Alaska offers visitors many cultural opportunities

I remember reading a quote by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius that said, "I hear I forget, I see I remember, I do I understand." I believe this philosophy is the backbone of learning vacations.

"So what are learning vacations anyway?" people may be asking. The term "learning vacations" is defined as a "pre-organized, structured, high quality learning opportunity that allows visitors to experience the authentic cultural, historical and natural wonders of the area, led by top experts; learning vacations require participants to travel and stay at one or more destinations away from their usual place of residence."

Perhaps what comes to mind are the Elderhostel programs organized by many universities around the world. This is one type of learning vacation but there are plenty of other examples out there -- even ones that are kid-friendly and suitable for the entire family.

The programs at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward are perfect examples of learning vacation experiences especially geared toward children and families. One unique program is called Nocturnes and allows students to tour the center, participate in hands-on marine science programs and spend the evening at the center between the seabird, Steller sea lion and harbor seal habitats. Dinner and a light breakfast are included in the package and requires a group minimum of fifteen.

For individual families or smaller groups the "Puffin Encounter" and "Octopus Experience" are two popular programs designed for groups up to four and can be adapted for visitors of all ages. The "Puffin Encounter" primarily focuses on seabird education with an opportunity to interact with field biologists who study birds, as well as a behind the scenes tour and a chance to assist keepers with food preparations before heading out to the rocks for meal time. There's even a seabird craft project for the younger ones.

The "Octopus Experience" is similar with the focus on the octopus and their cousins in the cephalopod family. Participants are lead through a squid dissection and an opportunity to touch one of the center's resident octopuses. Advanced reservations must be made for both of these programs.

A Behind the Scenes Tour is offered on a daily basis -- for more information about this tour or the other learning programs call the SeaLife Center at (800) 224-2525. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on New Year's Day.

While in Seward, you can board one of the day boat charter cruises that depart daily during the summer months and allow guests to see Alaska's marine animals in their natural habitats. Or if you can't wait and are itching to go during the winter months, Renown Charter and Tours offers a two and a half hour tour during the off-season.

For adults who want to learn more about Alaska's Native cultures and arts, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) has a set of workshops that teach beadwork, wood carving and grass weaving. A workshop course is offered once a month and lasts two weeks. For more information about these classes call (800) 315-6608. During the winter months the ANHC is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Jan. 10, 2004, there is a special program called Learn Native Dance: Explore the tradition of Native dance with hands-on workshops. These workshops include arts and crafts as well as a variety of dance lessons and performances throughout the day. For more details, visit www.alaskanative.net.

In the Mat-Su Valley there are opportunities for learning as well. Although not widely known, there are prospects to learn about archeological in the valley. In the past, the University of Alaska Anchorage and Mat-Su College have offer summer courses in archeology and performed digs in a section of the Old Knik Townsite overlooking the Knik Arm. As long as there is sufficient student enrollment for the course to be offered, visitors can view the archeological process themselves and have an opportunity to chat with the archeologists to gain a better understanding of significance of their finds. Special pre-arranged tours usually occur during the months of June and July.

Coupled with a visit at the Knik Museum/Mushers' Hall of Fame, this total experience can give residents and visitors alike a better understanding of the area's history, geography and what life might have been like many years ago. To schedule a tour of the museum, call 745-4751 or 376-5562.

There are lots of other learning vacation experiences to be had -- contact the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information and let the learning begin.