EXPLORE PUBLIC LANDS
Teen Expeditions
Empowering Alaska Teens
Education & Recreation
All participants receive a full-tuition scholarship. These educational experiences for teens are offered to the participant. We are committed to creating a more diverse and welcoming outdoor community for Alaskans.
All new-student applications require a nominator to be considered. LISTED BELOW ARE OUR 2026 COURSE OFFERINGS
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Click to view our recent video showcasing our Blackstone Bay program with the Chugach National Forest
Yaghanen Swan Lake Canoeing
June 10-15, 2026 | Ages 15-18
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.”
Denali Field Camp
July 5–9, 2026 | Ages 13-15
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.
Arctic Travelers
July 20–26, 2026 | Ages 14-18
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes of Kobuk Valley National Park! Travel with a small group of participants from Northwestern Alaska on a multi-day backpacking expedition through rolling sand dunes, tundra, and boreal forest.
Pinnell Mountain Backpacking & Stewardship
June 23-28, 2026 | Ages 15-18
Embark on the unforgettable, 27-mile, Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, backpacking across open alpine tundra with expansive views north toward the Yukon River Basin and south to the Alaska Range.
Teen Expeditions
FAQ
Please only apply for one trip. There is a section of the application that will ask if you would like to be considered for multiple trip options.
Our expeditions and trips are run in partnership with public land agencies, like the National Forest Service and the National Park Service. We work together with our partners to establish the structure and schedule for each trip individually. Most trips will incorporate conservation projects with our partners in the morning, then after lunch the group will go out on their exploration with their AK Geo guide for the afternoon. After dinner, there will be an Evening Program. Unless otherwise stated, our trips are camping based.
Please see each trip for their specific physical requirements. All participants must be in good health and be able to self-regulate emotions in moderate terrain through the rain, sun, wind, mosquitos, hot, and cold.
Unless otherwise stated, our programs are only available to teens living in Alaska. An exception can be made for students who live out of state and qualify for the “local hire” appointing authority established under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA) (Public Law 96-487). The ANILCA local hiring authority allows eligible applicants to substitute an intimate understanding of the local area’s environmental challenges and cultural background for job-related work experience.
Any student living out of state with an “intimate understanding of the environmental challenges and cultural background” of Alaska qualifies for our programs. If you are an Alaska Native teen living out of state, or if you have questions about this exception, please contact us directly at education@akgeo.org
Click here for National Park Service Local Hire Authority Information
Click here for U.S. Forest Service Local Hire Authority Information
