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So, you're thinking about going on an Alaska Crossing's Trip? Last year, over 200 teenagers just
like you graduated from the Alaska Crossings program. They came from all over the state, from
villages such as Savoonga or Point Hope, to cities like Anchorage and Juneau. Guys and girls
between the ages of 12 and 18 were faced with the same decision that you are right now, and took
a chance by accepting this challenge. Everyone comes to Alaska Crossings for different reasons; we
know that being a teenager isn't always easy. You might be having a hard time getting along with
your parents or teachers, feeling down on yourself, or you migh tbe having substance issues. Whatever
it is that brings you to Alaska Crossings, we're ready to help. Feeling nervous about the unknown?
That's totally normal! Let's break down what things will look like once you and your family have
decided that Alaska Crossings is the right place for you:
You will be asked to help fill out sections of the application. Be honest and provide the
best information that you can.
You will speak with a clinician who will have some more questions. They will write a treatment plan
that will guide the staff in helping you.
 Ask
questions. We can arrange for you to speak to a field guide and answer your questions about the
program. Read the web site. Be involved...It's you life!
We will book you a ticket from your hometown to Wrangell, and send you all of the travel information.
You and the other group members will arrive together in Wrangell. Staff members will greet you
at the airport, and from there, the journey begins!
You will get to know your group members and guide team very well throughout the program. It is
important to know that your guides have chosen this job because they enjoy working with teenagers,
and you will always be treated with respect. Don't worry if you have never done anything like this
before; your guides will help you to be comfortable in the Alaskan wilderness. They will teach you
everything you need to know to be safe and have loads of fun while spending time in the outdoors. You
will be outfitted with the gear that you need: everything from a backpack, to boots, to raingear and
warm layers. You will have a variety of delicious meals and snacks, like 5-layer Lasagna with Garlic
Bread, Chicken Enchiladas or Spanish Rice; our food is great! You will accomplish so much during your
51-day expedition. Imagine paddling a canoe down a world-class river, climbing and navigating up
mountains and all while making friendships that will last you a lifetime.
While at Alaska Crossings, you will also be developing a set of personal skills to take back home
with you. Your guides will help you along the way as you progress towards goals that have been created
just for you. Each day, you'll have a chance to practice, grow and learn in an encouraging and supportive
environment. Not only will your guides teach you the wilderness skills that you will strengthen as you
move through the expedition, but they will also instruct you on an acronym that is unique to Alaska
Crossings. Each letter in the P.A.D.D.L.E.R. acronym represents a skill that
you will strengthen before returning back home. The goal is for you to return home after this lifetime
experience feeling confident in yourself and your abilities, making choices that have positive consequences,
and believing that you have control over how your life turns out.
We look forward to having you come on a trip with us at Alaska Crossings. We often hear back from kids
long after they have graduated from the program. Here is what some kids have had to say about their
experience:
"At Alaska Crossings I learned how to give people respect, and the program wasn't too
difficult. I have noticed that I have more privileges and get along better with my family since I got
home. "
-14-year-old boy from Eagle River
"It was fun and taught me some good skills. It taught me how to get along with people for a long time,
just like in school. The guides were cool and funny, and they helped me get through a lot of things. Some
fun things were being out in the woods, paddling, hiking a mountain, seeing the wildlife like fish and
animals, and seeing waterfalls. "
-15-year-old girl from Nome
"The guides were awesome- oh my gosh I loved them! I really liked the program. I got to see beautiful,
things I had never seen. I thought it was incredible, something you should want to do just because it
could change your life forever."
-14-year-old girl from Fairbanks
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