Home Trips Service Service & Hiking Alaska

Service & Hiking Alaska

Two weeks of service and exploration.

In spectacular Alaska, spend two weeks serving and exploring.

Snowy peaks, glacial rivers, and wilderness that stretches to the horizon. Rebuild trails outside Anchorage with a local trail crew. Backpack the Chugach. Sea kayak the Passage Canal.

The vastness of the Alaskan landscape is at first overwhelming, but together we will come to know and appreciate this dynamic environment. Our aim on Service & Hiking Alaska is to engage deeply with environmental stewardship while growing closer and stronger as a group.

After our arrival in Anchorage, we’ll hone our trail maintenance skills and better understand the effort needed to make the outdoors accessible to all. Upon completion of our focused service work in the mornings, we’ll then plunge into explorations of nearby trails and shorelines in the afternoon. This combination of stewardship and exploration is a perfect balance, allowing us to learn from, engage with, and enjoy many facets of Alaska.

In our second week together, we’ll head deeper into the backcountry for an overnight trip, sea kayaking excursion, and a series of day hikes. Hanging glaciers and soaring eagles will remind us of the untouched grandeur that still shapes the Alaskan wilderness.

At trip end, we’ll return to Anchorage. But we’ll return with greater awareness of and greater appreciation for the land and each other. We’ll have gained hard skills on the trail, and we’ll have also experienced the intangible — yet no less satisfying — feeling of coming together as a group over a shared purpose.

Have a question about availability?

Duration

2 weeks

Trip Fee

$4,395

Service & Hiking Alaska is open to students finishing grades 9-12 in June 2023. We plan to have two groups at each departure date, and we carefully group students by grade.

Grade

9-12

Level

Working Together

Teenager working hard on a service and hiking program in Alaska this Summer

Meaningful Service Projects

Joyful Hikes

Sea Kayak Glacial Bays

Teens working hard while on a service and hiking program this Summer

Teamwork & Leadership

Need to Know

Service

35 hours of service

Included in Trip Fee

Meals
Group gear
Accommodations
Activities

Not Included in Trip Fee

Personal gear and clothing
(see what to pack)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end
Travel protection (recommended;
learn more about the benefits)

Itinerary

Experience all Alaska has to offer while preserving its magnificent natural environment and making lifelong friends.

Day 1: Trip Start

We’ll meet in the Anchorage Airport and drive to our campground surrounded by snowy peaks and glacial rivers, where we’ll learn to pack our gear, get to know one another, and cook our first meal together.

Days 2-6: Trail Work

We’ll dig into trail work and get to know each other and the land. Partnering with a local trail crew, we will both preserve and create trails. With our crew leaders, we will learn the basics of trail maintenance and volunteer on a popular trail. We’ll work to minimize visitor impact, restore natural habitats, and manage water drainage. We might remove loose material from the trail bed; place sand, cobble, and rock along the trail corridor; or plant flora to reduce erosion — all with the goal of improving the trails for future visitors. In addition to completing our rewarding project, we’ll better understand the environmental and human impacts on the land. After our hard work, we’ll relax and explore nearby trails.

Days 7-9: Backcountry Hike

Next, we’ll explore the other trails around Anchorage. On an overnight trip, we’ll pack up our gear, and hike together to a beautiful lake. We’ll camp with views of glaciers and hope to catch a glimpse of soaring eagles.

Days 10-12: Sea Kayak Passage Canal

We’ll travel to Whittier to prepare for two days of sea kayaking. We will paddle with our professional guides, following the rugged coastline of the Passage Canal. After a day on the water, we’ll camp on an island beach, enjoy views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks and valley glaciers, and hope to see eagles, sea lions, and other Alaskan wildlife.

Day 13: Prepare for Trip End & Final Dinner

After sea kayaking, we’ll return to Anchorage and spend our last day cleaning, packing, and preparing for tomorrow’s departure. We will do laundry, shower, and pack up. We’ll finish the day with a celebratory dinner in Anchorage and then head to our final accommodation.

Accommodations

2 nights of backcountry camping with no access to bathroom facilities.

10 nights of frontcountry camping, which may include access to bathrooms and facilities.

Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.

