Alaska Leadership Course

Overview

Overland’s Alaska Leadership Course offers demanding wilderness backpacking with on-the-trail instruction in backcountry skills. We’ll participate in ice climbing and Wilderness First Aid courses, while learning Leave No Trace practices and effective team leadership.

Over the course of four weeks, our students will acquire the skills necessary to be successful outdoor leaders, while enjoying the remote Alaskan landscape. At trip’s start, we’ll head into the Chugach Mountains for the first of our two backpacking trips. We’ll hike across the Alaskan tundra and camp by remote lakes. This portion of the trip will focus on acquiring the hard skills necessary for leadership: backcountry safety, navigation and Leave No Trace practices. We’ll then head north to Talkeetna for our Wilderness First Aid course. Under the guidance of a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor, we’ll spend two days becoming certified to manage first aid emergencies in the backcountry.

From Talkeetna, we’ll head north to Denali National Park for a day of hiking and wildlife viewing before starting our second backpacking trip in the rugged Talkeetna Mountains. On this hike, over more challenging terrain, we’ll focus on learning how to lead a group and how to work with a co-leader. Each student will co-lead the group for a day, putting planning, navigation and leadership skills to the test, all while under the careful supervision of their Overland leaders. Following this second hike, we’ll spend three days with guides learning to ice climb on the Matanuska Glacier. At trip’s end, we’ll head to Anchorage to celebrate our month of leadership training and adventure in the great Alaskan wilderness.

"I loved everything: the students, the leaders, the backcountry, the WFA course, ice climbing, Alaska.  It was perfect." Helen Head, Cincinnati, Ohio

Highlights

• Backpack the Chugach Mountains
• Study backcountry navigation & safety
• Earn WFA certification
• Visit Denali National Park
• Backpack the rugged Talkeetna Mountains
• Learn to ice climb

Grade

For students who will finish grades 10-12 in June 2010.

The group is limited to 10 students. Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

9 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Anchorage, Alaska

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.

Dates and Fees

Sunday, June 27 to Saturday, July 24

$4595 (airfare not included)

“Our leaders were enthusiastic and caring.  They rule." Seongjoon Hong, Ann Arbor, 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 the Chugach Mountains

From Anchorage we’ll head into the Chugach Mountains for the first of two backpacking trips. We’ll hike through valleys and over passes across the Alaskan tundra and camp at remote lakes. This portion of the trip will focus on acquiring the hard and soft skills necessary for leadership as Overland's leaders guide students through interactive seminars. We’ll learn Leave No Trace ethics, bear safety, map and compass skills and other essential backcountry skills. Although we’ll only average five to six miles per day on the trail, our days will be long and full as we learn and practice new skills.

Wilderness First Aid Course

After our first backcountry, we’ll head north to Talkeetna, a small town that will serve as our base for our Wilderness First Aid course. Under the guidance of a SafetyEd instructor (www.safetyed.net), we’ll spend two days learning how to manage first aid emergencies in the backcountry. During this 16-hour course, we’ll learn first aid techniques imperative for backcountry travel and work through scenarios to help us implement what we have learned in the classroom. Upon successful completion of the course, we'll each receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification from SafetyEd.

Visiting Denali National Park

From Talkeetna we’ll spend a day in Denali National Park (www.denalinationalpark.com) to experience one of our nation’s greatest national parks. Denali offers over six million acres of wilderness and we’ll explore the park by bus and foot, hoping to catch a glimpse of moose, caribou, wolves, dall sheep and grizzly bears. In the midst of the glacier-draped Alaska Range, we’ll hike across tundra and braided riverbeds, enjoying the lightness of our daypacks and our spectacular setting.

Hiking the Talkeetna Mountains

From Denali we’ll head to the rugged Talkeetna Mountains to take on a seven-day backcountry hike, over more challenging terrain. Averaging ten miles per day, we'll hike up braided riverbeds, over passes, along ridges covered with soft tundra and through fields of blueberry bushes and fireweed. We'll once again dedicate time each day to learning new skills--this time we’ll focus on some of the subtler aspects of leading: how to develop a personal leadership style, cultivate successful group dynamics and foster a good co-leader relationship. For the last few days of this backcountry section, each student will co-lead the group for a day, putting planning, navigation and leadership skills to the test all while under the careful supervision of their Overland leaders. This is a great opportunity to see what it's like to lead a group within a comfortable, supportive atmosphere; you will see different leadership styles in action and learn not only from your Overland leaders, but also from your peers.

