Trailside Discovery Camp Where Alaskan Kids Explore, Learn, and Grow by cindy tapia ruíz trailside discovery camp director
As winter blankets Alaska in snow, thoughts of outdoor adventures fill the minds of those who appreciate the beauty of snowy landscapes. About this time of year, the anticipation of summer’s warmth brings a special excitement for families, especially for us at Trailside Discovery Camp. I am Cindy Tapia Ruiz, the proud Director of Trailside Discovery Camp, and I am excited to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for an unforgettable summer full of outdoor learning experiences.
Trailside Discovery Camp, a program of The Alaska Center Education Fund, is an award-winning camp program offering a diverse range of outdoor environmental education experiences to Alaskan youth. For the past 43 summers, we have been providing a safe and inclusive space for children from all economic, social, and cultural backgrounds to connect, learn, and play in the great outdoors.
We focus our camp activities on environmental conservation, land stewardship, outdoor recreation skills and safety, and leadership. Our goal is that campers become inspired to care for their environment and grow in their outdoor skill at a young age and carry that knowledge and passion with them into their adult life.
Locations: - Anchorage: Kincaid Park, Russian Jack Area, and Ruth Arcand Park - Eagle River/Chugiak: Beach Lake Chalet - Palmer: Matanuska State Recreational Area
New Opportunities for 2024: This year, we are excited to introduce two additional opportunities for families to get involved at Trailside: Pop-Up Camps: Running on May 23 & May 24, these one-day programs offer a sneak peek into the Trailside experience. Ages 4-14 can enjoy a day filled with fun educational activities from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, with drop-off starting at 7:30 am and pick-up concluding at 5:30 pm. The cost is $80 per day.
Kinder Camp: Running on August 15, 16, 19, 20, & 21, this camp is tailored for ages 4-6, providing a nurturing environment for our youngest campers. Like the Pop-Up Camps, drop-off starts at 7:30 am, and pick-up concludes at 5:30 pm. The main session runs from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, and the cost is $80 per day.
Registration Information: Registration for Trailside Discovery Camp 2024 opened on January 12th, 2024. Explore our website to learn more about our diverse programming and offerings at https://akcentereducationfund.org/trailside/camps/.
Scholarship Opportunities: Every child should have the chance to experience the magic of Trailside. That’s why we offer scholarships for eligible families. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities at https://akcentereducationfund.org/trailside-programs/scholarships/.
At Trailside Discovery Camp, we are dedicated to fostering a love for nature, building outdoor skills, and creating lasting memories for Alaskan youth.Inspiring our children with a love and passion for the world around us is more important now than ever. At Trailside, from the moment your child is dropped off until pick up, they will spend each day exploring and learning through fun educational activities.
Join us this summer for outdoor fun, exploration, learning, and growth with our Alaskan Youth.