2026 SUMMER PROGRAMS
Please stay tuned as we continually update our program schedule.
Full calendar with various workshops, lectures, and community events coming in May.
Academic Programming
The Wrangell Mountains Field Studies Program
Partnered with the University of Maine School of Earth Sciences, our Field Studies Program offers a 7 week, 6 credit course to students from all over the world. During this interdisciplinary field program, students will spend a total of 3 weeks on our campus and 4 weeks in the backcountry, led by instructors Joey Boots-Ebenfield, Kristin Link, Aaron Chesler, Ben Shaine, and Fellow George Wening. The program will offer a public symposium on our campus at the end of the course in August.
The program runs from June 22 - August 10, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, click here to apply today.
UAF International Summer School in Glaciology
We are excited to be hosting the University of Alaska Fairbanks International Summer School of Glaciology from June 6 - June 16, 2026.
Click here to learn more about the program : International Summer School in Glaciology
Residency
Meg Hunt Artist in Residence: This is one of our most beloved art programs, a two-week artist residency program, a truly immersive creative experience in North America’s largest National Park. The Meg Hunt Artist in Residence Program aims to support artists and writers of all genres and mediums. We invite applicants with creative and inquisitive minds who will both add to and benefit from the interdisciplinary efforts at our community hub in McCarthy, Alaska and the surrounding Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
In 2026 we will host two artists from June 28th - July 12th. Stay tuned for more details on this year’s Artists-in-Residence and their community engagement offerings.
youth programming
MASY (Mountain Arts and Science for Youth)
June 9, June 16, June 23, July 21, July 28, August 4, from 1 - 3 PM on the WMC Campus, unless otherwise prefaced.
We are so excited to be bringing back our Mountain Arts and Science for Youth (MASY) program this summer! Held over six Tuesdays, McCarthy kids are invited to the WMC for engaging, hands-on workshops that explore and express our connection to the natural world. Led by guest instructors from our community and the Copper River Basin, come learn about aquatic ecology with Robin Mayo, or try finger braiding with Mark Vail. Week-by-week details and instructor announcements coming soon. Recommended for ages 6-12, but open to all, youth under 5 should attend with a caretaker. Sign your kiddo up today! Sessions are $10 each, and financial assistance is available. Register for all six sessions now for $50 and save $10. Contact audrey@wrangells.org if you are interested in signing up your child.
Youth Geology Camp with WISE — July 14 - 17
WISE (The Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment) and the WMC team up again for Youth Geology Camp!
Some of the Copper River Valley’s sharpest (and silliest) youth (ages 12 and up) come together to learn from geology experts and observe and learn first-hand from the dynamic landscape. This year the group will be going up to Bonanza Mine, learning about the geology of the area and the remediation project. It’s sure to be four days packed with learning and fun.
Contact audrey@wrangells.org if you are interested in signing up your child. Space is limited!
Saghani Ggaay (Young Raven) — July 19 - 25
Saghani Ggaay is a healing retreat grounded in culture and identity. The program’s aim is to empower Alaska Native youth through cultural connection, reconnection with the land and strengthening of community relationships. Led by Indigenous Elders and Educators, participants (ages 14-18) will spend 6 nights and 5 full days in the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Wrangell- St.Elias National Park and on the WMC campus, where bunkhouses, gathering areas, and communal kitchen will be our comfortable homebase for this experience. Together throughout the week, students will get to take part in activities and workshops focused on reconnection to heritage, traditional healing practices, place-based relationship, and Ahtna language and history. Bead making, salve making, creating a sweatlodge together, and sharing a potlaatch with the local community are all central parts of this program that we look forward to sharing with you.
Click here to learn more and apply
Community events
Workday Party – May 30
Kick off your summer with your WMC friends and show the Old Hardware Store some love. All skill levels and ages welcome! Bring gloves (if you have ’em), a water bottle, and a smile; we’ll provide lunch and plenty of fun.
Spring Bird Walk with Mark Vail – May 31st
We continue the annual tradition of walking with Mark Vail as he brings to life the fascinating world of the summer birds who live in the Wrangell Mountains. Meet in front of the Old Hardware Store. The walk will leave promptly at 8am. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. $10 suggested donation.
Storytelling Festival – August 2nd
This charmed, grassroots event is held at The Old Hardware Store, where local storytellers congregate to spin yarns, share lies and half-truths as well as tell honest-to-god true and incredible stories leaving the audience never quite clear on whether they have heard a true story or a tall tale. This event is the talk of the town every summer.
Word Jams – May 31, June 21, July 12, July 26, August 9
Join us in the Great Room at the Old Hardware Store for a night of open mic - WMC style - storytelling, poetry, song, comedy, skits, and any creative venture involving words. Come share your creative musings in a friendly, nonjudgemental space.
Community Dinners – June 2, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 29, August 6, August 19, September 2
Come on down to the WMC for a delicious, donation-based meal. An opportunity to hang out, connect, and discover why the kitchen stands at the heart of our organization.
Run the Wrangells Half Marathon and 5-Mile Race — September 6
A race unlike any other through the largest National Park in America. In collaboration with the Kennicott McCarthy Recreation Alliance (KMRA). Online registration details coming soon. Race starts at noon; registration opens at 11 am. Register online or in-person at the starting line.
Check out past programs:
For more information, please email admin@wrangells.org or call 907-554-1500
Photo by Paul Scannell