Come to Alaska for an educational tour that combines our wild classroom with science, ecology, culture and conservation! Experience fun outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Alaska Student Kenai Discovery is a wild and immersive experience designed to get you up close to the real Alaska and Alaskans! Your home for the week is Seward, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula. It is a microcosm of Alaska featuring dramatic mountains and glaciers, rugged coastline, lush spruce and hemlock forest and tens of thousands of lakes populated with birds and other wildlife.

Trip Highlights:

· A variety of informative 2 to 3-hour scenic day hikes from that will introduce you to the coastal ecosystems of south-central Alaska.

· Take a 6-hour boat trip into the wild Kenai Fjords to see calving tidewater glaciers, whales, sea lions and marine birds.

· Hands on science class through the Alaska Sea Life Center where students will investigate the declining populations of sea lions using data found in sea lion poop. 

· Meet with Kenai Watershed Forum scientists. Learn about salmon, the importance of preserving baby salmon habitat and the technologies used to establish and monitor protected waterways.

· Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn about Alaska's wildlife and the wood bison re-introduction project. 

· Stay at the remote Kayakers Cove Wilderness Hostel and dip your paddle in emerald green wildlife-rich waters of Resurrection Bay while sea kayaking among diving sea birds, curious seals and shy otters.

· Get dirty and help the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance restore native plants in the local elementary school garden. 

· Feel like a local! Stay in off-the-beathen path locations at unique Alaskan lodging including a working organic seaside farm.

Here is map with points for activities and lodging for reference.

Trip Development

Below is a sample itinerary and estimated budget based on 10-12 participants. The itinerary advertised here, order of activities and specific details are subject to change based on availability and practical considerations. Once payment is received, Green Edventures will confirm availability with our partner's and block group airfare (if applicable) to lock down activities and lodging. 

On this adventure students will gain:

1. Environmental Awareness: Participants will develop a deeper understanding of Alaska's unique ecosystems and wildlife, including its glaciers, forests and marine environments. They will learn to identify key environmental features, flora and fauna, and appreciate the importance of preserving these ecosystems.

2. Cultural Appreciation: This tour will expose participants to cultures and traditions of Alaska’s, indigenous communities. They will gain insights into the history and way of life of contemporary native Alaskans, fostering cultural appreciation and respect.

3. Environmental Stewardship: Students will learn about and see evidence of environmental issues in Alaska that have local and global implications. They will observe ways that Alaskans have been successful in protecting their natural resources.  Additionally, students will participate in a service learning project with the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance to remove non-native species of plants from an elementary school garden. 

4. Scientific Investigation: Students will analyze the scat of Steller sea lions, and through the use of the scientific method, will investigate the foods they are eating to find answers to what is causing their population decline.  Students will meet a resident biologist who is working to identify and map baby salmon habitat. Students will get to use some of the tools used by scientists in the field and learn how a community organization mobilized to protect Alaska’s wild salmon fisheries.

5. Interdisciplinary Learning: This student adventure will promote interdisciplinary connections by combining environmental science, cultural interaction and adventure activities. Participants will explore how people and the environment are interconnected, fostering a holistic perspective on the issues facing Alaska and the world.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

1. **Environmental Awareness:**

   - NGSS Alignment: Aligned with NGSS LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience, as it emphasizes understanding ecosystems and the importance of preserving them.

   - Potential NGSS Crosscutting Concept Alignment: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics.

2. **Cultural Appreciation:**

   - NGSS Alignment: Although not directly tied to a specific NGSS standard, fostering cultural appreciation and respect aligns with the broader NGSS goal of promoting scientific and cultural literacy.

3. **Environmental Stewardship:**

   - NGSS Alignment: Aligned with NGSS ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems, as it addresses environmental issues and human efforts to protect natural resources.

   - Potential NGSS Crosscutting Concept Alignment: Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation, as students explore the impact of human actions on the environment.

4. **Scientific Investigation:**

   - NGSS Alignment: Aligned with NGSS SEP.3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations and SEP.6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, as students engage in scientific inquiry and data collection.

   - Potential NGSS Content Alignment: LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer, as students investigate the diet of Steller sea lions and baby salmon habitat.

5. **Interdisciplinary Learning:**

   - NGSS Alignment: While interdisciplinary learning isn't directly tied to specific NGSS standards, it encourages the integration of scientific concepts with cultural and environmental aspects, fostering a holistic perspective on complex issues.

   - Potential NGSS Practice Alignment: Engaging in cross-disciplinary connections and considering multiple perspectives aligns with the NGSS science and engineering practices.

