Katelyn Childers

All 63, but dream would be Katmai National Park. I got a taste of Alaska on a cruise in 2018 and I knew I wanted to go back and explore more than just the port towns. I love the remoteness of the national parks in Alaska. Seeing nature that has been relatively untouched by humans makes this city girl happy. I have never been on a float plane before so I look forward to that experience as well. Above all, I can't wait to stay at Brooks Camp and watch the brown bears catch salmon in Brooks River.

My favorite adventure experience would be the Galápagos Islands. I planned the trip for me and my mom during winter break of 2019 (not knowing what was about to come a few months later). We started in Santa Cruz where we explored the volcanic landscape. We cruised to Isla Isabella where snorkeled with sharks and sea turtles and watched marine iguanas dive for algae covered rocks. On Isla Bartolomé we saw the Galápagos penguin. The rest of the trip was filled with Giant Tortoises, Boobies & fun!

With $10,000 I would plan a trip to Gates of the Artic National Park & Kobuk Valley National Park. I see those two parks as my most challenging parks to visit. They are very remote, with no roads or developed facilities. As an avid road tripper & car camper in my 4Runner, these national parks will not be like anything I have experienced. They require a lot of planning & help from local tour companies to make sure I get the most out of my visit. This prize will surely help me continue exploring!