Submerge your kids in God's word. This summer FBC Anchorage will take your kids on an adventure like no other, deep within the mysterious sea. And it's all free! As kids submerge themselves in God's Word, they will discover Jesus didn't just see what's on the outside of people: He looked deep down on the inside. So grab your goggles, step into your flippers and dive in to find truth below the surface! Jesus sees. Jesus knows. Jesus saves. Register by May 14 for a special surprise.
Age or grade level: 4 years - 6th grade
When: May 23 - May 27
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Church, 1100 West 10th Ave.
Cost: Free
Contact: 279-8481
Anchor Lutheran School Summer Program
Our Summer Program is a full day program for children ages 3-12. We offer a fun-filled summer with exciting weekly field trips, creative outdoor activities, arts & crafts, chapel time, bike days, water fun days, picnic days and much more! We offer flexible schedules with several rates to choose from according to your needs. Applications for admission available in our office located at 8100 Arctic Blvd. or on our website at ALSalaska.org.
Age or grade level: Ages 3-12
When: May 31 - Aug. 12
Time: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Anchor Lutheran School, 8100 Arctic Blvd.
Cost: $850/Monthly; $50 /Daily; $6.30/Hourly
Contact: 522-3636 or office@alsalaska.org
First Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School
First Presbyterian Church invites all children to "Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love" Vacation Bible School. Discover how to surf through life with God and others. The adventure includes energizing music, interactive Bible fun, cool crafts, mission projects, great games and delicious snacks.
Age or grade level: 4 years - 6th grade
When: June 6 - June 10
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 616 West 10th Ave.
Cost: Pre-registration is free; $10 Registration Late Fee begins May 23.
Contact: Danna Larson, Director of Education, dllsitka@gmail.com
Birchwood Camp is a welcoming community and a ministry of the United Methodist Church providing residential summer camps for all ages and adventure canoe camps for teens. Birchwood Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which establishes best practices for health, safety and program, ensuring a positive, safe camp experience. We practice kindness, acceptance, respect, cooperation, outdoor learning and play. Our camp activities include games, crafts, swimming, SUP boarding, boating, skits, worship, bible study, hiking, campfires and more. Our camps provide safe spaces for spiritual formation, genuine community and character development. Session dates and details available at www.birchwoodcamp.org.
Age or grade level: Grades 1-12
When: June 6 - Aug. 7
Time: Varies
Where: Birchwood Camp, Chugiak
Cost: $170 - $370
Contact: info@birchwoodcamp.org, 907-688-2734
For those seeking a fun-filled and Christ-centered atmosphere, Victory Bible Camps is a place where kids of all ages can enjoy a week filled with excitement away from the routine of daily life. Our picturesque setting is perfect for kindling both spiritual growth and lifelong memories. The goal of Victory is for each camper to draw one step closer to Jesus through their experience at camp. We offer four camps run simultaneously. Alpine is our base camp for all ages. Ranch is for horse lovers who desire to spend time with and learn more about horses. Adventure camp is for those who want to experience the outdoors, camping and cooking over a fire. Finally, S.A.L.T. is for high schoolers that want to be pushed in their servant leadership.
Age or grade level: Grades 2-12
When: June 12 - July 29
Time: Sunday 4:30 p.m.; Friday 6 p.m.
Where: Victory Bible Camp, 64741 Victory Rd., Sutton
Cost: Varies depending on camp
Contact: 745-4203, or program@vbcalaska.org
Dive in with us and discover life below the surface as we are Submerged: Finding Truth below the Surface. On our submarine expedition we will enjoy Bible study, snacks, recreation, crafts, missions and music with motions. All those 4 years old by August 1 through those going into 7th grade are invited to join in any or all days. Register when you come or see our website.
Age or grade level: 4 years old through entering 7th grade
When: Aug. 1 - Aug. 5
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Sunset Hills Baptist Church, 12130 Old Seward Hwy.
Cost: Free
Contact: 345-2500, sunsethills.org, P.O. Box 110205, 99511
Where: North Soldotna
Contact: solidrockbiblecamp.com, 907-262-4741, srbc@alaska.net
Lakeside Camp
Lakeside Camp provides engaging outdoor activities in a supervised setting. These include: Archery, Riflery, Mountain Boards, Crafts, Climbing and team games. Don't forget Waterfront fun with our Blob, rope swings, paddleboards and boats.
Age or grade level: Grades 2-3; Grades 4-6; Grades 7-8; Grades 7-12
When: June 19 - June 25; June 26 - July 2; July 6 - July 9; July 17 - July 23; July 31 - Aug. 6; Aug. 16 - Aug. 18
Cost: $55 for Teen Night Camp, Aug. 16 - Aug. 18; $165-$280 (optional Horsemanship w/ extra fee)
Developmentally Disabled Camp
Provides engaging indoor and outdoor activities in a closely supervised setting. Enjoy crafts, canoe rides, horses and group games.
