Alaska Leadership Course

4 weeks

open to grades 10-12

Overview

On the Alaska Leadership Course, Overland’s experienced leaders offer on-the-trail instruction on what it means to lead, not just in the outdoors, but in any setting. Over the course of four weeks, students will learn new backcountry skills, ice climb the Matanuska glacier and earn Wilderness First Aid certification, all while enjoying the spectacular Alaskan landscape.

We’ll start with an exploration of the tundra and lakes of the Talkeetna Mountains for the first of our two backpacking trips. This portion of the course will focus on acquiring the hard skills necessary for outdoor leadership: backcountry safety, navigation and Leave No Trace practices. Following this first hike, we’ll spend three days with guides learning to ice climb on the Matanuska Glacier. We’ll then head north to Talkeetna where we’ll spend two days earning Wilderness First Aid certification.

Our second backpacking trip begins in the Chugach Mountains, where 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 the Overland leaders. At the end of the course, we’ll return to Anchorage to celebrate our time together. As we say goodbye to our group and the Alaskan wilderness, we will take with us a newfound understanding of what it means to be a leader.

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

Highlights

Learn leadership skills
Study backcountry navigation & safety
Backpack the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains
Earn WFA certification
Learn to ice climb

Grade

For students completing grades 10-12 in June 2012

Multiple sections are grouped by grades. The group is limited to 10 students.

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

Challenge Level

9 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Anchorage, Alaska

Accommodations

12 nights of backcountry camping: five nights in the Talkeetna Mountains and seven nights in the Chugach Mountains.

13 nights of frontcountry camping with a range of facilities; some have outhouses while others have flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

Two nights in a hostel in Anchorage at trip start and end. These are dormitory style accommodations with showers and laundry available. Rooms are divided by gender.

Dates and Fees

4 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Saturday, July 21

$4995 (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 Talkeetna Mountains

From Anchorage, we’ll head into the Talkeetna 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. Averaging 6-7 miles per day on the trail, our days will be long and full as we learn and practice new skills.

Ice-Climbing & Glacier Safety Course

Following our first 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 rappel on the glacier.

Wilderness First Aid Course

After ice climbing, 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.

Hiking the Chugach Mountains

From Talkeetna we’ll head to the rugged Chugach Mountains to take on a seven-day backcountry hike, over more challenging terrain. Averaging 5-6 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.

Trip End

At trip's end, we’ll head back to Anchorage to celebrate our month of leadership training and summer 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 Coordinators:

“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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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Alaska Leadership Course Release Form 2012

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a good 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.

Trip Difficulty

Participants must be prepared for long days on the trail hiking with full backpacks. Groups wake early, hit the trail right after breakfast and hike with breaks until at least mid-afternoon. The terrain is challenging—with long, steep uphill sections, rocky descents and possibly some hiking on snow (depending on the trip) and inclement weather can add a further challenge. Experience among participants will vary but no previous hiking or backpacking experience is required.

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 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. Students should bring a second pair of warm waterproof gloves for climbing on snow and ice.

Insulated Vest or Jacket
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest to be used as an additional layer for cold nights in camp.

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 or Pants
Two or three pairs. Synthetic only, not cotton. 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 t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs. Synthetic recommended.

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

Sport Sandals, Crocs or Flip-Flops
For aournd camp.

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
While Alaska is the land of the midnight sun, it does get fairly dark in the middle of the night. It’s good to have for mid-night bathroom runs.

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

Gaiters
Recommended.

Mosquito Head Net
Strongly advised.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Optional. Synthetic camping towel only.

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
Students should have sunglasses that wrap around to protect from the sun reflecting off of the snow and ice.

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).

Photo Identification
All students who are flying home should have photo identification.

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card. Students on international programs should note the exchange rate.

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. Saturday
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. Saturday

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 Leadership Course A

Mail Stop #1 – must arrive before July 3rd

Student’s Name, Overland/AKL A
General Delivery
500 South Cobb Street
Palmer, AK 99645-9998

Mail Stop #2 – must arrive before July 20th

Student’s Name, Overland/AKL A
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.

Dave Clark-Barol

Hometown: Falmouth, Massachusetts
School: Middlebury College
Leadership: Alaska Leadership Course, European Explorer, New England Explorer, Yellowstone Teton Explorer
More about Dave »

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