Canon A520 is a safe bet, 4mp, 4x zoom, takes AA batteries, 4 NIMH rechargeables will get you through the day on a charge and fill up a 512mb SD card

Camera: $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120168

512mb SD card: $20 after $6 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820160024

Batteries: 4 NIMH rechargeables and a 1hr charger: ~$20-$30

Case: $10

Shipping to 99615, the only AK zip I know, would be about $35, but it could be less because 99615 is kodiak...an island ;)

Dont forget the rebate! you can get a $50 rebate if you purchase it with a qualifying printer.

So this setup will likely come in at less than $280 if you order from www.newegg.com

Batteries (Skip the Lenmars, I have some 2000 mAH and they DO NOT last as well as my 1800maH Rayovacs)