Unalakleet, Alaska

The Place

Most of the six Alasken indigenous groups live in small villages with populations of several hundred people, with small planes being the primary mode of transportation between villages. Many of these communities have very high rates of alcohol, sexual and drug abuse and suicide. Through the ministry of Covenant Youth of Alaska, young indigenous people are able to encounter God and are changed at summer camps in a very special way. 

The Trip

During the duration of this trip, we will serve on the camp staff of Covenant Bible Camp outside of Unalakleet, Alaska, a small village on the Bering Sea. Each week of camp we will serve a different group of kids (3rd graders through high schoolers). We will be assigned different roles on the camp staff - primarily counselors, but also kitchen staff, worship or games leaders, maintenance staff, etc. Roles change from week to week. This is a rustic camp located 10 miles upriver from Unalaklet, a village of 800 people. It is a beautifully simple place with outhouses, no electricity, and wildlife. 

The Partner

Coventant Youth of Alaksa (CYAK) is a covenant ministry primarily focused on developing ministry for native youth in Alaska, ages 12-25. Due to the small size and prevalent unemployment in the villages, churches generally cannot afford to pay a youth minister. CYAK runs a leadership program geared for youth in villages, out of which a new generation of indigenous leaders is emerging. The Unalakleet Bible Camp is one of the primary ministries of CYAK. 

More Information

Covenant Youth of Alaska

CYAK BIble Camp

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