2021 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE
2 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
camp eQuinox!
TheaTre Day Camp v! Acting! • Comedy Impro Musical Theatre! Playwriting! • Puppetry! eare! Mask Making! • Shakesp
Main Camp: Entering Grades 3-8, M-F 8:30-3:30
r!
Yea h t 6 2 r u O In
“The only way I can explain it is this is m y Hogwarts. You know when Har ry found it and he di dn’t want to ever leave? Like that .” — from a camper
“Minispots” Program:
Entering Grades 1 & 2, M-F 8:30-Noon
Double Sessions Available! Session I: June 14 - July 8, 2021 Session II: July 19 - Aug. 12, 2021 Please visit our website or call for brochure.
www.campequinox.com • 406-522-7623 “This is our second year and we’re more impressed than ever. You create a living, breathing cocoon of creativity. The way Camp develops self-esteem, confidence, social skills and fun is miraculous in our eyes!”
Held at Bozeman Summit School 3001 West Villard Street
The theatre camp is being presented by Camp Equinox. Bozeman Summit School serves only as the venue for the event and is not responsible for any content of any part of the event or programming.
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS Getting Outside:................................................................4
is a community-run website that helps you find care and summer camps for children of all ages!
Learn more at OutofSchoolMT.org
Outdoor Summer Camps ..................................................6 Local Museums ................................................................8 See all of the collaborators on the About Us tab online.
Sport Camps.....................................................................10
ARTS ON FIRE
SUMMER 2021 ART CAMP Session 1: June 14-18 • Session 2: June 21-25 Session 3 : June 28-July 2 • Session 4: July 5-9 Session 5: July 12-16 • Session 6: July 19-23
(406) 586-8081 Artsonfirebozeman.com Facebook.com/artsonfirebozeman
• Birthdays • Group Activities • Make Gifts
Performing Arts Camps: The Show Must Go On..............14 Performing Arts Camps: May I Have This Dance? ...........17 Performing Arts Camps: Music to Your Ears...................18 Faith-Based Day Camps ....................................................20 Get Your Lunch on ............................................................22 Lifetime Hobbies...............................................................24 YMCA Summer Camp .......................................................26
BOBCAT SUMMER YOUTH CAMP CRAFTS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ACTIVE EXPLORATION SPORTS
NINE WEEKLY SESSIONS
JUNE 14 - AUGUST 13 Monday - Friday Camp: 9 AM - 3 PM Post camp hours available for additional cost
PRICE PER WEEK
REGISTER FOR ONE OR MORE WEEKS
$150 Early Bird (Until March 31) $160 (April 1 and on)
LOCATION
North Dome Fitness Center Montana State University
GRADES K-6 WEEKLY THEMES 6/14: Bobcats in Training 7/12: Great Explorers 6/21: Survivor 6/28: Party in the USA 7/6: H2-WHOA
7/19: BSYC Olympics 7/26: Drip, Drip, DROP 8/2: Summer 4 Ever 8/9: Camp Rewind
More Information & Registration
montana.edu/getfit
Content by Ryan Hoover Layout by Marie Steiger
4 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
GETTING OUTSIDE: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT NOW MORE THAN EVER. With the worst of winter hopefully behind us, those sweet Montana summer days seem to be waiting just around the corner. Summers in Montana remind us why it’s worth it to live here: endless trails winding up into the mountains, rivers and lakes warming up to swimmable temperatures, the abundance of birds coming out to sing, and not least of all, the warmth! I grew up in a small town in coastal Alaska, so at this point I’m pretty accustomed to harsher winters. But, living in a temperate rainforest never really allowed me the opportunity to enjoy a real summer until last year. I have to say, Bozeman did not disappoint. With spring in full swing and
summer on the horizon, no one should feel guilty about starting to plan for all the fun they’re going to have this summer. Whether it’s a family backpacking trip in the Beartooths, a rafting trip down Smith River, or a weeklong trip to Yellowstone, the time to start planning is now. While you may have your summer schedule filled to the brim already, your little ones’ schedules may not be. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle wants to help provide options for the kids this summer through our Summer Activity Guide. It’s no surprise that most of the summer camps included in this guide focus on getting outside and participating in healthy activities. Getting outside
this summer and staying physically active is important for a few reasons. To start, we’ve all just experienced a tumultuous year and are still in the middle of a global pandemic, where many children were asked to learn from the confines of their homes. Kids have had their school year significantly altered through remote learning, cancelled or postponed activities, and less opportunity for social interaction with peers. Director of the local Heart and Hand counseling center Sally Hand says this has created a lot of unwarranted stress and anxiety over an uncertain future. According to the CDC, one of the best ways to help deal with this stress is by exercising and getting outside.
