Outdoor Youth Days
Three-Day Youth Camp for ages 10–14
Rabbit Creek Shooting Park, Anchorage

Outdoor Youth Days Group Photo
Group activity photo
Study group

The mission of Outdoor Youth Days is to foster an awareness, respect, and enjoyment of Alaska's natural resources and to promote outdoor activities which include the shooting sports, fishing, and other outdoor skills in a safe and ethical manner.

Dates

Please check back after January 1st for the 2027 camp and registration dates.

  • There are two sessions held each year.
  • Students aged 10-14 are welcome to register. We cannot go outside this age range.
  • Space is limited to 30 students per session. We will create a waitlist when sessions are full.

Cost

  • The cost for the 2027 camp is pending.
  • Lunch, snacks, and beverages provided.

Activities and what students will learn

  • Map & Compass – differences between the two, explanation of a compass and how it works, how to read a compass bearing, overview of a basic topography map, how GPS coordinates are created, creating and finding waypoints, and more.
  • Firearm Safety – 4 major firearm safety rules, the parts of a firearm, how to properly pass a firearm to someone, and more.
  • Wildlife Identification & Tracking – how to identify tracks and scat, identify wildlife based on tracks and scat, learn how to spot wildlife, and more.
    • Group study photo
  • Wildlife Safety – what to do if you encounter a bear or moose, hands-on bear spray use, and more.
  • Outdoor Survival Skills
    • Shelters – anything to get you out of the weather
    • Fire Demonstration – identify materials to gather and how to start a fire
    • Signaling for help – Daytime and nighttime methods for being found
    • Fire starting activity
  • Shotgun Shooting – description of shotshell, multiple projectiles vs. one projectile, proper stance, shot patterning, and more.
    • Supervised shotgun demonstration
  • Rifle Shooting – range terminology and safety, responsibilities of a safety coach, use of a scope, proper setup, and more.
    • Supervised rifle demonstration
  • Archery – the parts and correct handling of a bow, proper stance, aiming techniques, and more.
  • Fly Fishing – tying knots, difference between types of flies, demonstration and practice for fly casting, and fishing at Taku Lake.
  • Spin Fishing - tying knots, difference between types of bait, demonstration and practice for spin casting, and fishing at Taku Lake.
    • Students fishing at lake
  • Macroinvertebrates – different species of insects, water quality level based on insect population and variety, where to find the insects, life cycle of insects, and more.
  • Boating Safety – importance of life preservers, dangers of cold-water exposure, and more.

For additional information or questions about Outdoor Youth Days, please contact dfg.dwc.hitprogram@alaska.gov.

OHFA and ADFG logos

Workshop Funding

The Outdoor Youth Days program is made possible by the cooperative efforts of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG) and their official foundation the Outdoor Heritage Foundation of Alaska (OHFA). OHFA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education in hunting and fishing. OHFA is supported by donations from individuals, companies, and organizations with an interest in sharing their enthusiasm for outdoor activities. www.ohfak.org