Age or grade level: Ages 7-17
When: June 15 - June 18
Cost: Free
Drama Camp
Develop theatrical technique and begin to experience the stage through acting, auditioning, improvisation, character development, choreography and theatre games. Also enjoy the waterfront and other fun activities after theatre sessions.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-12
When: June 26 - July 2
Cost: $280
Basketball Camp and Volleyball Camp
Basketball camp has two gym sessions daily with experienced and knowledgeable coaching, drills, shooting skills, matches and insight from those who know the game. Enjoy the waterfront and games at both Basketball camp and Volleyball camp. Volleyball camp gives you an a chance to learn skills, work on your technique and get a lot of court time with two sessions a day. Experienced coaching. Various skill levels welcome. Enjoy the waterfront and games at both Basketball camp and Volleyball camp.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-12
When: July 24 - July 30
Cost: $330
Running Camp
Trail runs, track workouts, core strength training, group games and activities, waterfront, second supper and informative presentations on various topics related to running.
Age or grade level: Grade 7-12
When: July 10 - July 16
Cost: $330
Wakeboard/Waterski Camp
Meet and learn from wakeboard, waterski, and/or wakeskate pros; practice your skills during two daily on-the-water sessions Monday - Friday; and enjoy the waterfront and games between sessions.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-12
When: July 10 - July 16
Cost: $330
Family Camp
Have a great time playing and connecting as a family. Enjoy the activities Solid Rock has to offer and celebrate with us at our Independence Day Fair. Waterfront, disc golf, riflery and more.
Age or grade level: All ages
When: July 3 - July 6
Cost: $85-$125 per person over age 8; $55-$95 under age 8
Wagon Train Horse Camp
Horsemanship skills in the saddle and on the ground taught by CHA certified instructors and tailored to participants' skill levels. Sleep in covered wagons and ride the bucking barrel, plus other camp activities like Archery, Crafts and Waterfront fun! New Day Camp: Enjoy Crafts, Archery, Waterfront and Horse activities; Good for first-time campers; For grades 3-6; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (includes lunch) July 4 - July 8.
Age or grade level: Grades 2-3; 4-6; 7-12
When: June 15 - June 18; June 19 - June 25; June 26 - July 2; July 4 - July 8 (Day Camp); July 10 - July 16; July 17 - July 23; July 31 - Aug. 6
Cost: $190-$365
Wagon Train Girls EQcel Horse Camp
Are you ready to delve into a wider range of horsemanship skills? In addition to riding and ground classes, EQcel participants receive hands-on instruction in horse-keeping skills such as first aid, feeding and training. For riders with previous experience.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-12
When: July 24 - July 30
Cost: $415
Wilderness Day Hikes
Introductory daytime hikes practicing your backcountry skills on Kenai Peninsula trails. Nights are spent camping at the Wilderness Base Camp on Solid Rock grounds. Led by experienced staff including a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grade 5-8
When: July 6 - July 9
Cost: $190
Wilderness Canoe Voyage
Spend the week canoeing and camping along the Swan Lake canoe trails. Learn a variety of canoeing skills, portaging techniques and paddle strokes. Led by experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-8; Grades 9-12
When: June 26 - July 2; July 10 - July 16
Cost: $280
Wilderness Sea Kayak
Watch glaciers calve, and whales, sea lions and otters swim while camping on the beaches of the dramatic Blackstone Bay near Whittier. Led by experienced staff including a Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grades 9-12
When: June 15 - June 25
Cost: $480
Wilderness Hike and Canoe
Split between a three-day and two-night canoe voyage and beautiful day hikes with nights spent at Solid Rock's Wilderness Base Camp. Small numbers and grand views, led by experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-8
When: July 31 - Aug. 6
Cost: $280
Wilderness Bike, Hike & Canoe
This is a great experience for those wanting a variety of outdoor adventures. Spend two days mountain biking to an alpine lake, one day hiking and two days canoeing on the beautiful Kenai Lake. Led by experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grades 9-12
When: July 24 - July 30
Cost: $370
Wilderness Alpine Backpack
Spend the week out in the wilderness backpacking. See amazing scenery from high mountaintops and hike exciting trails. Physically demanding, but incredibly rewarding. Led by experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grades 7-8; Grades 9-12
When: June 29 - July 6; Aug. 7 - Aug. 13
Cost: $280
Wilderness Hike & Whitewater Rafting
Fast-paced and extreme - spend the week backpacking and camping with a day on Sixmile Creek, guided by Nova River Runners, the Kenai's premier white water river. Led by experienced staff, including a Wilderness First Responder.
Age or grade level: Grades 9-12
When: July 17 - July 23
Cost: $385
This content was originally published as part of the 2016 Summer Camps Guide. Individual camp listings were provided by each camp.