In addition to the stressful year we’ve experienced, children of today come from a generation that has had smartphones available most of their lives. In the fall of 2020, The Piper Sandler Survey questioned 5,200 Generation Z children, defined as children born from the year 1997 onward, on whether or not they owned an iPhone; 85% said they did. This number was up 3% from prior surveys. The reason this statistic is important is because the number of children with iPhones has increased during this global pandemic, and it’s easy to rationalize staying inside to watch another YouTube video over going on a hike when you’re 10 years old. Therefore, there must be a push to get children outside and active this summer.
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 5 In an online survey by Statista, participants were split into groups by generation and asked what level of physical activity they participated in: inactive, low activity, casual activity, or active. Generation Z scored the third lowest out of the four groups, with 36.7% saying they were active. Millennials recorded 42%, Generation X 39.45%, and Baby Boomers 31.4%.
take advantage of the endless outdoor recreation Montana offers. Summer should be a time of fun and adventure, and maybe a little learning somewhere in there as well. Children have the time to explore new hobbies and branch out to meet new people. Summertime is a time of joy where your children can finally take a deep breath and let loose before the next school year begins.
But there were a few reasons for optimism from the survey. Generation Z reported the greatest percentage of casually active respondents, and the lowest percentage of inactive respondents, at 34.1% and 17.9%, respectively. This goes to show that although Generation Z is not as active as the two preceding generations, they have the largest group of people who are somewhat active and could, with a little nudging, move into a life of regular physical activity.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle wants to help you and your little ones make those tough decisions on what activities to join in on this summer, as there is only so much time. This Summer Activity Guide is geared towards helping families find healthy opportunities for their children. Whether it be a performing arts camp at The Ellen, free daily lunches provided by HRDC, or the Bobcat Summer Youth Camp hosted by Montana State University, we want to provide you with a full list of resources for all the fun your children can have this summer. Enjoy!
We want to help nudge you, and believe this summer is the perfect opportunity to get outside and
Calling all Middle School boys and girls! Come Run With Us! Our summer youth running club starts in August. Affordable, fun, and welcoming all levels and abilities. www.bozemantrackclub.org
MONTANA WILDERNESS SCHOOL SUMMER EXPEDITIONS FOR YOUTH AGES 14-18 YRS OLD Montana residents eligible for Financial Aid Multi-week expeditions
www.montanawildernessschool.org | 406.388.4610
High Performance Project-Based Learning in the Heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Day camps for ages 8-11 & 12-14 Summer Sessions: • Enviromental Art & Field Journaling • Leadership & Wilderness First Aid • Wilderness Survival School • Discovering Disc Golf • Mythbusters • Build It!
PeakPotentialMT.com
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OUTDOOR SUMMER CAMPS: WHERE NATURE & FUN COLLIDE Soon enough, the grueling winter months will be coming to an end and summer will be here. The sun will peek its head out over the tops of distant mountains, wildflowers will bloom, and magpies will sing their song once again. Summertime in Montana is the perfect time for all to get outdoors and connect with nature. According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s National Recreation Economy Report, we do a pretty good job at this, better than almost any other state. In the report, Montana tied with Alaska for the highest percentage of our population participating in outdoor recreation activities, coming in at 81%. Summer is the perfect time for your child to get outside and take advantage of the abundance of outdoor recreational activities the treasure state holds. One way your
child can do that this summer is by attending a camp where they can explore previously unknown hobbies, connect with nature, and make lifelong friends. Check out these outdoor camps to engage your child in the great outdoors this summer.
Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS)
The word is in, and yes, MOSS will be hosting in-person summer camps this year! With a mission to “inspire a love for the outdoors Since 1994,” MOSS plans to do just that this year through their summer programming. All programs will run as day camps from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Each program offers a different natural science topic that kids learn about during outdoor-based activities including daily nature hikes and interactions with scientists from the community. Highly qualified
and enthusiastic instructors guide campers through their days. For students in elementary and middle school, MOSS has 46 different program options! Programs like Engineering in Nature, from June 14 - 18, lets kids analyze engineering and its relationship with nature while investigating natural systems and experimenting away! Other programs like Inside the Fire explore the aftermath of the 2020 Bridger Foothills wildfire by hiking through the burnt environment and learning about the ecological impacts of wildfires. Learn proper wildfire safety protocols the week of June 28 - July 2. MOSS outlines their detailed procedures for how programming will be delivered this summer with COVID-19 considerations in mind. Campers will not move between groups like other years. Kids will
stick with their assigned group the entire week of camp and will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms every morning at check-in. Social distancing protocols will be in place, and two face masks will be required. The complete list of protocols, as well as registering for any program, can be found at http://www. outdoorscience.org. Registration is open now!
Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center
While Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center, based in Whitefish, has put their overnight camps on hold until COVID-19 conditions permit, they are still offering a slew of day camps this summer. For those ages 8-14, the Music and Nature day camps are being offered July 12 - 16. In this camp crescendo, campers will get to choose between three different sections: strings, percussion, and
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 7 ukulele & songwriting. Campers will get the opportunity to combine routines for nature connection with high level music instruction as they create their masterpiece for their peers to hear. All campers should provide their own instruments, with an exception for the percussion section, which will be provided by Ravenwood. In addition to the Music and Nature camp, Ravenwood is also offering the Wilderness Kids Club as a day camp that focuses on connecting to nature and developing children’s life skills. This camp will be offered in three separate sessions: eight days of camp between June 14 - July 6, 16 days of camp between June 16 - Aug. 12, and eight days of camp between July 19 – Aug. 10. Ravenwood’s website puts it best, stating, “Our expert mentors are here to support your child’s journey of discovery and awareness through the development of life skills (fire making/tending, basketry, wood working, animal
and bird tracking, plant medicines and food, and group and individual communication skills).” The Music and Nature day camp is offered for kids ages 6-12. Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center is also adjusting their camp programming to meet COVID-19 health and safety protocols. All participants and staff will be required to wear a mask, social distancing will be in place (the camp will be completely outdoors), groups will be kept separate and have different pickup and drop-off times, and parents will be required to screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms every morning. The complete list of protocols, as well as registering for the programs being offered this summer can be found at https:// ravenwoodolc.org. Registration is open now!
Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crews
For the teenagers seeking a little more freedom in their summer
We’re here to help your child thrive from birth to adolescence, fostering health and wellness through all of life’s adventures. Schedule an appointment today with Bozeman Health Pediatrics. Call 406-414-4900. Belgrade | 206 Alaska Frontage Rd Bozeman | 937 Highland Blvd. Suite 5320
PEDIATRICS
camp, Montana Conservation Corps has you covered with its Expedition Program. The program is a fourweek volunteer service experience that is free of cost to apply for. You will spend a majority of your time outdoors, working through the day, exploring during the late afternoon, and camping at night in this character-building program. Work projects include fencing, trail work, wildlife, surveying, invasive weed removal, planting native plants, historic preservation, and campground maintenance all throughout Montana. Join the program and learn what it really means to be a steward of the environment. Montana Conservation Corps doesn’t shy away from letting you know that this camp is challenging. Applicants must be comfortable with the physical demands such as heavy lifting, extended hiking while carrying weight, working at high altitudes, and working in all
weather conditions. The work is tough, but with the right attitude and commitment, you will be set up for success. Montana Conservation Corps stresses that the most important attribute for success “is the desire and willingness to be outdoors for an extended period of time.” If you are ready to meet the challenge but have never camped outside before, don’t fret. Applicants will be trained on camping and packing skills during orientation and will learn a book full of camping skills. Applicants must provide their own gear, including a tent and sleeping pad, but all other accommodations will be taken care of by Montana Conservation Corps. Interested in signing up and participating in a life-changing experience full of meaningful work? Visit Montana Conservation Corps website for more information at https://www.mtcorps.org, or call 406-587-4475.
