Teen Expeditions
Applications for our 2025 season are open! All new-student applications require a nominator to be considered. Application deadline is March 3, 2025. Applications submitted after March 3 will be added to our waitlist.
All participants receive a full-tuition scholarship. These expeditions are offered at no cost to the participant.
LISTED BELOW ARE OUR 2025 COURSE OFFERINGS
Email Questions to education@akgeo.org
Who is eligible to apply?
Alaska teens who are excited about developing a stronger sense of community while learning outdoor skills. No outdoor or camping experience is required to attend these trips. No technical outdoor gear is required, we provide the essentials. Age and physical requirements are listed with each trip. Students must meet the trip age requirement prior to the start date of the trip. We prioritize applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria: show high potential in leadership, science, or outdoor skills and will be excited about this opportunity, would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in a similar experience, are representative of Alaska’s community, and will be respectful of the other participants and adults (forest rangers, trip leaders).
Student Leader opportunities are paid positions available for high school and college students ages 17+ with previous leadership experience. If you are interested in applying to become a Student Leader for one of our courses, please fill out a Student Application and select “Student Leader”.
All of the expeditions start and end in Anchorage, unless specified otherwise. If you live outside of the Anchorage-area and need assistance arranging logistics please contact education@akgeo.org.
Questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact education@akgeo.org | 907-771-8466
Our 2025 Expeditions:
Yaghanen Swan Lakes Canoe Trip
June 13 – June 18
Anchorage, AK
Come explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge via canoeing and camping. This trip will take you through the beautiful Swan Lake system, also known as the Yaghanen by the Dena’ina; meaning “the good land”. During this trip, participants will develop their canoeing skills, learn about the land in which they are traveling on, and travel through several lakes that make up the Swan Lake system. Participants will also participate in a service-based project to learn about what it takes to maintain such a pristine area.
Ages 15-18. Please see “Course Details” for physical requirements. Participants must be under 250lbs because of the size capacity of our canoes. No experience required.
Denali Field Camp
July 12 – July 16
Anchorage, AK
Experience the untamed wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve in a way that few get to – a week side by side with National Park Rangers, Scientists, Cultural Specialists, and Sled Dogs. Explore the ecology and cultural heritage of Denali, learn about park science, participate in Citizen Science, and practice wilderness travel skills. You will be able to enjoy the quiet of nature while camping in wall tents at our AK Geo and NPS Teklanika Field Camp.
Ages 13-15. Please see “Course Details” for physical requirements. No experience required.
More information coming soon!
Arctic Travelers
July 21 – July 25
Kotzebue, AK
*This trip prioritizes students living in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic, North Slope, and Nome Boroughs as part of the National Park Service’s Venture Grant. If you have questions regarding this, please email education@akgeo.org*
On this trip, you’ll explore Cape Krusenstern National Monument with a small group of 4-6 participants from Northwestern Alaska. Starting in Kotzebue, you’ll travel by boat to a remote base camp in Cape Krusenstern, where your journey begins. Throughout the trip, you’ll take part in activities like camping, hiking, boating, wildlife observation, and an overnight backpacking trip. You’ll learn about the region’s unique ecology and geology, as well as how the Iñupiaq people have lived off and cared for these lands for generations and continue to do so today. You’ll also have a meaningful opportunity to engage in stewardship by participating in a service project focused on caring for this remarkable place. This is a chance to experience and learn from the Arctic in a meaningful way. This program was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
Travel stipend is available for qualifying students, please indicate in your application that you would like to be considered for the stipend or reach out to us if you have any questions.
Ages 13-18. Please see “Course Details” for physical requirements. No experience required.
Tangle Lakes Backpacking & Stewardship
August 4 – August 10
Anchorage, AK
Explore the wild beauty of the Denali Highway and the Alaska Range! This adventure is all about helping you gain confidence outdoors while connecting with nature. You’ll explore public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and learn about the unique ecosystems of the boreal forest and alpine tundra. Along the way, you’ll pick up new skills in fishing, camping, and backpacking, while also boosting your leadership through team activities and problem-solving challenges. You’ll get your hands dirty, too—helping out with trail work in the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District and monitoring dispersed campsites. This experience is designed to create a supportive, positive space to learn, grow, and connect with others.
