FAQ
Programs & Choosing the Right Trip
What ages can attend Alpengirl?
Alpengirl offers outdoor adventure trips for girls ages 10–17, with programs organized by age and developmental stage. We also offer Mother-Daughter adventures and Alumni Adventures for older teens and recent graduates. Read more about our age groups below:
Discovery Adventures (rising 6th & 7th graders)
Trailblazer Adventures (rising 7th – 9th graders)
Ascent Adventures (rising 9th – 11th graders)
Summit Adventures (rising 10th – 12th graders)
Alumni Adventures (rising 10th – college first-years, available to returning Alpengirls only)
Mother Daughter Adventures (rising 5th-11th graders + parent)
How do I choose the right trip?
Consider her age, interests, experience, and the type of adventure she’s excited to try. Our programs range from introductory outdoor adventures to more challenging backpacking, paddling, and international trips. Explore our trip pages to compare activities, itineraries, and age groups, and then give us a call! We’d love to chat and learn more about your camper to find the perfect fit.
Does my camper need previous outdoor experience?
No! Many campers join us with little or no previous backpacking or camping experience. What matters most is a willingness to try new things, work as part of a team, and embrace the adventure. Some advanced trips have additional experience or skill requirements, which are outlined on the individual trip pages.
How many campers are in each group?
Alpengirl intentionally keeps groups small to encourage connection, individual attention, and a more personal outdoor experience. Group sizes vary by trip, but all are capped to 10-12 campers, led by 2-3 Alpenguides.
Can my camper attend with a friend, or come on their own?
Absolutely! Many campers join with a friend or sibling, while others arrive knowing no one. Our guides help everyone get acquainted and build connections throughout the trip. Attending independently is a great opportunity to meet new friends and build confidence.
For campers attending with a friend or sibling, we place them in separate tent groups during the first half of the session. With four campers per tent and only about 20 minutes spent in tents before bed, there’s plenty of time to connect throughout the day! Starting in separate tents helps everyone get to know one another and build friendships across the group. Campers often have the opportunity to switch tent groups halfway through the trip, so friends and siblings may get the chance to share a tent later on.
Safety & Supervision
How does Alpengirl ensure safety on adventures?
Alpengirl prioritizes safety by adhering to comprehensive risk management protocols. Our guides carry multiple safety certifications and undergo rigorous training as part of our program, and we partner with the Cornerstone Safety Group, the American Camp Association, and AM Skier to deliver industry leading safety protocols on all of our adventures. Please read more about our partners below.
Safety measures begin before the adventure starts, including pre-trip planning, emergency response protocols, and the use of appropriate safety equipment. We continuously monitor conditions and adjust itineraries as needed to minimize risks and maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
What qualifications do Alpenguides have?
Certified as Wilderness First Aid providers, Wilderness First Responders, and Lifeguards, our Alpenguides are nothing short of extraordinary.
All Alpenguides undergo a thorough screening process, including background checks covering driving records, sexual offender status, references, and criminal history. Additionally, all staff are required to complete child abuse prevention training and sexual harassment prevention training. Before leading adventures, staff complete an intensive 9-day, on-site training that covers emergency procedures, participant care, equipment checks, and itinerary reviews. This rigorous preparation ensures that guides are well-equipped to provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for participants.
What happens if my camper gets sick or injured?
Our guides are trained to assess situations, provide care within their qualifications, and coordinate additional medical support when needed. We have emergency response procedures in place and keep families informed when a situation warrants it.
As a general rule, we contact families about anything that requires “anything more than a Bandaid,” so you can rest assured that we’ll keep you in the loop if your camper needs medical attention.
How do you handle medications, allergies, and dietary needs?
Families share relevant medical information, medications, allergies, and dietary needs during enrollment and pre-trip preparation. Our team reviews this information in advance to help plan appropriate care, meals, and accommodations. If you have specific concerns about your camper’s needs, please reach out before registering so we can discuss whether we’re able to accommodate them.
At the start of camp, all medications are turned in to Alpengirl staff. Our guides manage and dispense medications according to the instructions provided throughout your camper’s adventure.
We can accommodate a wide variety of dietary restrictions, but unfortunately, we cannot accommodate campers with celiac disease. Because meals are prepared in the backcountry, we cannot guarantee that food will be free from cross-contamination with gluten.
What happens if weather or other conditions change the itinerary?
Outdoor adventures require flexibility! Weather, trail conditions, closures, and other safety considerations may mean adjusting an itinerary or substituting an activity. Our leadership team, guides, and local partners make decisions based on conditions, with camper safety as the priority.
