1971 TENTING ON THE TUNDRA

It was July, 1971. We had lived in Alaska for less than a year.

A plan was made for the youth of First Presbyterian Church in Fairbanks and the youth of the Utkeagvik Presbyterian Church to join in a survival camping trip to the North Slope. It would be an adventure remembered for decades by the whole group.

 

Tents were set up right on the tundra.
Everyone was getting acquainted and some were wondering
how they would survive without candy, chips, sodas, etc.
The food for the camp would be fish and caribou plus greens from the tundra.

Everyone joined in Bible study and worship together.
Parkas were the preferred outer clothing -
due to the high mosquito population and the low temperatures.



These boats carried the campers on the Arctic Ocean and various rivers to
"Half Moon Three," an old reindeer corral.




The Brower cabin became a very visible landmark after this paint job.
The only trouble was - the caribou were scared off!
By the time this shot was taken, both youth groups were enjoying new friends.

Photos are from the Straatmeyer collection of 25mm slides.