This package includes 7-nights lodging in a mix of lodging type in four separate locations on the Kenai Peninsula. 

Homer

2 Nights camping Seaside Farm. Camping equipment included.

Seward: 

1 Night Kayakers Cove Wilderness Hostel

1 Night Moby Dick Hostel

3 Nights Nauti Otter/Yurt Village

Your guides will prepare great food! Fresh, homemade, multi-course meals and deserts that can accommodate dietary restrictions including vegetarian and vegan options if needed. 

Examples:

Breakfast:
Peanut butter, granola, honey, fruit, Nutella, jams, soy milk, cow milk, yogurt and breads.

Lunch is usually packed to go:
Sandwich fixings (veggies, deli meat, hummus, etc), fruit, trail mix & nuts, snack bars

Dinner
Grilled fish, quinoa, chili, lasagna, lentils, roasted and fresh veggies

Dessert:
Blueberry pie, cookies

The package price does include an estimated airfare of $950 per person plus $50 booking fee. 

Price does not include baggage fees, special travel or additional costs due to airline imposed surcharges and taxes prior to ticketing.  Nor does it include extra costs associated with cancellations or missed connections. Once booked, the ticket is the property of the named ticket holder and it is non-refundable and non-transferrable. 

Click here for the Packing List

All participants must have a government issued ID for travel.

This trip is being organized by:

Name of Teacher

School Name

Teacher Email

Teacher Phone

Click on link to review:

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy

Fee: $4315 plus + gratuity

Duration:  8 days

Comps: 1 teacher free with 10-paying students, 2 teachers free with 18 paying students.

Max Group Size: Up to 22 plus 2 chaperones in two vehicles.

Grades: 6-8th, 9-12th, and college

Dates: Late May, June, July and August 

Includes an estimated airfare: $950 plus $50 booking fee per person.

All Participants:

A Travelex Insurance Services Student Group Essentials plan is paid and provided by Green Edventures as part of your trip package. This plan includes post-departure benefits only. See the attached flyer for more information. Click here and select your state of residence  from the dropdown to view a copy of the policy.

At Green Edventures, we recommend you purchase a travel protection plan with additional benefits to help protect you and your trip investment. In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment and well-being so you can relax and enjoy your trip. 

Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans.

For your convenience, we offer a travel protection plan through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information on the available plan please review the Student Group Plus flyer. If you would like to enroll in the plan, please click below:

https://partner.travelexinsurance.com/index.aspx?location=28-0108&go=PSPCZ&navigation=off&groupname=GreenEdventures 

Green Edventures does not charge a service fee. We use a third party merchant service called WeTravel and they use the credit card processor Stripe. 

Credit Card

WeTravel will add a service fee to the total amount of your trip if you pay with a credit card. Credit Cards fees: 2.9% (Amex 3.9%). This is a bank fee not a Green Edventures fee. 

ACH / Checking Account 

If you set up your payment method to be withdrawn from your checking account there are no fees. 

You can change your payment method at any time in your WeTravel Account. 

Mailing Address:

Green Edventures, LLC.
5348 Vegas Dr. #1102
Las Vegas, NV 89108

888-622-4911
info@greenedventures.com

For General Questions & Reservations:

Tara Short
Founder & Director

715-252-1238
tara@greenedventures.com

For Billing & Payments:

Carrie Zygowicz
Administrative Assistant

715-222-9874
contact@greenedventures.com

Morning: Flights arrive in Anchorage, Alaska.  Participants will be met by their guides, load into the vans, and then head out of the city and into the Alaskan wilderness with a 4-5 hour ride that includes stops to take in the big landscape and to stretch and breathe in the fresh air.

Afternoon: Around lunch time we will stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Here we will explore the educational exhibits, learn about some of the animals that you may see in the wild, and learn about the center's Wood Bison Re-Introduction Project. Students can enjoy their picnic lunch right at the facility.

Evening: Arrive at Seaside Farm for 2 nights of camping. Set up tents, walk to the beach, enjoy dinner at camp prepared by your guide. 

Meals: LD

Morning: After breakfast at the camp, we will head to the Homer Spit, to see the town known as the halibut fishing capital of the world. We might even see some of the catch brought in by tourists and commercial fisherman.

Our primary objective today is at the boat dock to look for and identify invertebrates such as sea stars, urchins, sponges and crabs. Students will learn about the different phyla and the unique physical characteristics of each.

Afternoon: After a picnic lunch and a chance to explore the ice cream, candy and souvenir shops of the spit, students will meet with an environmental educator to learn about ocean acidification and its implications on the marine food chain- from invertebrates to otters and whales. 

