Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the current exchange rate of 1.27
Alaska Volunteer Program for Teens
Some call it Land of the Midnight Sun, others the Last Frontier – you will call it your community service adventure of a lifetime! Alaska offers a stark contrast – rich in beauty and natural resources yet poverty can be found – there is much we can do. This Alaska student tour uses a service-learning framework where our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work done throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. This program contains a leadership component which will help you assess & develop your own leadership style while learning and practicing leadership skills. This volunteer trip for teens to The Great Land gives you the opportunity to work for positive change, and will likely broaden your perspective as well. On your final night, you will have much to celebrate!
About This Program
-
What It’s Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
-
25 Service Hours
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
-
Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
-
Service Projects
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
-
Accommodations
College Residence, Bed & Breakfast and Rustic Lodges.
-
Meals
Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus 8 lunches.
-
Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
-
Transportation
Travel in passenger vans driven by our staff.
-
Group Size
Up to 18 participants.
-
Leadership
This program contains a leadership component which will help you assess & develop your own leadership style while learning and practicing leadership skills.
Program Highlights
- • Assist in conservation projects to preserve the Alaskan ecosystem.
- • Whitewater raft on the thrilling Matanuska River.
- • Help sort, organize and pack food donations for distribution.
- • Mush on Alaskan wheeled dog sled pulled by Iditarod champs.
- • Glacier hike for stunning views of Denali.
- • Clear invasive species from natural trails.
- • Take an Alaskan ‘Safari’ at the Wildlife Conservation Center.
- • Kayak and hike Resurrection Bay.
Service Projects
Activities
Accommodations
Anchorage, Alaska
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Anchorage, this college residence is in a beautiful forested area. Alaska Pacific University has full laundry and athletic facilities.
Seward, Alaska
The Hutch Bed & Breakfast is located in the heart of Cooper Landing and is surrounded by majestic mountains and the famous Kenai and Russian Rivers. The deck boasts gorgeous views so you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Homer, Alaska
Rustic but awesome! Take over Seaside Farm, an old farmhouse with unsurpassed scenery of wildflowers, mountains, glaciers and sunsets.
Peterson Bay, Alaska
After taking a short boat trip to an island across the bay, you will be staying at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Peterson Bay Field Station. Sleeping in a traditional yurt with nature at your doorstep, you can easily jump right into your service work!
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
-
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
-
How are roommates assigned?
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs rooming rotation is as follows:
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and one of the most warm and welcoming social environments in our industry! To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the program director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together. Roommates are assigned based on gender identity.