Camp in the Alaska Outdoors with Indoor Luxuries, Whittier, AK- Back by Popular Demand
June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026
Trip Navigation
Come work and adventure in beautiful Whittier, Alaska! Situated on the shores of Prince William Sound, Whittier was originally built as a secret military installation, with all 253 residents still occupying both converted barracks buildings. A safe, small, walkable town, harbor, and campsite sit among towering peaks, beaches, dozens of waterfalls, glaciers, the rainforest, and more!
Volunteers will be primitive camping, BUT will have access to a full kitchen and bathroom with shower every evening. The campsite, kitchen facilities, and trailhead to the work site are all within a few minute walk. A diner with pool hall, coffee shop, cafe, museum, harbor front, and multiple trailheads and kayak launches are all also within walking distance.
In free time, volunteers have the option to hang at one of the many beaches or waterfalls, have a bonfire, hike, kayak, or choose from lots of tours (from fishing to jet skiing to Blackstone Glacier)! Whittier has been dubbed both the “City Under One Roof,” and “The Weirdest Town in America,” and the project host is excited to show you our slice of Alaskan paradise!
There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.
Avg. Temperature:
Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of roughly 50-55°F and lows of 40–45°F. Mid-June in Whittier is cool, humid, with plenty of daylight (near midnight sun) and less rain than later summer.
Sample Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival
Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)
Day 2: Work Day
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM
Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.
Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.
Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.
After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.
Day 3: Work Day
Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)
Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike, tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.
Day 5: Work Day
Day 6: Work Day
Day 7: Departure
Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.
Land Acknowledgement:
AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) peoples, past and present. We honor the land, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded it for generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This land acknowledgement is a first step in our commitment to uplift Indigenous voices, and we invite the American Hiking Society community to continue learning about and supporting the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.
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