Evening: We return to camp at Seaside Farm. The farm hostess will take the group on a guided tour of the organic farm and give students a chance to meet a local Alaskan and to learn about her farm.  Dinner at camp and camp fire. 

Meals: BLD

Morning: Depart camp and head east toward Seward. The drive is about 4 hours with a stop for a picnic lunch. 

Afternoon: Around 2pm, the group will arrive in the seaside town of Seward and take a water taxi across Resurrection Bay to Kayakers Cove, our lodging for one night. Tonight students can explore the intertidal zone and enjoy having access to wilderness! The property is right on the ocean so it is possible to see whales, otters, eagles and other wildlife passing by. 

Overnight at Kayakers Cove.

Meals: BLD

Morning: Participants will take a guided kayaking trip into Resurrection Bay and explore a side of the bay most tourists don't get a chance to see. Learn the basics of sea kayaking, maneuvering and water entry and exit. Then spend half of the day in and out of our tandem kayaks as we explore the bay, islands and shoreline.  In addition to beautiful mountain scenery, we could see whales, puffins, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles and bears. 

Afternoon: Picnic lunch at Kayakers Cove, then take a water taxi back to Seward. We will take a short drive down the Exit Glacier road to the Kenai Fjords National Park. We will stop at the visitor center to pick up our Junior Ranger books that need to be completed over the next few days in order for us to receive our badges. We then take a short hike to the foot of the glacier. Here, students will walk through young habitats, learn about glaciology and search for evidence of climate change in the park. 

Evening: Check in at Moby Dick Hostel, our private lodging for one night. 

Meals: BLD

Today, students will meet with two organizations in Seward that are helping to protect animals and habitats of Alaska.

Morning: Students will visit the Sea Life Center and have a chance to explore their exhibits to learn about fish, birds and mammals that can be found off the coast of Alaska. They then go to the onsite education lab for a hands on science class to investigate sea lion poop and to learn why their populations are declining. 

Afternoon: We meet with members of the Qutekcak Tribe in Seward for a special cultural program. Tribe members and local youth will teach us about Native Youth Olympics, where members of indigenous youth meet up each year to compete in events. Each event is rooted in hunting and survival. Students will get to try some of the events to see how easy (or difficult) it was to survive in harsh environments without modern technology. 

Evening: Check in at the Yurt Village or the Nauti Otter. Students can work on their Junior Ranger books.

Meals: BLD

Morning: We arrive at the boat harbor about 9:30am and students can shop and walk around the pier. 

At 11:30am we board a boat for a six-hour wildlife viewing and glacier cruise, into the Kenai Fjords National Park. We will go right up to an active tidewater glacier.  A tidewater glacier terminates in the ocean. It is common to see chunks the size of cars falling off into the green water.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the national park and tidewater glaciers. This voyage also offers the best opportunity for whale watching in Alaska, along with the possibility of seeing porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, seals, bald eagles and puffins. Lunch is served onboard.

5:30pm return to Seward.  Students will explore Seward in small teams by foot as they look for items on a scavenger hunt that will take them to historical landmarks that will help them learn about Seward and its history. 

Overnight at Nauti Otter/Yurt Village. 

Meals: BLD

Morning:  We take an easy and beautiful hike to Tonsina Creek. We pass through amazing old growth Sitka Spruce forest, walk over a salmon river and end at the beach for spectacular views.  From there we then loop back toward our campsite. Along the way, participants will learn to identify some common plants that can be found in the temperate rainforest. 

Afternoon: We enjoy a picnic lunch by the sea and then we meet up with the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance to help them restore a native plant garden at the local elementary school. Students will learn about non-native plants and spend a few hours removing "weeds" from the garden.

Evening: Group dinner at lodging. 

Meals: BLD

Morning: Breakfast at our accommodations. Then drive into Seward to the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center where we turn in our completed Junior Ranger books and take part in our swearing in by a park ranger to be official Junior Rangers. You will wear your badges with pride!

About one hour north of Seward, you will stop for two more learning experiences before you go home. 

First, a resident biologist from the Kenai Watershed Forum, will share the mission of the organization which is to identify and map baby salmon habitat and why this is important to protecting wild salmon populations. Students will learn about and get a chance to test the tools used by scientists in the field. 

Second, we will visit an archeological site called K'beq which means Footprints in the Kenaitze language. The site is next to the beautiful blue Kenai River with an interpretive trail that goes through Sika Spruce forest. Students will walk the boardwalks and learn about evidence of people who lived her before European and Russian settlers. 

Late Afternoon: The groups are dropped off at the airport between 3:30-4 pm for 6 pm flights back home.

Meals: BL