Hayo-Went-Ha Camps

ALASKA PROGRAM

The extended Alaska trip is a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable adventure. As Extendos, campers spend three weeks exploring southeast Alaska as they sea kayak, backpack, glacier climb, and raft around the last frontier. Each excursion is based out of Haines, Alaska and each cabin is accompanied by trained guides working at Alaska Mountain Guides.

The Alaska trip is a 3 week long action-packed extravaganza. After flying into Juneau and taking a ferry to Haines, campers will stay at CHAB base camp where they will sleep in tents in between trips. This excursion has multi-day trips as well as day trips to different areas of south-east Alaska.

The Chuck Creek Trail is located roughly 60 miles from Haines, after a short drive and crossing through customs into Canada (Passports required) we’ll arrive at the trailhead and begin our hike. This trail features a relatively flat profile for the first 5 miles as we navigate towards the backdrop of the Samuel Glacier. The hiking is through a stunning alpine landscape with optional side hikes at several sections of the trail.

On the Sea Kayaking portion of the trip, campers will spend 5 days paddling along the Pacific coast that hugs the Chilkat mountain range. While kayaking through the waterways and wavy fjords, campers will be able to look out for extraordinary wildlife like seals, orcas, humpback whales, and eagles! Each day, campers will spend around 3-6 hours paddling. At the seaside campsites, there will be incredible peachy sunsets along the mountains. At one campsite, campers will have the opportunity to hike inland to see the Davidson Glacier.

This Mountaineering/Glacier Climbing excursion offers campers the very unique experience of ice climbing and mountaineering on Flower Mountain. The first day, campers will backpack 7.5 miles up to the treeline, and then through the rolling hills to the base of the summit. They will set up basecamp there and spend 5 days on this beautiful mountain. They will first participate in “snow school” where they will learn how to traverse on snow/ice, use crampons and ice tools, and work in rope teams. Then campers will spend time repelling off glacier ledges, exploring the rock formations, sliding down snowy hills, and ice climb. On the last day, they will hike back down the 7.5 mile trail.

In between the multi-day trips, campers will go on exciting day trips. One activity they will do is the eagle float where they will go on a wildlife tour floating down the Chilkat River. This is an excellent eagle spotting opportunity as well as an educational opportunity as the tour guide will share informative commentary on the wildlife and ecosystem. Campers will even have the chance to row the float. On other days, campers will be able to explore the Haines downtown, visit museums, shop at local businesses, and eat at local cafes.

Throughout the Alaska adventure, campers will encounter unique natural spaces. There may be cold, winter-like days but also sunny warm days. While on the mountain ridges, they may hike through snowy paths and rock formations. While on seaside trails, they will go through lush forests filled with mossy trees and fungi. Alaska is home to immense wildlife including bears, moose, deer, whales, seals, foxes, pykas, and bald eagles.

All adventures are based out of Haines, Alaska and the group is accompanied by trained guides working at the Alaska Mountain Guides and Climbing School during all hiking, rafting, glacier climbing, and kayaking portions of this incredible twenty-one-day Alaskan experience.

The flight has been booked through a travel agent as a group ticket and will cost $995 for the first session and $783 for the second session. Please note if you register AFTER Jan 25th, 2023 at 5pm the cost of the flight may be more. We will add the actual cost of the individual flight that we book to our existing group booking to your family camp balance.


Please visit the camp website to watch a video of the Alaska camp.

TRIP LOCATION

The group will fly out together to Juneau, Alaska where they will catch a ferry north to Haines. The Alaska Mountain Guides and Climbing School will transport the group to their headquarters, where they will basecamp between adventures during their stay in Alaska.


Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha Camps is an all girls YMCA overnight camp that offers a dynamic combination of wilderness experiences and traditional in-camp activities. Located on 120 acres on the shores of beautiful Arbutus Lake, YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha has 109 years of tradition and experience to provide incredible adventures campers remember for a lifetime.

Campers learn to work together, to support each other and to respect what each member of the cabin has to offer. The wonderful variety of camp trips reinforce the value of teamwork. Cabin groups of two cabin leaders and eight campers meet the challenge of extended canoeing and hiking trips to Michigan’s north country, the Canadian wilderness or biking along trails across the Upper Peninsula, all the while learning to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Trained and experienced staff lead our trip programs.

The morning schedule allows campers to work together as a cabin unit. The time is also used to teach campers about the camping equipment, trip location and safety before their trips. The afternoon allows each camper to individually select any one of the following activities: sailing, swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery, nature studies, soccer, pickleball, gaga, tennis, basketball, and newspaper.

Our camp motto, Each for All...All for Each is evident in all we do. The cabin group is the essence of the camping experience. We emphasize and follow the seven core values of our YMCA of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Inclusion, Teamwork, Environmental Stewardship and Responsibility in all that we do.



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