Youth Programs 2026

Mountain Arts And science for youth (MASY)

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 foster creativity and connection to the natural world and our local culture. Come learn about aquatic ecology with Robin Mayo, or try finger braiding with Mark Vail!

Schedule

June 9 — Join us for Week 1 of our MASY program. WMC staff will be taking your kiddos on a plant ID walk around town, followed by an art activity down by McCarthy Creek.

June 16 — Join us for Week 2 of our MASY program. Alex Rose will be teaching us about the local swallows, followed by a walk around town where we’ll get to peek into the swallow boxes and record what we find on our data sheets.

June 23 — Join us for Week 3 of our MASY program. Elizabeth Schäfer will guide us through a fun, kid-friendly lesson on the parts of a flower. Then, we'll get creative and craft our own vibrant bouquets using tissue paper and pipe cleaners.

July 28 — Join us for Week 4 of our MASY program. Robin Mayo from WISE will lead a lesson on aquatic ecology, followed by a walk down to the swimming hole to observe fish and other aquatic organisms in their natural habitat.

August 4th — Join us for Week 5 of our MASY program with Mark Vail. He'll teach us about finger braiding.

August 11th — Join us for the final week of our MASY program with the WMC crew. Get ready for an epic campus-wide game of Predator Prey to celebrate the end of the program.

Additional info

• Ages: Recommended for ages 6-12, but open to all, youth under 5 should attend with a caretaker.

• All MASY programs will take place on Tuesdays from 1-3 PM. Meet at the Old Hardware Store, unless otherwise noted.

• Cost: $10 per session, or $50 when you register your child in advance for all six sessions (save $10).

• Sign up online or in person at WMC (walk-ins welcome).

We are grateful to the Erin K. Johnson Foundation for funding this program and helping ensure that all who are interested can participate. After completing the sign-up form, you’ll be redirected to a payment page, or you may choose to pay in person on the day of the session. We offer a pay-what-you-can option, and families are welcome to attend at no cost if needed.

Contact audrey@wrangells.org if you have any questions.

Youth Geology Camp

July 14 - 17, 2026

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 to 16) 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.

Cost: $200.00. Contact audrey@wrangells.org if you are interested in signing up your child. Space is limited!

Saghani Ggaay (Young Raven)

Alaska Native Youth Summer Program

July 19-25

Hosted in partnership with Raven Moonlight and Copper River Native Association, 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 14-24) 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. 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. You can read more about Saghani Ggaay, here.

Banner Photo: Nathaniel Wilder