Testimonials

"The backpacking was so much fun, and I really enjoyed the service component. "

Anna Catherine S.

Ohio

"Victor had a fantastic time in Alaska. He bonded with the leaders and wants to pursue environmental science in college as a result of their influence. I'd call that a life-changing experience. "

Maria E.

Illinois

What to Pack

Download PDF

Weather conditions in Alaska can change quickly, and having the right gear is essential. Good, waterproof rain-gear and plenty of warm layers will ensure your child stays comfortable and dry throughout their trip. Cotton clothing should be avoided.

Questions about what to pack? Email trip planner Meg Pandiscio.

Luggage

Internal Frame Backpack

65-85 liters or 4,000-5,100 cubic inches. Before purchasing a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips (instructions are available here). We recommend getting fitted at a store and trying on multiple packs.
Day Pack

Basic two-shoulder backpack large enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, snacks, extra layers, and rain jacket. Use your day pack as a carry-on for your flight and for daily activities or hikes. A standard school backpack is usually fine (no satchels or shoulder bags), as long as it is comfortable to wear.

Clothing

Navy Overland T-Shirt (1)

We will send every student an Overland T-shirt prior to the trip. Please wear this T-shirt to trip start.
Synthetic T-Shirt (3)
Synthetic Shorts (2)
Fleece Pants (1)

Please do not bring cotton sweatpants (they are heavy and bulky and will not keep you warm if wet).
Work Pants (2)

Durable and suitable for trail work.
Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom (2)
Underwear (7)
Wool and/or Synthetic Socks (5)
Gloves or Mittens (1)
Winter Hat (1)
Hat with Visor (1)
Swimsuit (optional)

If we swim, many students will wear shorts (and a sports bra for girls).

Outer Layers

Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
Lightweight Synthetic or Down Jacket (1)
Raincoat (1)

Waterproof material (e.g., Gore-Tex, or similar) is required. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. Ponchos are not acceptable.
Waterproof Rain Pants (1)

General Gear

Waterproof Pack Cover

If your backpack does not come with a cover, we recommend buying a cover one size larger than your pack.
Synthetic Sleeping Bag

A lightweight, compact synthetic sleeping bag rated to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or less. A synthetic sleeping bag is required for this trip; down is not appropriate as it does not insulate if wet. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack no larger than 20" in length.
Sleeping Pad

¾-length or full-length closed cell foam (thin and firm) or lightweight, backpacking style inflatable pad.
Bowl, Mug & Utensils

6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, insulated plastic mug, spoon, fork, and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils (a Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).
Headlamp

Please bring an extra battery/batteries.
Water Bottle

One 1-liter bottle. A Camelbak or similar water carrier is acceptable.
Mosquito Head Net

Footwear

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Choose comfortable boots designed for hiking with a pack (i.e., mid to high cut for ankle support). Boots should be waterproof. Break them in before the start of your trip.
Camp Shoes

Closed-toe shoes to wear around camp. Crocs or lightweight tennis shoes are ideal.
Rubber Boots (optional)
Rubber boots for muddy trail work. Rain boots or similar.

Miscellaneous

Synthetic Camping Towel

A medium-size synthetic camping towel (synthetic camping towels dry much faster than regular towels).
Travel Size Toiletries
Sunglasses
Eye Protection (1)
A pair of plastic glasses or goggles to protect eyes when performing service work. Sunglasses will work.
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (10)

To organize and waterproof your gear and small items.
Large Trash Bags (4)

To waterproof your gear.
Package of Moleskin or Molefoam

To protect your feet from blisters.
Leather Work Gloves

Sturdy gloves to wear during volunteer work.
Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)

A digital or disposable camera.
Personal Journal or Book (optional)

Important Documents

Health Insurance Card

Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.
Photo Identification

If you are not flying: Overland does not require photo identification. If you are flying within the U.S.: The TSA website has two relevant pieces of information. (1) “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.” This language indicates that TSA staff can insist that an under-18 year old who does not have a companion (we interpret this as a companion who is 18 or over traveling with them—not just checking them in) must have TSA-compliant identification. Our experience is that this requirement is inconsistently enforced but, since it might be enforced, we recommend that all Overland students who are flying to/from their trip have TSA-compliant identification. (2) “Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” This is always smart to do as airline policies vary widely and change frequently.