Ages 15-18. Please see “Course Details” for physical requirements. No experience required.
CANCELED: Blackstone Bay Kayaking & Stewardship
Our Blackstone Bay Kayaking & Stewardship course has been offered for 12 years through support from the Chugach National Forest Prince William Sound Resource Advisory Committee. This committee works in collaboration with natural resource managers, community officials, and others to help make project decisions that benefit national forest lands and local communities.
Unfortunately, federal funding freezes have resulted in AK Geo being unable to continue this course in 2025. We will continue working with our agency partners to offer this course again in the future. If you were looking forward to this trip, we know this is disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding. While this course won’t be happening, we encourage you to check out our other amazing programs! For those of you who applied to this trip, we will consider your application for your second and third choice trips.
Our Instructors
Kaden
Born in Florida, Kaden knew the heat and flat landscapes were not meant for him. He moved to Valdez, Alaska in 2015 after taking a gap year to explore on extended expeditions in Chilean Patagonia. He has been Kayak and Glacier Guide out of Valdez since 2015 and more recently worked as a Wilderness Therapy Guide with Alaska Crossings out of Wrangell, AK. Kaden is excited to share with you his knowledge and passion about the Alaskan landscape, coastline, and history. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and ACA (American Canoe Association) Level 2 Coastal Kayaking Instructor.
Kaia
Kaia is one of our Backpacking and Stewardship Instructors. She decided to pursue a career in outdoor education after studying Environmental Science in New Zealand during a study abroad semester. After an internship working with the Wellington Botanic Garden’s Education Team, she went on to contribute eight summers volunteering with Rotary International’s Youth Leadership Camp and two seasons instructing with Voyageur Outward Bound School. Originally from a small city in Texas, she now considers Minnesota home. She has spent the last four winters exploring the public lands of the United States nomadically, traveling from coast to coast in her off-grid travel trailer, actively pursuing any opportunity to hike, rock climb, mountain bike, and canoe. Kaia is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and an ACA (American Canoe Association) Level III Tandem Whitewater Instructor.
Kate
Kate is one of our Lead Sea Kayaking Instructors. She is an experienced outdoor educator and sea kayaking guide. She got her start as a sea kayak guide in Maine, where she became a Registered Maine Sea Kayaking Guide. She completed a NOLS mountaineering and sea kayaking semester in Patagonia, is a Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Instructor, and is American Canoe Association Kayak Touring Level II certified.
Mischa
Mischa is our Education Program Coordinator. Mischa has extensive experience in implementing expedition programs for Alaska youth, leading sea kayaking and backpacking expeditions, and communicating stories. Mischa holds a BS in Visual Journalism from the Brooks Institute and is a Wilderness First Responder and is American Canoe Association Kayak Touring Level III certified.
Natasha
Growing up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Natasha has always loved going on adventures in beautiful outdoor spaces with friends, family, and dogs! Whether rock climbing in the desert, backpacking in the mountains, or using her degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability to do science technician fieldwork, Natasha loves combining her love for the outdoors with principles of stewardship in guiding, personal endeavors, and research. Over the last few years, Natasha has worked as a guide for Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides, researched and completed a senior thesis focusing on inclusivity and accessibility to outdoor recreational spaces and opportunities, and solo thru-hiked the 500 mile Colorado Trail. Natasha is thrilled to share her knowledge and passion for the outdoors while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Natasha is a Wilderness First Responder.
Ruby
Ruby is a passionate outdoor educator who is committed to creating experiences that inspire and empower students to become responsible recreators. With experience as a Field School Instructor at Kellogg FIELD School, a Lead Climbing Coach, an Education Coordinator and Guide, Ruby has developed skills in designing education programs, assessing and managing risk, and facilitating a variety of adventure programs for students. Ruby is earning her Masters of Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University, holds a BS in Science in Education from Ohio University, is a Wilderness First Responder, and an AMGA Single Pitch Rock Climbing Instructor.