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UNCOVER THE PAST & PRESENT AT LOCAL MUSEUMS! Summertime is a time for exploration. It’s a time for exploring the outdoors and sitting around the campfire with those you love. It’s a time for discovering a new hobby you can enjoy with your friends, and it’s a time of exploring the world we live in through engaging activities and lessons. Every museum around provides programming that helps engage children with the wealth of knowledge they offer, from discovering how rockets work to indepth classes on drawing and other art mediums. Your local museums serve up the perfect mix of engaging and fun activities that help stimulate learning through summer camps. Check out some of the camps and activities offered by museums right here in the community.
Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of The Rockies offers an extensive list of summer camps for students entering grades first through eighth. Most camps are five days and run from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The first camp
begins June 21 for grades first through fifth. After that, each week is a different camp with a different theme. The first camp available for grades sixth through eighth begins July 6. Children entering first and second grade can attend the Junior Paleontologists camp, where they learn everything about paleontology and get the chance to build a mini exhibit for display in the museum. Are fossils and rocks not thrilling enough for you? Kids can take a row through Nordic culture, conflict, and exploration during the brand-new Vikings camp. Ready to explore outer space? Head to NASA’s unofficial boot camp through the Astronauts-In-Training, where kids can learn how rockets work and how humans can live in space long term, offered the week of June 28 - July 2. While middle schoolers have fewer options with camps only available in July, there’s still plenty of fun and
learning available. The first week for junior high kicks off with the Vikings camp followed by Backyard Ballistics. But, don’t worry parents, no explosives will be involved in camp this year. Potato launchers, you ask? No promises there … Registration for any age group is open at https://museumoftherockies. org. MOR offers camp scholarships for those needing financial assistance. The application for scholarships is online. Additional information about camp dates and pricing is also available on the web or by calling 406-994-2251.
Montana Science Center
With a total of 10 camps available to elementary school students, the Montana Science Center has you covered if you’re hoping to take a more methodical approach to learning this summer. The first camp begins the week of June 14, and the weekly camps continue through the week of Aug. 23, with each camp having a different theme. Camps are held Monday through Friday from
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Montana Science Center camps provide STEAM-based learning – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, that is. City 3021 kickstarts the summer and focuses on planning and designing cities of the future. Kids in this camp can look forward to putting their wits together to build a model of a future metropolis. Keep it sly with the third camp of the summer, Spy Camp, where campers will practice the art of espionage and learn what it takes to be a spy. Note: This is what they don’t show you in Spy Kids, so it will be worth your time. Campers will even get a chance to create spy gadgets. Looking for something with less surveillance and wiretapping involved? Check out the science center’s Storybook Steam camp, where campers will explore classic folktales like Jack and the Beanstalk, The Three Billygoats Gruff, The Three Little Pigs, and more! Campers will get the chance to investigate these stories through team-building
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 9 Montana Science Center’s Go Green camp will be the final camp of the summer, during the week of Aug. 23. Campers will get the chance to combine multiple STEAM fields by learning the basics of environmental science and creating upcycled art. Learn how we can all take part in caring for the environment and leave this world better than we found it. Different camps are available to different age groups, so check the Center’s website to find out what dates are available to you by going to https://montanasciencecenter. org/. Registration is open now. The Montana Science Center can be reached at 406-522-9087.
American Computer Robotics Museum
&
The oldest continually operating museum of its kind, The American Computer & Robotics Museum, is open to all ages this summer from 12 - 4 p.m., Tuesday - Sunday. The museum exists to inspire visitors of all
ages to explore the past and imagine the future of the Information Age through thought-provoking exhibits, innovative storytelling, and the bold exchange of ideas, according to the museum’s website. Content in the museum covers over 4,000 years of human history: everything from Cuneiform writing in the Ancient Near East to the smartphone in your pocket. The museum has been around since 1990 and has gathered a robust reputation in that time, with distinguished Harvard scientist Edward O. Wilson calling it “inch for inch, the best museum in the world.” While the museum does not host any summer camps, it does not charge admission to kids 9 and younger. Admission for youth ages 10-17, seniors 65+, and students, costs $4, and adults cost $7.50. The museum has one major event listed on their website for the year, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Check out the 20th Annual Stibitz Wilson Awards at The Ellen on Sept. 24th
it’s a
OF SCIENCE Open for learning & play all summer! Check our website for current hours & to register for special programs.