Spending Money

Spending Money & Miscellaneous Expenses

Each student should bring a debit card, an ATM card, or a prepaid Visa card to cover spending money and miscellaneous expenses. Spending Money: While all meals and activities are included in the trip fee, we recommend $25/week for spending money (for example: for souvenirs or an occasional drink or snack beyond what is provided to the group as a whole). Miscellaneous Expenses: Most Overland students will incur some expenses while traveling (for example: an equipment repair or baggage fees at trip end). Please add $100 to the debit/ATM/Visa card (in addition to spending money), to cover these expenses.

Things to Know

Students should bring at least two reusable face masks on their trip.
Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).
If your child brings a phone for use while en route to their trip, Overland recommends you do not send them with an expensive smartphone; instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. Please see our FAQ's for more information on phones and other electronics.
Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
If you are flying to your trip, wear your hiking boots and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
Pack everything in your backpack or day pack. Do not bring additional luggage.
There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.
Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.

If you’re looking to purchase a backpack, fleece layers, etc., for your child, we encourage you to consider borrowing, renting, or purchasing lightly used gear. Especially for children who are still growing, using pre-owned gear can reduce both waste and cost.

Please note that some items wear out over time, and are best to purchase new (for example, a GORE-TEX raincoat). As with any gear, please make sure the items fit your child well. If you have any questions, please give us a call (413-458-9672) or email us (info@overlandsummers.com).

Here are a few reliable places where you can purchase used items:

FAQs

Does my child need to have previous experience?

While no previous experience is required, we have high expectations of our students.

We expect your child –with your help– to select a trip that is appropriate for their interests and abilities. You should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the details of the specific trip and help your child understand what to expect.

We also expect our students to prepare ahead of time: to review the packing list, gather clothing and gear, and complete whatever training the trip requires (for recommended training please see the Before You Go tab).

Once the trip begins, your child should be ready –and excited– to contribute to a wholesome and enthusiastic group in which each member feels welcomed and valued.
What are meals like at Overland? Can Overland accommodate allergies and intolerances?
Meals at Overland
Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition, and fun are the goals of Overland’s meals. Each group buys, prepares, and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders’ supervision, prepare all meals. A typical breakfast has cereal, milk, juice, and fruit; most lunches are sandwiches (or wraps) with a variety of fillings, plus chips, and fruit; dinners reflect easily prepared group meals like pasta, burritos, and stir-frys (all of which will typically have a selection of sauces and fillings). At Overland, meals are a group experience, an important way to foster connection with and consideration for other group members.

Allergies & Intolerances

We recognize there are many young people with food allergies or intolerances. We welcome these young people’s interest in joining us, and we ask parents of a prospective Overland student with an allergy/intolerance to please consider the following important information.

Most meals at Overland are prepared in basic kitchens (or outdoors), and groceries are typically purchased from small stores with limited choices. As a result, meals are prepared and served in what may be allergen-contaminated environments, and on many trips allergen-free/gluten-free foods are not readily available. While we cannot guarantee allergen-free meal settings, we will do what is reasonable to provide allergen-free/gluten-free foods on those trips where available.

In all things, our top priority is to help maintain all students’ well-being; to this end, all Overland leaders are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including administering antihistamines and epinephrine (both are carried in every trip’s first aid kit); leaders carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones, so that should the need arise, emergency personnel can be contacted and their services requested. It is important for all prospective parents to understand that many groups travel in remote areas where emergency services may not be easily or readily accessible.

Our Admissions Process is Collaborative

During our admissions process, we will review all submitted Allergy Questionnaires to understand the applicant’s allergy/intolerance. We will then consider whether or not the applicant’s allergy/intolerance may be reasonably accommodated. If our admissions team has any concerns, they will contact the parent. In this conversation, we will seek to learn more about the allergy/intolerance, and we will discuss the available grocery stores, emergency services, and medical facilities on the applied-for trip. These conversations generally have one of three outcomes:
1. The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
2. We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
3. We recommend waiting a year and re-applying.
Managing Food Allergies/Intolerances is a Partnership

