On Sept. 25, Alaska Geographic and the Forest Service are hosting a National Kick-off and Celebration of the Chugach Children's Forest. "Get out. Go wild. Change the future!"

The event is inspired by young Alaskans as they grow into leaders of our public lands! It will take place at the Kincaid Park Outdoor Center in Anchorage. At 6 p.m. the event will open with a youth media gallery and there will be youth presentations from 7 to 9 p.m.

Anchorage student Bryan Arnold, 17, is one of nine young writers whose short stories and poems have been chosen for "Infinite Difference," an online literary journal produced by VSA Arts. VSA Arts is a society that encourages people with disabilities to learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

Zahasky Family
The Zahasky siblings and their parents make up the Alaska String Band. The band entertains Alaska with bluegrass, swing, old time, gospel and blues. Upcoming tour dates include shows in Alaska, Texas, Washington D.C. and more. Teens Laura, Quinn and Abigail have been performing since they were little. Shana Sheehy has their story.

Alaska String Band

This past June, nine Alaskan teens had the opportunity to study with scientists aboard the Babkin in Prince William Sound. Biologists, forest professionals, and other experts provided detailed information on the area’s human history, abundant wildlife and intricate ecosystems. This expedition was the first annual Youth Expedition of the Chugach Children’s Forest.
Youth Expedition PWSStudents posted videos and slideshows of their experience on YouTube. And Spirit of Youth reporter, Shana Sheehy provides this audio story.

Aboard the Babkin

Daniel Fink is a member of the Partners Club at East High School in Anchorage and an active volunteer with Special Olympics Alaska. His dedication to working with people with challenges inspires other teens and he has been named one of the Special Olympics spokespeople.

Daniel Fink

Reporter Shana Sheehy shares his story. Fink is a 2009 Spirit of Youth award winner. To nominated a youth for recognition visit the Spirit of Youth Web site.

Solo Malua, 18, has been writing songs since he was 15. He talks about how music and faith have given him purpose.

Solo Malua

Solo

Alaska Teen Media Institute reporter Nithya Thiru tells us about a Catholic Social Services program for refugees who are making Alaska their home. She interviews one teen who is helping her family open their home to a family from Bhutan.

Refugees

At the end of this month, teens will have the opportunity to produce a radio drama for KEUL 88.9 FM in Girdwood. As part of the long-running Girdwood Fine Arts Camp teens will work with local radio producers, guest instructor Alice Welling and the Alaska Teen Media Institute to create, write, act and perform.

The radio drama session will take place July 27 to 31 at KEUL 88.9 FM. The cost is $200 per student. To register call 783-CAMP (783-2267).

Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA)'s summer training this season is called "Getting Creative About Climate Change!"
Photo courtesy of AYEAThe camp runs July 20 to 24 in Arctic Valley, just north of Anchorage.

Teens will have the opportunity to try out SLAM poetry, Digital Storytelling, Creative writing, learn about climate change and renewable energy, explore the outdoors for the week and connect to teens from across Alaska.

There is a rolling deadline but interested teens should apply as soon as possible.

Spirit of Youth Awards Banquet
Spirit of Youth recognizes teens all across Alaska for the positive contributions they make to their communities. If you know a teen or group of teens who deserve recognition, please nominate them at the Spirit of Youth Web site.

Radio reporter Shana Sheehy also produces stories on nominees. The stories are aired all across Alaska. Her next series will be distributed in august. To listen to past stories visit the Alaska ICE Web site.

This spring, Marion Vicary taught an intensive class on
non-profits at Polaris K-12 School. In the course, students got to work with the Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Huts Association. They assisted the non profit by surveying possible Kenai Peninsula hut areas on Manitoba Mountain and near the Whistle Stop at Spencer Glacier.

Alaska Huts

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