Denali Field Camp: Program Details

What will we do during Denali Field Camp?

DFC sessions include classroom-based and outdoor science activities, hikes near the classroom and at Mountain Vista (mile 13 of the park road), and a visit to the park’s sled dog kennels. A typical schedule is included below; we provide each group with an updated version upon arrival. Flexibility is key to balance the needs of the group with weather and environmental conditions.

Here is a general overview: we are in the process of writing more detailed overviews – stay tuned!

• Day 1: Get oriented to Denali and your campground and learn how to be safe and have fun during your program, participate in team-building activities.
• Days 2-3: Explore Denali with NPS and partner educators. Itineraries are shaped by group leaders and NPS staff to meet the needs and educational goals of the individual group. Options may include:
  • Go hiking on a trail or in the backcountry
  • Participate in field work with NPS researchers
  • Learn about and discuss the power of place names
  • Meet and help care for Denali's sled dogs
  • Explore the Denali Visitor Center
• Day 4: Participate in reflective activities, pack up camp, and depart with new friends and memories.

Where will we sleep?

Sleeping accommodations are dependent on final group itinerary
For groups staying at Riley Creek Campground:

• Campsite reservations will be made prior to group’s arrival. Riley Creek Campground operates under a first come, first serve system and final site placement will be dependent on availability. Groups must bring tents, and participants must bring sleeping bags and pads. Paid laundry and showers are available at the Riley Creek Mercantile.
  

For groups staying at Teklanika Field Camp:

• Teklanika Field Camp offers tent cabins available for visiting groups. Each cabin has two rustic bunk beds with four total beds. Each bed has a foam mattress. Participants must bring a sleeping bag. Partners are responsible for determining tent cabin placements for their group’s needs (4 people per cabin max).

Both Riley Creek Campground and Teklanika Field Camp offer potable water, food storage, partner vehicle parking and vault toilet facilities. Showers are not available at Teklanika Field Camp.

What kinds of meals and snacks should we bring?

In 2024, groups are responsible for providing sufficient and dietary-conscious meals for the duration of a DFC program. On-site food storage and potable water are provided. Cooking facilities may be available dependent on group’s final itinerary.
Tip: Assign students to work teams to help with cooking and cleanup

Menu Ideas

Meals are ideally quick to cook, involve minimal at-camp preparation, balance comfort and nutrition, and contain enough energy to get everyone through active trip days and chilly trip nights.

Breakfast

• Recommended: Buffet breakfast with a combination of add-hot-water only items such as instant oatmeal and hot beverages, plus cold items such as bagels and fruit
• Not recommended due to cooking and cleaning time: Full hot breakfasts such as pancakes and bacon. Cooking stations are not near sinks, so cleanup can take an excessive amount of time.

Lunch

• Recommended: Sandwiches and lots of snacks, including fruits and veggies, that students can choose at lunch packing time and consume at will
• Tip: Set up a lunch packing station where students can assemble their own sandwiches and choose snacks for the day during breakfast. Make use of reusables when you can – trash and recycling are limited.

Dinner

• Recommended: Easy-cook meals where food elements remain separate to allow for choice (e.g. avoid pre-combining the carb, sauce, and protein). Examples include:
  • Spaghetti, sauce, salad, pre-cooked meatballs
  • Macaroni and cheese, sauteed veggies
  • Taco station (pre-cook meat and re-warm at camp to avoid a mess)
  • Rice-based meals with quick-cook rice, e.g. pre-made curries, stir fry stations
  • Freeze-dried backpacking meal that require hot water only (buckets of emergency food are available at box stores; ensure the flavors are kid-friendly and consider portion sizes for light/picky/hearty eaters)
• Not recommended: Meals that take more than 30 minutes to cook or require more than two pots/pans

What personal gear should participants bring?

We do lots of outdoor activities regardless of the weather, and students learn best when they are warm and comfortable. In May, September, and early October, Denali tends to have average high temperatures in the 40s and 50s and average lows in the 20s and 30s. Students should come prepared for rain – or maybe even snow! – and cold weather. As your DFC session approaches, please check the forecast for zip code 99755.

Pack clothes that can be layered to accommodate variable weather conditions and indoor/outdoor transitions. Clothes and shoes should be comfortable and easy to walk in for long periods of time. Cotton is cold and heavy when wet, so synthetic or wool layers are best. Students and adults must always wear long pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes when outside. Participants will likely be most comfortable wearing long sleeves, a sweatshirt, and a light jacket.

 

Required Items

Please bring ONE bag and ONE daypack with the following items. All overnight items should pack into the bag and all-day items should fit into the daypack.

Day Items (all non-worn items packed into one daypack)

• Clothes appropriate for learning and moving outside (preferably wool or synthetic)
  • Mid-weight long sleeve shirt
  • Hiking pants (athletic pants work fine)
  • Warm socks (not cotton)
  • Optional: T-shirt
• Lunch for the first day, on your way to Denali
• Daypack for carrying lunch, water bottle, rain gear, and extra layers
• Enough water bottles to fit 2 liters of water (non-leaking and closeable)
• Mid-layer (fleece, hoodie, flannel, or sweater; preferably wool or synthetic)
• Warm jacket (synthetic puffy or similar)
• Warm hat
• Mittens or gloves
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Sneakers or hiking boots (waterproof or water resistant preferred but not required; rain boots are okay if they are comfortable to walk in for long distances; no sandals or open-toed shoes)
• Recommended sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, brimmed/ball cap
• Optional: bug net, camera, watch

 

Overnight Items (packed into one duffel bag)

• Sleeping bag in stuff sack (rated to 15° F)
• Sleeping pad for participants staying at Riley Creek Campground
• Second set of outdoor clothes (ideally synthetic or wool)
  • T-shirt
  • Mid-weight long sleeve shirt
  • Hiking pants (athletic pants work fine)
  • Warm socks (not cotton)
• Sleeping clothes: shirt and sweatpants that can serve as additional clothes in a pinch
• Sleeping socks: one pair of socks that is reserved for sleeping dry and warm
• Long underwear top and bottom
• Underwear
• Personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, small hand towel, etc. (put your liquid items in a plastic bag in case they leak)
• Shoes for camp (crocs or lightweight sneakers)
• Large trash bag to serve as waterproof liner for gear bag if needed
• Optional: Small (half of regular size or smaller) pillow
• Optional: Stuffed animal OR book OR journal
• All medicine is labeled, in a plastic bag, and given to your teacher.

Double Check

• Do your day items pack into one daypack?
• Do your overnight items pack into one bag?
• Except for your lunch on the first day, no extra snacks in bags.
• No music players, electronic games, or toys are allowed.
• Items prohibited at school are also not permitted at Denali Field Camp.