Our commitment is to the health and well-being of each of our campers. Our goal is to partner with parents and campers—a partnership in which:
- We clearly describe our trips and policies;
- Parents clearly describe their child’s allergies or intolerances and their child’s maturity level and capability to self-manage their allergy or intolerance.
- We work together with parents in a collaborative and interactive process to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that can be made so that otherwise qualified applicants can participate in our trips.
- Students on an Overland trip take an active role in managing their allergies, including reading food labels as needed, eating only those foods with known ingredients, and seeking a leader if a reaction is suspected.
Meals: Vegetarians & Specialized Diets

Every summer there are many vegetarians who join our groups and who enjoy meat-free meals. We are happy to welcome these students as long as they understand they will share in the group’s meals but will simply have the meat portion withheld. For example: sandwiches at lunch with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (while the rest of the group has sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham); pasta at dinner with a tomato sauce (while the rest of the group has pasta with a meat sauce). We sometimes have requests from applicants with specialized diets—vegans, for example—to provide separate, specialized meals. As much as we might like to accommodate these applicants, the limitations of our kitchens, the size of available grocery stores, and the importance of group meals make it impractical to provide separate, specialized meals.
How often will there be access to showers and laundry? Will my child have to bring quarters and detergent for laundry?

Staying clean and comfortable is important at Overland!

Most trips have frequent access to hot showers. This ranges from nearly every night on some of our Introductory, Service, and Language trips, to every couple of days on many hiking trips, to longer stretches–three to five days, sometimes a little longer–on some of our more challenging trips. The goal on every trip, however, is to take showers when they are available!

In general, on every trip we do laundry once a week— this is typically in a laundromat with funds and detergent provided by Overland (and it’s usually a lot of fun!).
My child doesn't have experience being away from bathroom facilities. Will Overland's leaders teach and support the group?

Yes. We want each of our students to feel completely supported.

Every one of our trips will spend some of their time in areas with access to bathroom facilities, many of which include flush toilets, running water, and trash receptacles. Our youngest students, and those participating in service and language trips, will spend most of their time in settings like these.

All of our hiking trips will spend time away from areas with bathroom facilities. In preparation for a day hike away from facilities, or for a longer backpacking section, our leaders will teach the group about backcountry bathroom practices. In most cases, this will include digging a cat hole (a shallow six-inch hole) in a private location away from water sources. Leaders will also provide every group member a small bag to pack out toilet paper (and other paper products, e.g., pads and tampons).

Our leaders will also make sure that group members are supported with menstruation information, needs, and supplies (i.e., pads, tampons). We recommend sending your child with a supply of these items. If your child needs additional pads or tampons, the leaders can provide them.
What are Overland’s policies on phones, electronics, and communication?

Phones
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance, and in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to Overland, please do not send an expensive smartphone. Instead, an inexpensive prepaid cell phone will do. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. While we will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, theft, or loss, we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

Electronics
Cameras are welcome but please do not bring any other electronics (e.g., iPods, iPads, Kindles or other readers, GPS or similar devices). All electronics (except cameras) will be mailed home on arrival (at your risk and expense).

Communication: We’ll Be In Touch With You If Needed
Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly; they carry cell phones (and in some cases satellite phones). Anytime a camper is treated for an injury or illness by a doctor or other medical personnel, parents are notified by our office. A director will call the parents to explain the nature of the injury or illness, the sequence of events leading up to the injury, and/or the steps leading to the treatment. Parents are typically able to speak with the medical personnel, with the leaders, and with their child.
Can I send mail to my child during a trip?

Getting a letter, card, or postcard while on an Overland trip is always exciting.

Please keep in mind that sending mail to your child on an Overland trip is different than sending mail to a traditional camp because your child will be on the move. Our experience has been that mail often does not arrive on time, and sometimes even when it does, post offices, campgrounds, and other mail stops do not reliably deliver mail to our groups.

For these reasons:

1. Please do not send anything valuable – please send letters, cards, or postcards only. If mail is late, lost, or misdirected, Overland’s leaders and staff are not able to return to the post office (or other mail stop) to collect it.

2. Please use the US Postal Service first-class mail only; do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL (many of our mail stops accept US Postal Service mail only).

