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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2022
OUTDOOR Summer There’s no better time to enjoy the outdoors than Montana’s summer time. These camps are here to do just that. Not only will campers get to experience fresh air and the beauty of nature, these camps are here to engage all of that and more. With music classes, science courses, and interactive learning, your camper can have fun while connecting with the great outdoors. An article by Great Outdoors Colorado says that being outside for just 20 minutes a day can reduce kids’ stress and increase focus and attention. RAVENWOOD OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER is all about healthy kids, families, and communities. Their mission is to “cultivate health, passion for learning, and stewardship of ecological and human communities through nature-based mentoring of youth, families, and adults” in the communities they serve. Ravenwood founders Laura Strong and Brett Holmquist “have deep roots in outdoor mentoring. Both grew up with expansive back yards in the big, wide country of Montana. As young professionals in Yellowstone doing biological research and conducting education programs for youth, the couple witnessed a fundamental lack of nature connection among many of the young people they encountered. For many kids, these programs had been their first serious outdoor adventures, even among those who grew up in Montana! Laura and Brett also witnessed a real thirst for learning and a noticeable shift in awareness and appreciation among their students when they were making connections on the land. They saw the trend of what is now called “nature deficit disorder” emerging, with kids spending less and less time exploring and learning outdoors and more and more time plugged into electronic media. They decided to meld their various talents in the science and education fields to do
something about it—and the inspiration to create Ravenwood was born.” More information about Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center can be found on their website at https://ravenwoodolc.org/ourmission-values-story/ or by calling (406) 260-8620. CAMP CONNECT is a new summer day camp through Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center. Their goal is connecting campers to nature! During this camp adventure, kids will build forts in nature, catch fish, eat fresh berries, and play games at Trumbull Canyon Camp. They’re here to help your camper make new friends and develop a relationship with nature. Based in Whitefish, this day camp is available August 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, and 15th-16th for campers aged 7-11. In addition to Camp Connect, Ravenwood is offering a Music and Nature camp, for ages 8-14 years old. While the camp dates are to be determined, this is a Monday through Friday day-camp from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. teaching campers to play the ukulele, percussion instruments, and a strings course. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to participate. Not only will campers learn to play musical instruments, they will also be immersed in group activities, play games, build crafts, engage in group stories, all while connecting to nature. Campers will need to provide their own instruments with the exception of the percussion section. Scholarships are available for this camp. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates that will be posted on their website. WILDERNESS KIDS CLUB is designed to teach your camper valuable life skills through the exploration of nature. This Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center camp holds three sessions for kids 6-12 years old. Session one is from June 20th to July 12th. Session two runs from June 22nd to July 14th. Campers will get to learn fire making and
Camps
tending skills, basketry, wood working, animal and bird tracking, and group communication skills. This popular camp is based in Kalispell, MT, and is filling up fast. Scholarships for this camp are available. Check out more details and sign-up options for all three camps by visiting Ravenwood’s website at https:// ravenwoodolc.org/ , or by calling (406) 260-8620. MONTANA CONSERVATION CORPS YOUTH CREWS goal is to inspire young people through hands on conservation service to be “leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities.” Their hands-on approach yields challenging conservation projects to build confidence and strengthen communication skills. This expedition is great for teens who enjoy physical, rewarding, and skill building challenges. Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crews has a two and four week long program from June to August for Montana highschoolers. Participants can expect to gain 72+ volunteer hours, leadership, technical, and communication skills, and build new relationships. Participants must be Montana residents to apply. For more information on camps and Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crews, visit https://www.mtcorps.org/joinmcc/youth/ or call (406) 586-4475. Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) has a mission to “inspire curiosity, awareness, and understanding nature and science through quality educational experiences.” Their vision is to connect Montanans with nature, to value and understand natural sciences. The MOSS founders shared a vision that “lives are enriched when we have a greater understanding of our natural surroundings. Today, MOSS serves more than 4,500 students each year through year-round courses for all ages and backgrounds including outreach programs to 44 schools; 10 weeks of
summer camps for 500 students, and free family festivals that celebrate our natural resources.” Each summer program offers a different natural science topic, from climate science to backpacking, water science and insects & critters. Each camper can expect a hands-on experience with nature, learning all about various ecosystems, habitats, insects, minerals, and wildlife. Week-long camps start June 13th, with the last camp starting August 22nd. Camps are offered for participants in kindergarten, first through second grade, third through fifth grade, and sixth through eighth. For more information visit http://www.outdoorscience.org/ or call (406) 582-0526. MONTANA LEARNING CENTER (MCL) is Montana’s science camp for kids. It is a place for students to come together to solve problems, create and be empowered. Camp life includes STEMimmersion experiences, friendshipbuilding and recreation. Campers enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating and swimming at the lake. The MLC’s staff is composed of certified teachers, many of whom are award winning. The student to staff ratio is 8:1. Each of the MLC’s instructors and counselors are CPR and First Aidcertified. CAMP DISCOVERY “Students entering primary grades 1-3 can experience a four-day, day-only, science camp. Campers are bussed to the Montana Learning Center’s campus on the shores of Canyon Ferry Lake from Helena Monday through Thursday. Lunch and snacks are provided.” June 20th – 23rd – Nature Explorers June 27th – 30th – Water Wonders July 11th – 14th – Dinosaur Discovery July 18th – 21st – Young Astronaut Training July 25th – 28th – Dinosaur Discovery
