2023 Sessions
June 18-24 & July 5-11
“This was the best week of my life. I found my people.”
Connor, ’22, Sitka
Alaska’s Premier High School Running Camp
This is what started it all! Now in our 13th year, our week-long overnight running camps are for high school age runners (those entering 9-12 grade the fall of camp) of all abilities. All you need is a desire to improve your running, a willingness to try new things, and an appetite for fun! The Eagle River United Methodist Camp (milepost 27 on Glacier Highway, north of Juneau) serves as home base with all the comforts of home: electricity, running well water, hot showers (unless you got pranked), and an industrial kitchen stocked with everyone except that one thing you can’t ever seem to find when you need it…the only thing missing is cell service, so no need to bring your electronic devices because they won’t work!
Who is this camp for?
LCRC welcomes runners all abilities and are committed to building holistic adventurers who love to run! That said, we suggest at least one season of track or xc under your (hydration) belt. In addition, camp participants must be able to:
- Run 60 continuous minutes.
- Apply joyful effort to hike-jogging up ~4000 feet.
- Be ready to run 30-50 miles in a week (and join aggressive dish washing teams!)
What does camp cost?
We offer our camp registration fee on a sliding scale. We are only able to do what we do with the generosity of grant funding and donations in addition to your camp fees. We strive to make camp accessible to everyone regardless of ability to pay. With that in mind, we offer families the option to contribute what is comfortable for them—no questions asked. The total cost for Lynn Canal Running Camp is more than $700 per camper. Historically we have offered camp at $350 (with scholarships available). We work hard to make camp both top-notch and affordable to all. To that end, we ask campers registering to think about the value of a week spent adventuring in the woods and on top of mountains, and match that with a meaningful contribution for the opportunity to join in a life-changing week. Registration includes all in-camp transportation, lodging, food, a shirt and other gear.
But what exactly do you do at a “running camp”?
We Run!
Although just a small fraction of our time together, our runs are no doubt the highlight of our week together. Campers can expect to run between 25 and 50 miles, depending on ability. While each day begins with any easy 15 minute wake-up jog, our main runs range from easy recovery runs to mountaintop ridge (weather permitting) adventures to guess-a-kilometer challenges. Fast is not a requisite, but a willingness to keep moving forward is!
We Cook (and Clean!)
From breakfast to dinner to fireside s’mores, we all have a role in feeding each other. Campers and staff take turns throughout the week cooking and cleaning before and after each meal. Gary, our Head Chef, moonlights at camp as a should-be-James-Beard-winning culinary artist. He ensures all dietary needs are accommodated while crafting a menu that is both nutritious and delicious – more mango sticky rice, please!
We Learn & Have Fun
When we’re not cooking or running, we’re having fun! Breakout sessions are sprinkled throughout our week, ranging from nutrition to core strengthening, healthy relationships to square dancing, there’s something for everyone! And as evening turns to night, our famous “Olympic Games” bring wacky challenges and creative endeavors as teams jockey for their place in the annals of Lynn Canal history. Oh, did we mention the talent show and dance?
“As a parent, this means so much. I appreciate all the hard work and energy put into making camp fun and informative. My son is already looking forward to next summer and the upcoming season where he can connect with great friends he made during camp.“
Parent of ’22 Camper
