Ecology Expedition
What makes local ecosystems so fascinating? Join an expedition-style backpacking trip to conduct scientific research, nature journal, and have fun!
Explore uplands, wetlands, and everything in between to see the natural history and geology of Kachemak Bay. Participants will have the opportunity to grow their leadership skills, backpacking experience, and dive deep into a research project of their own! There will be exploration, there might be s’mores, and there will be fun!
Ages: 12-15 (Peer Leader option for 16-17 year olds upon Coastal Studies’ approval)
Coastal Studies offers full and half scholarships for youth to participate in our camps. Apply now!
Price
To increase accessibility to our programs, Coastal Studies offers a sliding-scale payment option for our overnight camps. Please choose the option to pay the full cost of the program if you are able, and select the low-cost option if that is the right financial fit for your family. For questions about the tier system, contact our Program Director.
Full cost: $300
Low-cost: $200
Some travel funding for youth from Kachemak Bay/Lower Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound, the Kodiak Archipelago, and Alaska Peninsula is available. Please contact Katie Gavenus or 907-235-1974 for more information.
Duration
June 21st-24th, 2026
This is a 4-day/3-night program.
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This camp will likely include a “Gear Check” meeting the night before, or the morning of camp.
The Ecology Expedition takes place on beaches and ridgelines of Homer, Lower Cook Inlet, and Kachemak Bay. This is an expedition-style trip, meaning participants will make camp in a different location every night. No prior camping experience is necessary.
A detailed packing list will be included in your confirmation email. Please consult our staff before buying new gear.
Approximately 2 weeks from the camp's start date, you'll receive an introductory email from the program leader detailing drop-off and pick-up times.
If you chose to just pay the deposit when you booked, you can stop by the office, contact our bookkeeper, or mail a check to pay the balance due. This must be done before the first day of camp. If not paid by then, the credit card on file will be charged the remaining balance.
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Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to your registered session's start will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made 15-29 days prior to the start date will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made 14 days or fewer prior to the start date do not receive a refund.
Sudden Camp Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel due to an emergency or the participant cannot stay for the full camp after the camp has already started, please contact us and we can discuss options around a partial refund. Examples include but are not limited to: family medical emergency, participant experiences an illness and needs to go home, camp cannot meet pre-disclosed participants behavioral health needs. This Sudden Camp Cancellation Policy does not apply when there is a violation to our Behavior Policy, section “Right to Revoke Access.”
If you cancel your reservation, that spot will be offered to someone on our waitlist. We do not accept recommendations as to who should fill your cancellation.
