep overnight on Thursday. Pick up on Friday morning.

Mystery is at the core of learning for the Denali Detectives. Detectives use guided inquiry to explore and discover Denali in new ways

  • Tuition: $275
  • Students entering 3rd & 4th grade
  • Day camp Monday – Wednesday
  • Sleep overnight on Thursday. Pick up on Friday morning.

Ecosystem Explorers search for and investigate the unknown to discover what Denali has to explore! Curious and courageous explorers will venture off trail, wander along drainages, and climb mountains to discover new places.

  • Tuition: $300
  • Students entering 5th & 6th grade
  • Day camp Monday – Wednesday
  • Sleep overnight on Thursday. Pick up on Friday morning.

Wilderness Researchers will diligently investigate a subject to discover or prove a theory or fact. Researchers must be dedicated, patient, and willing to go the distance to gather information and data. Get ready to travel to the heart of Denali to experience true wilderness and the impact humans have on it. 

  • Tuition: $325
  • Students entering 7th & 8th grade
  • Day camp Monday – Tuesday
  • Sleep overnight on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Pick up on Friday morning.
  • PLEASE NOTE: The Wilderness Researchers group is only available for WEEK 1 of DDC.
  • Paid position
  • Students entering 9th – 12th grade
    • Minimum age 14
  • Assigned to one of the camper groups for the week to shadow and assist the lead instructors
  • Job Description