Alaska Community Service Itinerary

Specific projects and partners are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described. Duration may vary depending on needs upon our arrival.

Anchorage - Service Partners & Projects

FOOD BANK OF ALASKA (FBA)
FBA is dedicated to eliminating hunger by obtaining and distributing over one million pounds of food to 270 agencies serving food banks, soup kitchens, schools and senior centers. Last year funds were raised to make available over 6700 meals- talk about satisfying! Of course it was also fun when locals recognized us in town as “those kids from the TV news!” Our projects include baking and selling goods to raise funds, sorting and boxing second hand clothing and packing food for shipment.

BEAN’S CAFÉ
Lynn Ballew, a single mom from Boston, brought her daughter (nick named Beans) on a road trip in the summer of 1977. In Anchorage, Lynn noticed many people in need of shelter and warm meals. So they stayed and started a soup kitchen & day shelter for those in need. Now open 365 days a year, Bean’s Café is a center where the hungry and homeless are provided with hot meals, and a warm and safe day shelter. Lynn’s tale inspires and reminds each of us of the difference a single person can make. Our projects include preparing and serving meals, repairs to and improving the building, smiling and playing cards with seniors or tossing a Frisbee with children. You are sure to gain an eye-opening experience from working on the front lines at this day shelter.

KIDS’ KITCHEN
“No child should be hungry!” It’s one thing to say it, yet another to do it and that’s exactly what founder Elgin Jones did. From his vision, Kids' Kitchen has served more than 500,000 hot and nutritious meals over 10 years to children from low-income families. Our projects include meal preparation, serving, organizing arts and crafts and landsports with local children who come to Kids Kitchen, reading to children, and lots of TLC.

Anchorage - Adventure Highlights
Mount McKinley at 20,320 feet is North America’s tallest peak and can be seen on clear days! Alaska is home to 20 different native languages and eleven distinct cultures. Get to know these First Nations at the Native Heritage Center and hear unforgettable stories passed down for generations. Cycle beautiful Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, cool off at the H20 Oasis Water Park, and enjoy great crafts and entertainment at the Open Air Anchorage Market. You’ll whitewater raft down the Matanuska River and glacier hike to see stunning views of Denali.

Homer/Peterson Bay – Service Projects & Partners

CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES (CACS)
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies fosters responsible interaction with our natural surroundings and generates knowledge of the ecosystems of Kachemak Bay, a critical habitat area. For 20 years they have researched sea life and rainforest preservation from their remote island field school. You will live on this private island in the comfort of Yurts and explore the beauty of the rainforest, secluded beach and marine life. You will build walkways, clear trails and study marine life.

Seward – Adventure Highlights

We take off 4 days from service and enjoy the following touring highlights in this city by the bay.

Seward is the "Gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park," and Resurrection Bay is where we kayak and cruise to Portage Glacier for sights and sounds you will remember for the rest of your life. Mush through wilderness on an Alaskan dog sled ride with Iditarod champs on a wheeled sled harnessed to amazing race dogs. Put on your lab coat and participate in a squid dissection project at the world renowned Alaska Sea Life Center. This great trip to The Great Land gives us opportunity to work for change, and promises to change us as well. On our final night, we will have much to celebrate!