Juneau Wilderness and Glacier Adventure for Teens at Alaska

Alaska is known to be an outdoors lover’s paradise — and for good reason. With hundreds of miles of easily accessible trails and easy water access, Juneau residents are known to casually hike an incredible trail before work, and then throw in a lake or sea kayak at lunchtime! We’ll do the same as the locals do, weaving in hiking, kayaking or canoeing into our daily schedule. We’ll also partake in some bigger-ticket adventure activities that are must-dos. Experience a fjord tour, during which you’ll explore the stunning Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, getting up close to glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls and lots of wildlife — an Alaskan adventurer’s dream! We’ll also take a tram up 1,800 feet to Mt. Roberts, taking in breathtaking scenery from above and traveling from sea level to rainforest to mountain peak on the way up. We’ll hike to a glacier and check out some bear and wildlife viewing platforms across the way. We will also visit an incredible bald eagle nature preserve.

Students will stay in gender-segregated two-person suites with shared bathrooms and kitchenettes. There’s plenty of communal space in the dorm and lots of outdoor areas for students to recreate.

Meals

Students will have standard American fare, with a focus on popular Alaskan dishes that are sustainably sourced. Popular meal components include salmon, halibut, crab and berries. (And in Juneau, you will have to try fish and chips!)

Alaska is known to be an outdoors lover’s paradise — and for good reason. With hundreds of miles of easily accessible trails and easy water access, Juneau residents are known to casually hike an incredible trail before work, and then throw in a lake or sea kayak at lunchtime! We’ll do the same as the locals do, weaving in hiking, kayaking or canoeing into our daily schedule. We’ll also partake in some bigger-ticket adventure activities that are must-dos. Experience a fjord tour, during which you’ll explore the stunning Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, getting up close to glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls and lots of wildlife — an Alaskan adventurer’s dream! We’ll also take a tram up 1,800 feet to Mt. Roberts, taking in breathtaking scenery from above and traveling from sea level to rainforest to mountain peak on the way up. We’ll hike to a glacier and check out some bear and wildlife viewing platforms across the way. We will also visit an incredible bald eagle nature preserve.

You are welcome to purchase any flight that arrives in the destination country on the first day of the program within the arrival window provided to you by GLA staff post-enrollment. No matter what time you arrive – even if there is a flight delay – our staff will be there to pick you up at the airport. Once you enroll in a program, we will provide exact information about which airport to fly into and any restrictions in terms of arrival times.

On this program you will journey to one of the only two state capitals that are inaccessible by road — Juneau — where you’ll learn about environmental stewardship and public lands. Discover more about the Native populations that have called Southeast Alaska home for more than 10,000 years. Juneau is situated within Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S. forest system, which means that your home away from home and playground will be a temperate rainforest. The region is a perfect backdrop against which to learn about public land management as well as trail infrastructure and rebuilding. Juneau is also known for its endless outdoor adventure activities, so be ready to hike, kayak, go boating and explore glaciers, rivers and forests.

Community Service

Juneau only has 42 miles of road; however, it has 250 miles of hiking and biking trails. With that ratio, it only makes sense that we support a local organization dedicated to the building and maintenance of Juneau’s trail system. You’ll get your hands dirty (literally) as an environmental steward, all while supporting trail building and improvement efforts. Projects could include gravel-laying, trail construction or fencing and signage refurbishment. As you support these efforts, you’ll also be learning about to whom this land belongs and how public lands are managed in Southeast Alaska. Additionally, you may support another organization whose mission is to sustain salmon resources in Alaska, a critical resource for the economy and culture of the state.

Immersive Learning

Living in the state capital is an incredible way to learn about the history of Alaska. Discover its unique landscape, wildlife and the Native populations who call Southeast Alaska home. You will learn about the environment and land management through our service partner, and get hands-on experience in environmental efforts. You’ll also learn about the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people, who have more than 10,000 years of ancestral ties to the land and communities of Southeast Alaska. Through cultural exhibits, workshops, documentaries and the wisdom and knowledge of local guest speakers, you’ll have a chance to respectfully learn about the Alaskan Native people’s history and cultures.

Adventure

Alaska is known to be an outdoors lover’s paradise — and for good reason. With hundreds of miles of easily accessible trails and easy water access, Juneau residents are known to casually hike an incredible trail before work, and then throw in a lake or sea kayak at lunchtime! We’ll do the same as the locals do, weaving in hiking, kayaking or canoeing into our daily schedule. We’ll also partake in some bigger-ticket adventure activities that are must-dos. Experience a fjord tour, during which you’ll explore the stunning Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, getting up close to glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls and lots of wildlife — an Alaskan adventurer’s dream! We’ll also take a tram up 1,800 feet to Mt. Roberts, taking in breathtaking scenery from above and traveling from sea level to rainforest to mountain peak on the way up. We’ll hike to a glacier and check out some bear and wildlife viewing platforms across the way. We will also visit an incredible bald eagle nature preserve.

Program Highlights

FOR THE ALASKA: JUNEAU WILDERNESS & GLACIER ADVENTURE PROGRAM

• Live, work and play in the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S.
• Hike to Mendenhall glacier and explore the wildlife-rich waters around Juneau’s ports
• Volunteer on trail building initiatives with a local organization
• Learn about Southeast Alaska’s Native populations and their cultures
• Ferry to another small town for an overnight wilderness excursion
• Explore Juneau, one of the only two state capitals that are inaccessible by road

-Application fee 100 USD (Included in course fee)