Support AlaSkins Discovery | Donate to Alaska Youth
Support AlaSkins Discovery | Donate to Alaska Youth Education & Sustainability
AlaSkins Discovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring Alaska's youth to embrace sustainable resource use, marine conservation, and the innovative "100% Fish" model.
Born from the same zero-waste vision as AlaSkins (our for-profit initiative that transforms wild Alaskan fish skins into premium, single-ingredient pet treats), AlaSkins Discovery takes that philosophy into classrooms, communities, and hands-on experiences. We believe that by redefining "waste" as opportunity, we can build a stronger blue economy, healthier ecosystems, and a more informed generation of Alaskans and global citizens.
Our Mission
To foster a deep appreciation and understanding of Alaska's unique marine ecosystems, sustainable commercial fishing practices, and the power of full fish utilization through engaging, educational programs that connect kids and young adults with the natural world.
We achieve this by:
- Offering immersive Day Camps on the Kenai Peninsula, where children explore salmon lifecycles, local ecosystems, zero-waste innovation, and hands-on activities that turn fish by-products into valuable resources (like nutrient-rich treats, crafts, and more).
- Developing and delivering the Blue Salmon: 100% Fish educational board game—a fun, strategic tool that teaches players to maximize every part of the salmon while balancing environmental stewardship and community benefits. We currently integrate this game into our day camps and are working to make it available to schools and programs worldwide.
- Bridging industry knowledge with youth education to promote lifelong respect for Alaska's waters, responsible harvesting, circular economy principles, and the incredible potential of our marine resources.
Every program we run sparks curiosity, builds environmental awareness, and empowers young people to become advocates for a sustainable future—one where nothing from the ocean goes to waste.
Why Your Support Matters
As a growing nonprofit (officially granted 501(c)(3) status in late 2025), we rely on the generosity of individuals, families, businesses, and community partners to keep these programs accessible and impactful.
Your tax-deductible donation directly funds:
- Camp supplies, including food, art materials, and fish for hands-on learning
- Production and distribution of the Blue Salmon board game
- Staff and educator support to deliver high-quality experiences
- Outreach to more schools, youth groups, and underserved communities
How to Donate
Even small gifts make a big difference—helping us reach more kids and spread the 100% Fish message farther. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We will promptly mail you an official receipt for your records.
We currently accept donations by check or online.
Please make checks payable to: AlaSkins Discovery PO Box 1714 Soldotna, Alaska 99669
(For your convenience, you can also drop off or mail to our physical location: 44761 Sterling Highway, Soldotna, AK 99669, if preferred.)
Thank you for believing in the power of education and sustainability. Together, we can inspire the next generation to value, protect, and innovatively use Alaska's incredible marine resources.
With gratitude, Sara Erickson Founder & Director, AlaSkins Discovery
AlaSkins Discovery Day Camps for Kids
AlaSkins Discovery Day Camps offer immersive, hands-on experiences that connect children with Alaska's incredible marine resources and the principles of sustainability. Designed for young explorers in Soldotna and the Kenai Peninsula area, our day camps dive deep into the world of wild Alaskan salmon and the innovative "100% Fish" model—where every part of the fish is valued and nothing goes to waste.
Through fun, age-appropriate activities, campers learn about the full lifecycle of salmon, from river to table and beyond. They'll participate in guided explorations of local ecosystems, creative crafts using fish-inspired materials, interactive lessons on zero-waste innovation, and even simple demonstrations of how fish by-products can become useful (and exciting!) products like nutrient-rich treats. Led by passionate educators with real-world experience in sustainable fisheries, these camps spark curiosity, build environmental awareness, and empower kids to become stewards of Alaska's waters.
Whether your child is fascinated by science, nature, or creative problem-solving, our day camps provide a memorable outdoor adventure that blends education with play. Sessions are tailored for different age groups, with small class sizes for personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions, discover, and have fun. Join us to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates—register today and help turn young minds toward a more sustainable future!
Blue Salmon: 100% Fish – The Educational Board Game
Blue Salmon: 100% Fish is an innovative, engaging board game created by AlaSkins Discovery to teach kids and young adults about sustainable fisheries and the powerful "100% Fish" model in a fun, interactive way.
Players step into the roles of innovative fishery stewards, working to harvest, process, and utilize every single part of the salmon—from fillets and roe to skin, bones, scales, and even organs. Through strategic gameplay, challenges, and decision-making, participants earn points by creating value-added products, reducing waste to zero, and balancing profit with environmental responsibility (via "Good Steward Points"). The game brings real-world concepts like by-product innovation, circular economy principles, and marine conservation to life, showing how small choices can make a big impact on ocean health and community prosperity.
We are currently using Blue Salmon: 100% Fish as a core activity in our AlaSkins Discovery Day Camps, where it brings the day's lessons to life—kids get to apply what they've learned about salmon utilization through playful strategy, reinforcing zero-waste ideas in an exciting, memorable format. Perfect for classrooms, family game nights, youth programs, or educational events, this game makes complex sustainability topics accessible and exciting. It's not just a game—it's a tool to inspire lifelong appreciation for responsible resource use and the blue economy. Developed right here in Alaska, this adaptable game can be customized for different fish species and regions, helping schools and communities worldwide introduce the 100% Fish philosophy to the next generation.
Whether you're an educator looking for a dynamic STEM supplement or a parent wanting meaningful screen-free fun, Blue Salmon: 100% Fish turns learning into an adventure. Coming soon—stay tuned for availability and ways to bring it to your school or group!