6th grader to Alaska 2014!

FOCUS OVERVIEW

• GRADES: 5, 6
• PROGRAM FOCUS: Adventure in Motion
• ACADEMIC FOCUS: Conservation, Environmental science, Glaciology, Native cultures

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

DAY–1 DEPART FOR ALASKA

When your flight arrives in Anchorage, you will be greeted by your delegation manager.

DAY–2 WELCOME TO ALASKA!

YOU ARE HERE: ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Welcome to Anchorage and Last Frontier! Explore this beautiful city during a guided tour, where you’ll see such sites as the historic downtown district and Lake Hood, the busiest float plane base in the world.

Explore Alaska’s largest city and experience a special People to People moment.

DAY–3 LEARN ABOUT SUB-ARTIC CLIMATES

YOU ARE HERE: DENALI, ALASKA

This morning, board your motor coach for the trip to stunning Denali National Park, encompassing 6 million acres where wild animals large and small roam unfenced lands, living as they have for ages.

In preparation for your amazing venture into the park, you will learn about Denali National Park from the ground up during an educational sub-Arctic talk at the Charles Sheldon Center.

DAY–4 DISCOVER THE DENALI WILDERNESS

YOU ARE HERE: DENALI, ALASKA

Begin your day with the Murie Excursion, which will take you across expansive 30 miles of Denali Wilderness. This excursion will provide a unique experience in Denali.

Explore the works of characters such as Adolph Murie and contemporary park wildlife biologists, and discover the reasons why humans wish to preserve this place.

DAY–5 MEET PUPPIES DESTINED TO BE SLED RACING MASTERS

YOU ARE HERE: MATANUSKA VALLEY, ALASKA

Travel to Palmer in the Matanuska Susitna Valley where world record monster size vegetables grow in the 24-hour daylight.

En route, enjoy a visit to Iditarod training dog kennel. Learn about the Last Great Race and the life and art of mushing dogs in Alaska. You even get to cuddle with puppies (no, you can’t take one home).

Travel along the scenic Parks Highway where several stops will be made along the way such as visiting the Indian Burial Ground at Eklutna.

DAY–6 APPRECIATE ALASKA’S AGRICULTURE

YOU ARE HERE: TRAVEL DAY

This morning, you’ll hear experiences and stories about farming in Alaska. Learn which produce grows well and about Alaska’s own “Alaska Grown” program, encouraging Alaska resident to buy local.

Travel along the scenic Parks Highway where several stops will be made along the way such as visiting the official Iditarod Headquarters and the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center.

DAY–7 GET AN EYEFUL OF BEAUTIFUL BIRDS

YOU ARE HERE: KENAI, ALASKA

Bring your binoculars and rise and travel south to visit the Potter Marsh. With its panoramic view of Turnagain Arm, it is one of the most accessible and scenic bird watching areas in Anchorage.

Explore areas along the scenic Seward Highway.

Travel to the Trail Lake Hatchery where you learn about Alaska’s salmon fishing industry.

Continue traveling south to the port community of Seward where you will be welcomed by a local town official and experience an in-depth look above and below the waters.

DAY–8 HIKE A SPECTACULAR NATIONAL PARK

YOU ARE HERE: KENAI, ALASKA

Lace up your hiking boots and participate in a ranger-led walk to Exit Glacier, where you’ll learn about glaciers in the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Board a vessel for your cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. Keep an eye open for whales, sea otters, sea lions, walrus, eagle, bears, and more.

Gain insight into marine life and environmental science as you appreciate the beauty of Alaskan nature.

DAY–9 PAN FOR GOLD!

YOU ARE HERE: KENAI, ALASKA

Enjoy a special half-day program that will immerse you in the history of Alaska’s gold mining industry.

Learn about modern gold mining techniques and try your hand at gold mining with guidance from an expert.

Gain insight into the rugged life of miners who helped shape the Alaskan frontier.

DAY–10 COOK CRAB… AND ENJOY!

YOU ARE HERE: ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Don an apron alongside a seasoned Alaskan cook and work as a culinary team with your fellow delegates as you learn to prepare traditional favorites such as salmon, elk, and crab.

Learn about native culture when you visit the Alaskan Native Heritage Center, where you will hear from locals with vast knowledge of local history.

DAY–11 DEPART FOR HOME

Bid farewell to your tour director and delegates to return home.