In the frosty nose-tickling state of Alaska, also known as AK, there exists a jolly band of giggly, adventurous children who delight in the greatest outdoor activity known to mankind— hiking! Imagine a world where towering snow-capped mountains wink at you under the baby blue sky, where glistening, icy rivers giggle as they leap over stones and where enchanted forests whisper secrets through the swaying spruce trees. That's Alaska for you! Leading this merry troupe of little hikers is none other than Captain Fluffy Snowbeard, a friendly yeti with icicle-encrusted beard and twinkling blue eyes. Despite his fearsome name, he is as soft as marshmallows and as warm as hot cocoa. Captain Snowbeard knows every nook and cranny of Alaska, from the tip of its highest peak, Mount Denali, to the deepest cavern in the frost-kissed glaciers. Every morning, Captain Snowbeard and his gang of giggly children begin their hiking adventure. They march, skip, hop, and even tumble down the trails, their laughter echoing through the valleys. They race with playful snow hares, play hide-and-seek with cheeky Arctic foxes, and have snowball fights with penguins who aren't great at throwing but are terrific at sliding. Although the Alaskan terrain is tough and wild, these little hikers, wrapped in their rainbow-colored parkas and woolly mittens, fear no cold. They are as brave as the mighty grizzly bears and as agile as the swift salmon. Their spirits light up the Alaskan wilderness, showing everyone that no mountain is too high, and no trail is too icy when you have fun-loving friends, a heart full of adventure, and a yeti guide with a fluffy snow beard!
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.


Located in Wasilla, Alaska, LaVerne Griffin Camp is blessed to be situated on 58 acres next to the 125 acre Kalmbach Lake. The lake is fully stocked with rainbow trout and silver salmon, and the camp’s rolling terrain and large birch trees make it a peaceful and picturesque retreat. On top of this, visitors are treated to breathtaking sunsets across the lake. We offer a variety of camps and retreats for children, youth, and adults, as well as mission trip opportunities all year round. LaVerne Griffin Camp is overseen by the Chugach Baptist Association and is supported by the Alaska Baptist Convention, which shares similar beliefs and doctrine with the camp. The camp is grateful for the financial support of the Cooperative Program, which is funded by Baptist churches. We are thankful for the churches’ commitment to our ministry and are excited for what the future holds.