Ice-Climbing & Glacier Safety Course

Following our final backcountry, we’ll spend three days ice-climbing and learning about glacier safety on the beautiful Matanuska Glacier. Our Alaska Mountaineering School instructors (www.climbalaska.org) will guide us as we learn how to travel across glaciers; we’ll don helmets, crampons and ice axes, as we develop the techniques needed to walk in a rope team and read a glacier. In addition to basic ice-climbing skills, we'll learn to tie knots and belay on the glacier.

Trip End

At trip's end, we’ll head back to Anchorage to celebrate our month of leadership training and adventure in the great Alaskan wilderness--a trip with value and resonance that extend far beyond the boundaries of a single summer!

“Our leaders were the best leaders I have ever had. Amazing."  William Sargent, West Hartford, Connecticut

Trip Details

Here is a description of Alaska Leadership Course from one of Overland’s Logistics Directors:

“Alaska is like no other place in the lower 48. When you arrive in Anchorage and see the Chugach Mountains just outside of the city, rising 5,000 feet directly from the ocean, you know that you are entering a backpacker’s dream. At times, you’ll be only a few miles from the main road, but as you look up at glacier-draped peaks, jagged ridges, valleys of tundra and fireweed…you’ll feel like you’re the first person to ever lay eyes on this magnificent terrain. Alaska is the perfect location for a leadership training course; the variety of terrain and the challenges you’ll face throughout your month together will prepare you for almost anything. Your days will be spent on the trail, practicing new skills and working with your group to learn how to work within and lead a successful group. Days will be long and challenging, but you will come away with an array of new skills and an unforgettable month of hiking in the most amazing and pristine wilderness you’ll ever set foot in.”

“Connor loved the trip.  He came back happy and safe.” Patricia Farren, Chappaqua, New York

Photos

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Videos

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Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Because of the high mileage and rugged terrain on the Alaska Leadership Course, a good level of fitness and well-broken-in boots are essential to your enjoyment of the trip. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trip because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. Please read the training guidelines on the Pre-Trip Training page for information on how to train for the Alaska Leadership Course.

 

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. 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.

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while camping and hiking this summer.  Nighttime temperatures are much cooler in damp climates like Alaska than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be a top of the line piece. Oftentimes the more basic options fit better and perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

Overland will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (e.g., ice climbing) and this is included in your trip fee.

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. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt and Long Underwear Bottom
  Two or three long-sleeve synthetic tops and one long underwear bottom. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


• Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
  For cool nights in camp. Gloves should be a warm downhill ski glove with insulation and a nylon shell for ice climbing.


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket and Pants
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Insulated vest
  An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest will help keep your core warm during cool mornings out on the trail. Be sure it's compactable.


• Hiking Shorts or Pants
  Two pairs. Synthetic only, no cotton, as cotton absorbs moisture and will not keep you warm when wet. Instead of shorts and gaiters, you may choose to wear pants while hiking to keep mud, water and snow off your legs and boots.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.
  

• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Four pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for swimming and around camp. Heavy duty flip-flops or crocs are acceptable but not ideal.


• 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.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great, but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• 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. 


• Day Pack
  Your day pack can be used as a carry-on 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, two water bottles, snacks and some extra warm clothes.


• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact, synthetic sleeping bag that is warm to 20 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Down bags are not recommended because of the relatively wet damp weather in Alaska. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  A full length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• 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.


• Gaiters
  Knee-high gaiters keep water, mud and snow off your boots and legs. Another option is to wear pants, instead of shorts, for hiking, to keep your legs covered.

• Small Headlamp and Extra Batteries
  So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.  A headlamp is a small light attatched to a band that you can wear on your head which is nice because it allows both hands to be free.

• Mosquito Head Net
  A mesh net that fits over your head to keep mosquitos away from your face. Handy at night in camp when the bugs are out.


• 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.


• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" plastic Tupperware/Rubbermaid (or similar) dish or bowl with a top and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.
  

• Plastic Bags
  Ten large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag). If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.

• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap).

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for the Alaska Leadership Course.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Alaska Leadership Course Release Form 2010

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit 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

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.