We will always communicate with families if there have been significant alterations to your camper’s itinerary.
Enrollment, Payments, & Financial Aid
How do I register for an Alpengirl adventure?
Start by exploring our trip options and selecting an adventure that fits your daughter’s age and interests. We encourage you to set up a time to chat with our enrollment team prior to completing the online application, and we can guide you through the next steps, including any required conversations and references, before enrollment is finalized.
What is required to reserve a spot?
Once you have submitted your online application, your camper’s spot is being held. After you complete your pre-registration phone call with our enrollment team and we’ve heard back from references (new campers only), we will officially enroll your camper and charge the $700 deposit.
50% of the remaining tuition balance is charged on February 1, with final payments due on April 1. Campers that enroll after April 1 will be charged the full tuition upon enrollment.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations made prior to April 1 receive a full deposit of all payments made, less the $700 nonrefundable deposit. Cancellations made after April 1 are not eligible for any refunds.
We encourage families to purchase trip insurance to protect their investment! Read more about trip insurance on our Pre-Booking Information page.
Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
Yes! Alpengirl offers limited campership assistance to help make our programs accessible to more families. Awards are based on financial need and program fit, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while funds remain available. Visit our Camperships page for eligibility guidelines and application details.
What happens if a trip doesn't meet minimum enrollment, or we need to change trips?
Each trip has a minimum enrollment requirement, and Alpengirl reserves the right to cancel a trip that does not meet that minimum. If we cancel a trip due to low enrollment, families will receive a full refund.
If you’d like to switch to a different session, we’re happy to help you move to any eligible session with available space and transfer your payments to the new session.
Preparation & Packing
What should my camper pack?
Each trip has a specific packing list based on its activities, climate, and itinerary. Generally, campers need appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, personal items, and activity-specific gear. Please follow the packing list for your camper’s trip rather than relying on a general list.
Are there any gear rentals available?
Yes! Alpengirl offers several gear rental options for families that may not want to purchase bigger items:
- Backpacking backpack ($50)
- Sleeping bag & sleeping pad ($75)
Please note that not all trips require a backpacking backpack. Be sure to consult your camper’s trip-specific packing list before reserving your rental!
Gear rentals may be reserved during the application process, or anytime up until May 1 via the “Additional Options” form.
How physically challenging are the trips?
Activity levels vary by itinerary. Some trips involve extended hikes, backpacking with a loaded pack, paddling, or other physically demanding activities. Review the itinerary for details about daily activities and expected exertion, and reach out if you’d like help determining whether a trip is a good fit.
How can my camper prepare for their adventure?
Start by reviewing the itinerary and packing list together, and make sure your camper’s footwear and gear fit comfortably. If she’s new to hiking or spending time outdoors, give her opportunities to practice before camp. We strongly recommend breaking in new hiking boots well ahead of time to help prevent blisters. Taking short hikes around the neighborhood with a loaded backpack is great preparation!
Many of our trips reach elevations higher than your camper may be used to, so some cardio exercise leading up to summer can help her feel more prepared. School sports, neighborhood bike rides, and local hikes are all great ways to build stamina.
Just as importantly, encourage your camper to arrive with an open mind, a willingness to try new things, and an eagerness to be part of a team. You can learn more on our Assessing Camper Readiness page.
How do I communicate with Alpengirl leading up to summer?
Give us a call or send us an email! The Alpengirl leadership team is always happy to help, whether you’re navigating the enrollment process or preparing for camp.
We also ask all enrolled families to complete their camper forms by April 1. This gives us time to get to know your camper, review their information, and follow up with any questions. If your camper may need specific accommodations, we may reach out to learn more and discuss how we can best support her during camp.
Daily Life at Camp
What does a typical day at Alpengirl look like?
Every trip is different, but most days combine outdoor activities, time on the trail or water, meals, camp chores, and opportunities to connect as a group. Some days are active and full, while others include time to relax, explore, or enjoy a special destination.
Where do campers sleep, and what are the bathroom and shower facilities like?
Campers share four-person tents throughout their adventure, staying at a mix of frontcountry and backcountry campsites.
Bathroom facilities vary by location. Frontcountry campsites may have established bathrooms with flush toilets and running water, while backcountry trips require campers to follow Leave No Trace practices, including digging catholes when toilets aren’t available.
Campers can expect access to a shower facility at least once per session. In between, they’ll get comfortable freshening up outdoors and embracing a more rugged routine. Depending on the trip, that might mean a dip in an alpine lake or stream (where permitted) or simply a quick wash-up at camp!
