Arctic Travelers
Course Information
Course Details
*This trip prioritizes students living in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic, North Slope, and Nome Boroughs. If you have questions regarding this, please email education@akgeo.org
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. Camp beneath the Arctic sky, observe incredible wildlife, and discover the unique geology and ecology of this remote landscape. Along the way, you’ll participate in a hands-on conservation project with the National Park Service, learning how to care for and protect this special place. You’ll also explore the deep cultural connections Indigenous communities have with these lands, gaining insight into traditions of stewardship that continue today. This is your chance to have an exciting and meaningful experience with other Alaskan teens in one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring, least-visited places.
*Please note: The remote nature of this trip may require itinerary changes due to logistics, weather, or aviation factors.
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 14-18. Please see “Course Overview” for additional information. No experience required.
Physical Requirements
Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for all weather conditions.
Activities will rotate through labor-based projects, relaxation time, and strenuous level exercise. Participants need to be able to hike up to 6 miles a day entirely off-trail with a 35lb backpack on diverse terrain, including sand dunes, tundra, uneven surfaces, and steep inclines, with breaks included. Participants should be able to self-regulate emotions in various weather conditions such as wind, rain, hot, and cold with mosquitoes present. Participants should be able to communicate with a trip instructor if they need help or assistance at any time. Participants should be comfortable traveling in small planes, and preferably not prone to severe motion sickness. Participants must be under 250lbs due to the weight capacity of the aircraft. No experience with hiking, backpacking, or camping is necessary to participate.
The group will be constantly supervised and guided, but each individual is responsible for attending the trip physically and mentally prepared for variable conditions.
Like any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks associated with our teen expeditions yet we actively manage our exposures and depend on you to play a role in our risk management. Read more here.
Cancellation Policy
Due to a high volume of applicants and our time sensitive logistics for each trip, we request that students inform us no later than 14 days before the beginning of a trip if they will not be able to attend the expedition. Failure to do so can jeopardize eligibility for future trip opportunities.