Alaska Explorer

3 weeks

open to grades 8-12

Overview

Alaska is unequaled for its vast wilderness and spectacular mountains, offering plentiful outdoor opportunities for the adventurous. For three weeks, we’ll hike, raft and sea kayak the best of Alaska, discovering giant mountains, rushing rivers and rugged coastline teeming with wildlife.

From Anchorage, we’ll head to the Chugach Mountains for a backcountry hike over mossy tundra and past glacial lakes. Climbing above treeline with views of snowcapped peaks, we’ll hike up the remote Indian Valley, over Ship Lake Pass and into the Williwaw Lakes Valley. Next, we’ll head to Denali State Park for a five-day ridge hike with views of Mount McKinley and the impressive Alaska Range. We’ll then meet our rafting guides for a trip on the beautiful Nenana River, through scenic flat water and exciting white water. The final leg of our trip will take us to Whittier, where we’ll explore Prince William Sound by kayak. On the lookout for harbor seals and humpback whales, we’ll paddle past glaciers and under mountain peaks. At trip’s end, we’ll look back on three spectacular weeks of exploration, adventure and camaraderie in America’s Last Frontier.

"The overall design of Alaska Explorer was perfect. Bridget was challenged by new activities, amazed by her completely different surroundings and felt useful in contributing to the group dynamics." Courtney Whalen, Raleigh, North Carolina

Highlights

Backpack the Chugach Mountains & Denali State Park
Raft the exciting Nenana River
Sea kayak Prince William Sound
Discover Alaska’s wildlife

Grade

For students completing grades 8-12 in June 2012

Multiple sections are grouped by grades

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

6 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Anchorage, Alaska

Accommodations

11 nights of backcountry camping in the Chugach Mountains, Denali State Park and on Prince William Sound.

Six nights of comfortable frontcountry camping. One of the campgrounds has an outhouse and the second has modern facilities with showers and laundry.

Two nights in a hostel at trip start and trip end. The hostels have dormitory style accommodations with a separate dorm for boys and girls. Showers and laundry are available.

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 13
Sunday, July 15 to Friday, August 3

$4295 (airfare not included)

"I loved that I was faced with a new challenge each day." Kathryn Acker, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Itinerary

Trip Start

We'll meet in Anchorage and spend our first couple of days getting to know one another and preparing for our backcountry hiking. We’ll check over our gear, learn how to pack our backpacks, shop for food and explore the majestic Chugach Mountains on day hikes.

Backpacking Chugach State Park

For our first backcountry hike, we’ll head to Chugach State Park which encompasses over a half-million acres of Alaskan wilderness. For four days, we’ll explore valleys and passes, beautiful alpine lakes and glacier-fed rivers as we average five to six miles a day over the rugged terrain. Climbing above tree line with views of snow-capped peaks, we'll hike up the remote Indian Valley, over Ship Lake Pass and into the Williwaw Lakes Valley. We'll carry all of our gear, learn about Leave No Trace principles and work together to enhance our backpacking skills. Although daylight is not a problem in Alaska at this time of year, we'll get out on the trail early and hope to get into camp in the early afternoon to enjoy some time relaxing in our spectacular setting on our summer adventure.

Hiking Denali State Park

Our second backcountry hike will take us to Denali State Park for a five-day ridge hike with views of the Alaska Range and Denali in the distance. After our warm-up hike in the Chugach, we’ll be well prepared for this second backcountry, averaging seven to eight miles per day on the trail. The terrain will vary as we hike over rolling hills and through dense groves of alder and aspen.

Rafting the Nenana River

Taking a break from the trail, we'll enjoy a rafting trip on the Nenana River with experienced Denali Outdoor Center guides (www.denalioutdoorcenter.com). We’ll view Alaska’s beautiful scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife as we float down flatwater, then tackle Class II and III rapids – an exciting way to finish off our time on the river!

Sea Kayaking Prince William Sound

We’ll spend four days kayaking Prince William Sound with Alaska Sea Kayakers (www.alaskaseakayakers.com). We’ll learn paddling techniques and environmental awareness from our experienced guides as we average six to seven miles daily. We'll keep our eyes peeled for calving glaciers and marine life and spend our nights in tents on beautiful, remote beaches. No previous kayaking experience is required.

Trip End

Our trip will end in Anchorage where we’ll look back and celebrate our three amazing weeks together in Alaska!

“Sam had a wonderful time on Alaska Explorer. He loved Alaska, his group of kids and leaders. His postcards could be advertisements in your brochure.” Lisa Corey, Birmingham, Michigan

Trip Details

“Anna raved about her trip! She loved the activities, her new friends and how well prepared her leaders were.” Lisa Bauch, Tewksbury, New Jersey

Photos

Click thumbnails below to enlarge

Print View

Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Alaska Explorer Release Form 2012

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have an intermediate level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Five weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Four weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10% of your body weight.

One week before your trip start: Take two 2-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 15-20% of your body weight.

Packing for Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Participants can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 413-458-9672.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
Two or three tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
4,000-5,000 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Telescoping Hiking Poles
Optional. Hiking poles are great for stability while hiking, reducing strain on the knees and providing balance while crossing streams or on rough terrain.

Gaiters
Optional. Recommended for Alaska Explorer.

Mosquito Head Net
Optional. Strongly advised for Yellowstone Teton Explorer, Northwest Explorer and Alaska Explorer.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Anchorage, Alaska. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: Anchorage Intl Airport (ANC) South Terminal Baggage Claim 2:00 p.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Anchorage Intl Airport (ANC) South Terminal Check-In Area 9:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Anchorage Intl Airport (ANC) between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Anchorage Intl Airport (ANC) between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Friday

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

During the trip, students may receive mail sent to the below addresses.

Mail Notes:

1) On the lower left corner of the envelope, please write: "Please hold for Overland."
2) Mail sent to General Delivery addresses can only be sent via the USPS.

Alaska Explorer 1A

Mail Stop #1 – must arrive before June 30th

Student’s name, Overland Group AKX 1A
C/O Homestead RV Park
P.O. Box 2415
Palmer, AK 99645

Mail Stop #2 – must arrive before July 12th

Student’s name, Overland Group /AKX 1A
c/o Spenard Hostel,
2845 W. 42nd Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99517

Alaska Explorer 1B

Mail Stop #1 – must arrive before July 2nd

Student’s name, Overland Group AKX 1B
C/O Homestead RV Park
P.O. Box 2415
Palmer, AK 99645

Mail Stop #2 – must arrive before July 12th

Student’s name, Overland Group /AKX 1B
c/o Spenard Hostel,
2845 W. 42nd Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99517

Alaska Explorer 2A

Mail Stop #1 – must arrive before July 20th

Student’s name, Overland Group AKX 2A
C/O Homestead RV Park
P.O. Box 2415
Palmer, AK 99645

Mail Stop #2 – must arrive before August 2nd

Student’s name, Overland Group /AKX 2A
c/o Spenard Hostel,
2845 W. 42nd Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99517

Alaska Explorer 2B

Mail Stop #1 – must arrive before July 20th

Student’s name, Overland Group /AKX 2B
General Delivery
500 South Cobb Street
Palmer, AK 99645-9998

Mail Stop #2 – must arrive before August 2nd

Student’s name, Overland Group /AKX 2B
c/o Spenard Hostel,
2845 W. 42nd Ave,
Anchorage, AK 99517

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2012

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Casey O'Brien

Hometown: Charlotte, Vermont
School: St. Lawrence University
Leadership: Alaska Explorer
More about Casey »

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