Camp Fire Alaska’s teen programs empower youth to build leadership, life skills, and confidence through hands-on experiences year-round. From school-year sessions focused on career readiness and service learning to summer programs that immerse teens in outdoor adventures and counselor training, each opportunity helps teens discover their strengths and grow as leaders.
SCHOOL-YEAR TEEN PROGRAMMING
Camp Fire Alaska offers a free Teen Program for youth ages 13–17 during the school year. From December through April, teens will meet twice a month at our Mountain View office to grow as leaders and build life and career skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Activities include leadership development, resume and interview prep, CPR certification, service learning, and outdoor adventures like skating and sledding. Plus, a special week of programming during Spring Break and a final celebration to bring the experience to a memorable close.
December–April, twice per month (except Spring Break)
Located at Camp Fire Alaska's Main Office in Mountain View
Cost is free! Register any time before the end of the session.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (except CPR training in January: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
Key Dates
KICKOFF MEETING
Date: Dec 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
JANUARY CPR TRAINING
Date: TBD in January
Time: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Teens will have the opportunity to facilitate activities or help support a group during program time.
Dates: March 9 – March 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
END-OF-PROGRAM CELEBRATION
Date: April 8, 2026
Time: TBD
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING
Camp Fire Alaska’s Counselor in Training (CIT) program runs throughout the summer for teens ages 14–15 who want to build leadership skills and prepare for future roles as camp counselors. Each two-week session at Camp Fireweed, a day camp based on the Alaska Pacific University campus in Anchorage, focuses on a different area—including camp operations, leadership, specialty skills, and counselor techniques.
Participants gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills such as conflict resolution and group facilitation. Teens can join one or multiple sessions to grow their confidence and leadership abilities while having fun at camp.
HOW TO APPLY: Registration will open soon.
Fast Facts
Ages 14–15 years old
Each session is two weeks long, June - August. Dates exclude June 19, July 4, and weekends.
Located at Camp Fireweed on the Alaska Pacific University campus
2026 costs will be announced soon. Register 5 days before the session begins.
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
2026 Session Overview
SESSION 1 – All About Camps | June 1–12
Get an inside look at how camps run and what makes each type unique.
SESSION 2 – Health & Life Skills | June 15–26
Learn practical ways to stay active, manage stress, and support wellness at camp.
SESSION 3 – Leadership Skills | June 29–July 10
Build confidence through communication practice and group leadership techniques.
SESSION 4 – Specialist Skills | July 13–24
Explore and help lead specialty areas like boating, archery, or creative arts.
SESSION 5 – Counselor Skills | July 27–August 7
Practice managing camper groups and planning activities alongside counselors.
Note: Dates exclude June 19, July 4, and weekends
LEADER IN TRAINING
Camp Fire Alaska’s Leader in Training (LIT) program is a three or four-week summer experience at Camp K, a sleep-away camp on Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing, for teens ages 15–17 who want to build leadership skills and prepare for future roles in camp settings.
Participants enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and creative arts, then progress through leadership training, cabin responsibilities, and hands-on facilitation alongside mentors. The program includes life and job skills training, food and lodging, free travel to Camp K, and a $500 stipend.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications will open soon.
Fast Facts
Ages 15–17 years old
Session 1: June 1 – June 26 (4 weeks) | Session 2: July 6 – July 24 (3 weeks)
Located at Camp K on Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing
Session 1: $3,200 | Session 2: $2,400
Costs include travel to and from Camp K from their home community, as well as food and lodging for the duration of the session.
$500 provided to participants upon completion of the program.
2026 Session Overview
WEEK 1
Experience Camp K as a teen participant with outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, creative arts, team building, sports, hiking, archery, riflery, and more.
WEEK 2
Begin leadership training with instruction on facilitating youth programs, managing camper behavior, building communication strategies, and learning safety procedures.
WEEK 3
Transition to take responsibility for a cabin group and leading activities alongside supportive adult mentors.
WEEK 4 - Session 1 only
Continue cabin responsibilities, lead activities, and participate in job-related skill-building discussions.
The Camp Fire Alaska main office operates on the ancestral land of the Dena’ina people. Camp Fire Alaska runs programing on the lands of the Athabascan, Yup’ik, Chup’ik, Sougpiaq, and Inupiaq peoples. We value and thank them for their current and historic commitment to and protection of this land. We pledge to assist, in partnership, in the environmental stewardship of these lands. We strive to learn more about the history of the Native peoples of Alaska and the historic trauma they have suffered. We commit to being an active ally through activities, actions, and organizational decisions and practices. We understand that this is a dynamic process through which our Land Acknowledgement practices, and statement will evolve as we receive feedback from tribal partners and acquire a deeper understanding of and from the Native peoples of Alaska.. (v2)