What is your electronics policy?
Alpengirl is a fully tech-free camp.
To help campers stay present and fully engaged in the Alpengirl experience, we have clear guidelines about electronic devices:
- E-book readers are not allowed at camp. Campers are welcome to bring physical books to enjoy during quiet time in the evenings before lights out.
- Cell phones and other communication devices (including smartwatches with texting/call capabilities) will be collected at the start of camp, turned off, and securely stored for the duration of the session. (Read more about our cell phone policy below.)
- Cell phones with cameras are not permitted. If a camper would like to bring a camera, it must be a standalone device, separate from a phone.
- GoPros and video cameras should not be brought to camp. Campers are not allowed to record videos of other people during the session.
- For privacy and safety reasons, AirTags and other tracking devices are not allowed at camp. If a tracking device is found with a camper, it will be removed and disposed of by staff to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
What if my camper is homesick or has trouble fitting in?
It’s normal to feel nervous or miss home, especially on a first adventure. Our guides help campers work through these feelings, build friendships, and feel comfortable in the group. We encourage campers to communicate with their guides when they need support.
You can read more about how our guides will work with your camper if they are experiencing homesickness on our Adventure Readiness page.
Will my camper have to help with cooking and camp chores?
Yes! Campers are assigned to rotating camp chore groups and share age-appropriate responsibilities, such as helping prepare meals, cleaning up, setting up tents, purifying water, and keeping camp tidy. These shared tasks help build teamwork, independence, and a sense of responsibility for the group.
At Alpengirl, we believe the best adventures are created together, not catered to. And there’s something pretty special about cooking a delicious backcountry dinner with your friends and enjoying the meal you made together!
Travel & Logistics
Where do trips begin and end?
All trips meet and depart from the regional airport, whether your camper is flying in or being dropped off by car. Check the Travel Information Page to make sure you know which airport your camper’s trip starts from!
How do airport pickups and drop-offs work?
Airport arrangements and designated arrival windows vary by trip. Families receive specific instructions about where and when to meet the group, along with departure-day logistics. Please follow the windows listed for your camper’s adventure on our Travel Information Page.
We will do our best to review the travel information that you provide on your campers Travel Form (located in your online portal) and will let you know if we see an error. If at anytime an error is found, be it the day you submit your Travel Form or the day your camper is traveling, parents are responsible for paying for any additional travel fees associated with correcting the error. If you are in doubt or just have questions about travel in general, please contact us anytime to assist you.
If you need to arrange air travel outside of of the listed arrival/departure windows, our staff may be available to accommodate your itinerary; however, in some cases, a $100 fee will be charged for the special travel arrangement service.
You MUST call Alpengirl before booking your flight if you’d like to request special travel arrangements.
How do Unaccompanied Minor flights work?
Many airlines require a special “Unaccompanied Minor” (UM) ticket to be purchased for minors traveling without an adult.
Even if this special ticket is not required by your airline of choice, you may elect to purchase an unaccompanied minor ticket on some airlines.
Before buying a campers’ ticket to camp, camp parents need to make sure to check with their airline (and any subsidiary airlines used) and understand unaccompanied minor ticket rules, policies and procedures unique to each airline or airlines used.
Some campers have traveled a lot on their own, are of proper age to fly without an UM ticket (check all airlines, even subsidiary airline rules) and do not need assistance. These campers are able to check themselves in for a flight, go through security lines, find gates and baggage claims, and are prepared to handle travel delays, emergencies or flight cancellations on their own.
Campers that are required to (or elect to) travel on a UM ticket will be fully supervised throughout their travels and do not need to navigate airports, deal with travel issues or make decision on their own.
What happens if a flight is delayed or cancelled?
If travel plans change, please contact Alpengirl leadership as soon as possible. We’ll work with your family to coordinate next steps based on the circumstances and your camper’s trip logistics. We also recommend reviewing applicable airline policies and travel insurance coverage before departure.
If your camper’s flight is delayed, don’t worry! Our staff are prepared to coordinate arrival logistics and greet your camper when she arrives, helping her connect with the group and get her adventure underway.
What documents are needed for international trips?
International trips require a valid passport, entry documentation, and other trip-specific paperwork. Requirements vary by destination and nationality, so families should review the instructions provided for their particular trip and ensure all required documents are ready well before departure.
For international adventures, Alpengirl will provide flight recommendations beginning in February in an attempt to help group campers on flights together where possible, while balancing cost and speed of travel (*flight recommendations are optional). Alpengirl will also be host a webinar in March to help prep campers with the tools they need for international travel!
