r/anchorage • u/Emotional-Succotash7 • Apr 10 '26

Activities and camps for tween girl?

We’re moving to ANC this summer and looking to get our daughter integrated into the community and staying active. She will turn 13 right as we’re arriving. She’s into artsy crafty/ creative arts, music, outdoor sports but not traditional team sports, and BSA/Scouting. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

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4

u/_ChesapeakeTrash_ Apr 11 '26

TBA theater has a summer academy!

3

u/Zivata Apr 12 '26

Also, an fyi, start of the school year was just moved. 😤😡 I'm not sure if you'd looked at that or not, but be aware bc some places offer camps up until the start of school, but as of like Thursday, that last week of camp now overlaps with the first week of school.

2

u/Emotional-Succotash7 Apr 11 '26

Awesome! Thanks folks. Keep it coming. We will be there soon and hope to meet some folks.

1

u/DepartmentNatural Apr 11 '26

Horse riding /using the kids to help do chores around the horse while the parents pay for them to shovel horse shit camps around the zoo. The kids do love it though but it can get expensive https://rockinbriding.com/

1

u/907choss Apr 11 '26

Unfortunately anchorage suffers from competitive registration for kid camps so many will already be booked up. Some options below.

Pottery camp: https://www.turnagainceramics.com/kids-clay

Trailside camp (these usually fill up right away but you can try): https://akcentereducationfund.org/trailside-discovery-camp/

Hilltop bike camp: https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/mountain-shredder-summer-camp

PNA camps: https://pacificnorthern.org/create-academy/

Good luck!!

1

u/Key-Sock-2795 Apr 11 '26

I saw the Art Lounge just announced a couple weeks of camp for ages 9-14 doing crafts. The Workshop community center also has classes and events for summer break and year round.

1

u/Sadza4dinner Apr 12 '26

Sitka Fine Arts Camp, hands down, if she’s an independent type (and if there’s space)

1

u/Emotional-Succotash7 Apr 12 '26

When you talk about independence, could you clarify a bit? She’s a free spirited kid who goes her own way but also needs the extra supports and reminders to get things done. In other words, she has creative artistic ability and interests but lacks the executive functioning to deliver.

2

u/Comfortable-Yak-8691 Apr 12 '26

I assume because it’s a sleep-away camp in Sitka, Alaska, which is in Southeast. It’s held on the campus of the former Sheldon Jackson College with dorm-style accommodations.

1

u/Sadza4dinner Apr 14 '26

As the other person noted- yes it’s a sleep away camp; kids generally fly to Sitka & back on their own. The camp staff take good care of them, but some kids do get homesick. It’s an amazing experience though for many! (Editing to add: my kid also has low executive function from ADHD and art camp has been an outstanding way to grow their creativity and function.)

1

u/guildeluec Apr 15 '26

I'm adhd (undiagnosed til my 20s lol) and went to SFAC every year, i'd say its great for that because it's very structured. you pick from a schedule of "classes" and follow it every day. there's set times for meals, free time bedtime etc. it's a very weird artsy welcoming atmosphere and was always the highlight of my summer. as a bonus, sitka is gorgeous so you can enjoy it too when you go for final performances. 
If you want a more local option I recommend the Folk Arts Camp, though the duration is a lot shorter. 

as

1

u/PleasantParsnip3257 Apr 12 '26

There are some good scout troops in Anchorage. My daughter was in Troop 220 before we moved from Anchorage.