Activites

<< See also our One Day Adventures

Self Sufficient. That is our motto! When you arrive, we can and will happily guide you in any and all activities. But consider this more of a safety net than a requirement that you are always monitored. We want you to learn how to feel at ease in the wilderness. We will feed you, if you require it but you are expected to be bringing your own food and cook for yourself. Whether it is building a fire (when every bit of wood is wet from rain) or bush camp cooking techniques learned from years of remote subsistence living. Our goal is to train you when YOU WANT THE ASSISTANCE!

There are two main considerations when visiting us.

First, are you planning a winter or summer time experience?

Your second decision is an equally interesting one: Are you looking for an amazing vacation adventure with real Alaskans, in a pristine remote Alaskan setting? Or are you searching for a remote Alaskan experience with an desire towards living and traveling in Alaska sometime in the future.

1st Alaska Outdoor School has uniquely designed experiences for future vacationers, remote travelers and Alaskan homesteaders!

Everyone plans their own daily activities. When you consider how our programs are structured, you can take a simple adventure like a kayak trip and turn it into a valuable learning experience. The evening before your Kayak trip you can take our Kayak seminar, and get more enjoyment out of your kayaking adventure the next day! It is up to you, there is no obligation to sit in a classroom.

Instead of just going on a hike, why not take our Flora & Fauna Seminar the night before you head out. You may be rewarded with berries, mushrooms, and other surprises from our seminar that show you what to look for the next day. Someone who plans to live in Alaska may want to take those berries and learn about canning, preserving, and other food storage related issues in our Canning Seminar. Someone can attend our Cabin Building Seminar in the evening and practice these techniques at our location.

Most people traveling to Alaska are looking for adventures both easy and challenging. We also know that you are good at doing the research for your Off-the-beaten-path trip (otherwise you never would have found us, thanks!)

Vacationers can stay with real Alaskans on a real homestead. You may take in all the adventures you wish: at your own convenience. You may sit in on one of our instructional sessions or perhaps you are in the mood for a nice self guided hike or a nature walk with one of our guides. Some guests will be staying with us for an extended period of time and they may participate in the same adventures as a vacationing guest. For a person thinking of living in remote Alaska we offer a tremendous opportunity to gain great knowledge in a short period of time. Building a log home in remote Alaska is quite the challenge! Imagine learning expert techniques in everything from site selection, local materials, foundations and construction techniques. Perhaps you wish to get involved in an actual project. Classroom and hands-on instruction are always available to you.

Classroom seminars in the evening followed by application of skills in the field the next day are common practice. Attend seminars or simply take adventures in any of the following subjects:

A few of the seminars and adventures available (1 to 2 hour Seminars $10.00 each, Full and Half Day Field Trips are $40 each & include guides and gear) Note* - a minimum of 6 people required for seminar

Alaska Homesteading - Bush Skills - Remote Traveling Skills

Nature studies: Flora & Fauna of the Chatanika

Species Behavior & Habitat - Bear & Large Predator Awareness

Fishing for life: Salmon, Burbot, Pike, Grayling and Whitefish - Berry Picking, Preserving & Canning

Building your own Log Cabin (our most detailed seminar)

Kayak & Canoe, basic to advanced techniques - Basic Arctic Survival Skills - Winter Camping in Alaska

Snow Shoeing - Cross Country Skiing - Skijoring - Dog Mushing

Ice Fishing (includes Auger skills) - Trapping Techniques & responsibilities

Rental Gear Available

Canoe or Kayak rental from school site is only $40.00 per day or $150 for 5 days (maximum 2 people)

Winter guests, ask about Snow Shoes - Cross Country Skis - and other winter gear!

1stAOS sells these items to you for:

Basic fishing gear $ 50.-

Summer sleeping bag: $ 50.-

Cooking utensils: $ 50.-