3. Please do not send overnight letters: many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.

4. Please allow one week for delivery to U.S. mail stops.

5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
My child’s birthday is during the trip — can I send a gift?

We recommend that you send a letter, card, or postcard instead and save the gift for when your child returns home at the end of the trip (and, don’t worry; your child’s trip leaders will make sure there is a celebration!).
Can I send my child a care package during the trip?

We recommend letters, cards, or postcards instead of care packages. If, however, you send a care package, bear in mind that many don’t make it to the intended recipient (because we’re moving), and that many aren’t returned to the sender.
Where does this trip start and end?

You will need to arrange transportation for your child to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) at trip start and trip end. We will provide more specific travel information once we have placed your child on a trip.
How does Overland handle bears and other wildlife?

Traveling as a large group goes a long way in preventing unwanted attention from wildlife. Our groups hike in well-traveled areas, and set up camp and store food in ways that reduce the chances of attracting wildlife. In the case of a bear encounter, our groups carry bear spray as an additional precaution.
Can my child receive credit for service hours?

You should check with your child’s school about whether or not Overland’s service hours meet their requirements. The approximate number of hours of service are listed in the sidebar. We will provide your child with proof of participation after completion of the service work.
What is Overland's Covid-19 policy?

Our full Covid-19 policy can be found here.
Please tell me about safety at Overland.

Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our decision-making–from trip planning to leader training to supporting our groups in the field.

We cannot guarantee absolute safety–no program can. All recreational activities include inherent risks. Therefore, we strive to manage the risks that we can, knowing we cannot eliminate them.

We work hard to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders so they can create the kind of trips that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What is Overland's admissions process?

When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will:

(1) email you to thank you for your application,

(2) send you a link to access your Family Portal, and

(3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card.

If your first choice is not available, we will email you to discuss options.

For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.

Before you Go

Work on national forest trails, backpack, and sea kayak in Alaska.

Students going on Service & Hiking Alaska should prepare for:

Full days of outdoor activities led by two caring Overland leaders
Day hikes to viewpoints and mountaintops
A weekend backpacking trip designed for first-time backpackers
5 days of volunteer service for an average of 7 hours each day
A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for the Hiking

On Service & Hiking Alaska, you will spend three days backpacking and day hiking and do some additional hiking to and from your trail work campsite. You will hike over rolling terrain, following trails that may be rough, muddy, and overgrown. While backpacking, you will carry all of your belongings (clothes, sleeping bag, and pad), some group gear, food, and water. Typically when backpacking, pack weights average about 30% of a hiker's weight. In the month before your trip, you should break-in your hiking boots (wear them a lot!) and complete the pre-trip training (see below). Once on your trip, you'll find that enthusiasm and a positive attitude will help to make the trip a success for you—and for everyone in your group.

Pre-Trip Training:

4 weeks before your trip: take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
3 weeks before your trip: take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.
2 weeks before your trip: take three 90-minute hikes in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10-15% of your body weight.
1 week before your trip: take three 2-hour hikes in your boots with a backpack loaded with 20-25% of your body weight.

Preparing for Service

Trips involving service work require a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard as a volunteer. You will spend five days working on trail building and reconstruction with a professional trail crew. You should be eager to participate in a variety of tasks depending on the needs of the local crew. Many tasks, such as moving gravel and improving drainage, involve strenuous physical labor. Although we do not expect you to have any trail work experience, you should be prepared for a challenge.

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland trips are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of your trip mates and your leaders. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. Arriving ready for a challenge — and prepared to contribute to an enthusiastic group — will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing for your Overland trip.

Covid-19 Information

This summer, we are asking all of our students

To be vaccinated for Covid-19, and we recommend being up-to-date on available boosters.
To test before their trips. The test can be a clinic-based PCR or rapid antigen test, or a home test. Please note: (a) We will not require families to upload the results of these tests (unless the family has received an exemption or exception to our vaccine requirement); (b) If your child has had (and fully recovered from) Covid-19 within 90 days of their trip start, there is no need to do a pre-trip test.
To mask up when traveling to your trip. In airports and on planes, please mask up. This could help keep you—and everyone in your group—healthy for the duration of your trip.

Overland

Service & Hiking Alaska