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Alaska: Leadership in the Last Frontier
by: ARCC Programs
Embark on a three-week Alaskan adventure that goes beyond typical outdoor programs, combining thrilling wilderness experiences with leadership development. This unique journey takes you ice climbing on the majestic Matanuska Glacier, whitewater rafting the Nenana River, and trekking through the untamed backcountry of Denali National Park. What sets this program apart is its focus on building lifelong skills—wilderness techniques, backpacking expertise, and essential leadership abilities that prepare you for challenges in the wild and everyday life. From mastering Leave No Trace principles to learning to lead under pressure, each activity pushes your boundaries, fostering resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to nature. After the program, you won't just walk away with 30 hours of hands-on leadership training but also unforgettable memories and practical skills that will benefit you long after the adventure ends.
Embark on a three-week Alaskan adventure that goes beyond typical outdoor programs, combining thrilling wilderness experiences with leadership development. This unique journey takes you ice climbing on the majestic Matanuska Glacier, whitewater rafting the Nenana River, and trekking through the untamed backcountry of Denali National Park. What sets this program apart is its focus on building lifelong skills—wilderness techniques, backpacking expertise, and essential leadership abilities that prepare you for challenges in the wild and everyday life. From mastering Leave No Trace principles to learning to lead under pressure, each activity pushes your boundaries, fostering resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to nature. After the program, you won't just walk away with 30 hours of hands-on leadership training but also unforgettable memories and practical skills that will benefit you long after the adventure ends.
Program Highlights
Backpack and camp in the heart of the Alaskan backcountry.
Learn to ice climb on the majestic Matanuska Glacier.
Experience whitewater rafting on the mighty Nenana River.
Boat alongside orcas, humpback whales, and puffins in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Hike through lush temperate rainforests in the beautiful Kenai Peninsula.
Quick Details
- Anchorage, United States
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Cooking
- Hiking
- Nature Tours
- Rafting
- River Kayaking
- Student Tours
- Tours
- Trekking
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Outdoor Education
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Anchorage, United States
Types and Subjects
- Adventure Types
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Climbing
- Cooking
- Hiking
- Nature Tours
- Rafting
- River Kayaking
- Student Tours
- Tours
- Trekking
- Focus Areas
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Outdoor Education
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027
- 2-4 Weeks
- Summer
Age Requirement
14-17
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Certificate of Completion
- Emergency Support
- Guide / Chaperone
- Some Equipment
- Group Meals
- Welcome Dinner
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Letters of Reference
- Physical Exam/Health Records
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we sleep while in Alaska?
This is an entirely camping-based program. Most campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group’s van while camping. As a part of the adventure, you will also set out on a 5-day/4-night backpacking in the Alaskan wilderness. For this section, you will carry personal gear (clothes, sleeping bag, and pad) and all group gear (tents, cooking gear) needed for this component.
How will we travel?
Each group will travel together with the trip leaders in a 15-passenger van and towing trailer, which will carry the personal and group gear. The van and trailer will become the group’s mobile home base, so it will be important that students help keep the both of them clean and organized throughout their journey.
There will also be alternative modes of transportation during activities, including tour bus, ferry boat, and whitewater rafts.
What is the food like?
Students are generally pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food in an ARCC program. The group will work together to create each unique menu and prepare delicious meals throughout this trip, with occasional meals out at local restaurants. Vegetarian and other dietary needs (i.e., allergies and food sensitivities) can be accommodated. Families should inform ARCC of any student dietary needs before the start of the program.
What is included in the tuition for this Alaskan adventure?
The tuition for our Alaskan adventure covers all program activities, lodging, meals, and ground/water transportation. Airfare is not included in the tuition.
Program Reviews
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Ready to Learn More?
Embark on a three-week Alaskan adventure that goes beyond typical outdoor programs, combining thrilling wilderness experiences with leadership development. This unique journey takes you ice climbing on the majestic Matanuska Glacier, whitewater rafting the Nenana River, and trekking through the untamed backcountry of Denali National Park. What sets this program apart is its focus on building lifelong skills—wilderness techniques, backpacking expertise, and essential leadership abilities that prepare you for challenges in the wild and everyday life. From mastering Leave No Trace principles to learning to lead under pressure, each activity pushes your boundaries, fostering resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to nature. After the program, you won't just walk away with 30 hours o...
ARCC Programs
ARCC Programs
Ready to Learn More?
Embark on a three-week Alaskan adventure that goes beyond typical outdoor programs, combining thrilling wilderness experiences with leadership development. This unique journey takes you ice climbing on the majestic Matanuska Glacier, whitewater rafting the Nenana River, and trekking through the untamed backcountry of Denali National Park. What sets this program apart is its focus on building lifelong skills—wilderness techniques, backpacking expertise, and essential leadership abilities that prepare you for challenges in the wild and everyday life. From mastering Leave No Trace principles to learning to lead under pressure, each activity pushes your boundaries, fostering resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to nature. After the program, you won't just walk away with 30 hours o...
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