Alaska Summer Camps

Alaska Summer Camp - Alpengirl Camp Locations in AK

What’s it like in South Central Alaska?

Alaska is boundless!

  • It’s where ice fields, glaciers, mountains, rainforests and oceans meet. 
  • It’s where moose roam the cities, bears go fishing, caribou graze, and bald eagles soar high.
  • It’s where 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the United States reside and the sun doesn’t set in the summer.
  • It’s where you’ll find the stellar sea lion, a variety of wild edible berries, skunk cabbage and humpback whales.
  • It’s where you can paddle your sea kayak around an iceberg and be amazed by the sound of one calving into the ocean.
  • It’s where you can find it all from glaciers to volcanoes, from mountains to ocean coast, and from forests to lakes.
  • It’s where you can see the Iditarod and the wonders of America’s second largest forest - Chugach National Forest.

Why go to summer camp in South Central Alaska?

  • If you are looking for a big change to your normal every day summer vacation routine and surroundings . . . join Alpengirl Camp in Alaska!
  • If you are seeking a summer camp break from scorching summer temperatures at home… join Alpengirl Camp in Alaska!
  • If you would like to hike, camp and explore the largest state in the United States and the least densely populated state in the U.S.  .. . join Alpengirl Camp in Alaska!
  • If you’d like to sea kayak past a glacier and explore an ice field in the same day. . . join Alpengirl Camp in Alaska!
  • If you have a desire to see and experience the wild and rugged edge of boundless nature . . . join Alpengirl Camp in Alaska!
  • After a couple weeks of outdoor adventure at summer camp with Alpengirl in Alaska, you will forever hold a special place in your heart for this “Last Frontier.”

Alaska Summer Weather, Temperatures & Elevation

It’s true – you don’t need a headlamp or flashlight in early summer in Alaska – twilight lingers throughout the night during our Alpengirl summer camp session.

We are prepared for any type of weather in South Central Alaska. In the middle of summer it’s usually in the 60’s and some days we have been experienced warmer temperatures around 75 or 80 and strong sunshine. We prepare for rain in Alaska, it rains in almost every month of the summer and during our 2 week adventure camp you can be sure it will rain at least a day or two. A summer month in Alaska can be compared to a spring or fall month in many other parts of the country. The weather in Alaska is always perfect when our clothing, gear and attitudes are in line with the nature that is Alaska. 

In Anchorage, the arrival spot for Alpengirl Camps, the elevation is 101 feet.  Throughout camp we will never reach elevations of more than 5,700 feet and our highest elevations are reached during our backpacking trip. About half of our time at camp is spent at 100 feet or below.

Bears and mosquitoes – yes, preparation and attitude is essential for adventures in Alaska.

Alpengirl’s Alaska Travel Routes

Alpengirl has been operating girls overnight adventure camp trips in South Central Alaska (Anchorage area) since 2003.  As one of the more challenging yet rewarding trips offered by Alpengirl, many returning campers long for this session.  Most of the girls come to the Alaska camp session from the Lower 48 states, but we do get the occasional local camper or camp staffer from Alaska who teaches us all a thing or two about Alaska living.

The adventure travel routes we take during our girls camp trips in AK start and end in Anchorage.

In pursuit of outdoor adventure we’ll be on a continuous loop route that includes enjoying adventure sports and activities in mountainous and oceanic wilderness areas near small towns like Seward, Hope, Girdwood and Whittier.

These small local towns are quick stops along the way that provide us with fresh groceries, showers and laundry and sometimes a parade, cultural event or local festivity.

Featured South Central Alaska Towns Along Our Camp Travel Routes

Alpengirl camp is a trip and travel teen adventure camp for girls where most of our time is spent camping in tents outdoors and in pursuit of outdoor adventure in various wild places along a pre-determined adventure travel route in a diverse local area.

The towns featured here are commonly passed through on our way to adventure and the information that follows may serve as a travel planning resource for camp parents who may be seeking to plan a similar adventure for the rest of the family while their Alpengirl is at camp with us this summer.

Anchorage, AK is home to two-fifths of all of Alaska’s population with ocean on one side and glacier filled mountains on another.  Alpengirls will get a chance to explore a small part this large city on a final souvenir shopping afternoon.

Seward, AK is a small town located on Resurrection Bay, home to only 3,500 people, the AK Sea Life Center and serves as a gateway into Kenai Fjords National Park.  It’s from just north of here that Alpengirls will start their backpacking trip and following that activity, girls will be in Seward for showers, laundry, and to re-supply food.

Hope, AK is an old gold mining town and now serves as a weekend getaway location for Anchorage residents offering access to many hiking trails into the mountains, to many lakes, and into Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Alpengirls will be whitewater rafting near Hope, AK.

Whittier, AK is the gateway to Prince William Sound, located just 60 miles southeast of Anchorage on the Passage Canal.  Many outdoor activities take place here with wonderful hiking trails to glaciers and waterfalls.  Alpengirls set off on their multi-day kayaking trip from here.

Girdwood, AK is a year-round ski resort community with gold panning, hiking, and eco-adventure rainforest zipline available.