2477 W. Main St. | 522.9087 | montanasciencecenter.org
to see some of computer science’s top luminaries honored for their work. The event is hosted by The American Computer and Robotics Museum and offers a panel of some of the fields leading experts. Tickets are free! You can find more information regarding the American Computer and Robotics Museum at https:// acrmuseum.org, by calling 406-5821288, or by visiting in person.
Bozeman Art Museum For those looking to indulge their inner artist, the Bozeman Art Museum is offering summer classes that teach you more than just the basics. The museum is offering six-week summer programs with curriculum based on Davinci Initiative teachings, the Mona Brookes ‘Monart’ lessons, and Betty Edwards teachings. These programs are hosted at local schools in Bozeman, Livingston, Belgrade, and surrounding areas during the school
ONE OF A KIND IS WHAT WE DO BEST
STEAM challenges.
year, and local libraries during the summertime. Bozeman Art Museum will be hosting an online program with Belgrade High School at the end of March. Those interested can sign up through Bozeman Art Museum’s website, by calling their office, or at any local library in Bozeman, Livingston, and Belgrade. The classes range in topics, and Executive Director Linda Williams said students in the summer camps should expect “project classes involving reading lists from the local libraries.” So, for those looking to sculpt or draw their dog, be prepared for some summer reading as well! You can find more information on the youth programs offered by Bozeman Art Museum by going to their website at https:// bozemanartmuseum.org or calling 406-570-1419. Bozeman Art Museum is located at 2612 W Main Street in Bozeman.
Experience Downtown Bozeman’s Fossil & Mineral Museum Gallery Wall Of Bugs • Crystals Sapphire Jewelry • Montana Fossils Gold Pans • Eclectic Gifts Downtown Bozeman 25 N. Willson Ave. (406) 586-3451 EarthsTreasuresMT.com
visit
Earth’s Treasures EST.1989
10 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
SPORT CAMPS: TEAMWORK & UNITY IN 2021 Of my fondest memories, one that stands out centers around the chant emphatically yelled by my high school soccer team before every game. This motto signified that we were a team and supported each other on and off the field. I have since graduated high school, graduated college, and gone on to start my professional career. Yet, that motto is still imprinted in my mind to this day. This sense of teamwork and working towards a set goal that is larger than one person are a few of
the many benefits organized sports provide. In addition to teamwork and sportsmanship, children can also increase their chances of being healthy, develop their social and motor skills, grow their selfconfidence, make new friends, and develop a new hobby through organized sports, according to Stanford Children’s Health. Maintaining a healthy because a child’s team is to run a daily mile or new friends because a
lifestyle required making child is
around other children for two hours a day are all direct benefits kids can receive from organized sports. Indirect benefits exist as well. Physically active children are reported to experience lower levels of depression, score 40% higher on tests, and are 15% more likely to attend college, according to The Aspen Institute. It’s hard to deny that the life skills gained through team sports help children go on to accomplish great feats. If you and your child are choosing a
sport for the first time, you likely have questions. What is the right sport to choose? What is the nature of the sport (physical or low contact)? What is the environment like (serious or laid back)? Answering some of these questions will help narrow down the options to what works best for your child. But sometimes, you have to get out there and figure out whether the sport will be a good fit. Bozeman offers many different options for sport camps over the summer. Check out some options
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 11 coordination and motor skills, selfesteem and confidence, and respect. Cunningham’s wants to help children and adults alike learn these skills by setting goals, providing positive reinforcement, and leading by example. But what really sets them apart? They tell you on their website: “Our program builds confidence, focus, discipline, respect, and a ‘yes I can’ attitude, while promoting a family atmosphere. Children become excited about fitness and have fun doing it! We teach much more than just punches and kicks, we focus on the life skills needed for success in the classroom and beyond!” Interested in attending a class this summer? Cunningham’s Martial Arts offers classes to children ages 4 -7, 7-13, and 14+ throughout the year. For more information and a class schedule, visit https://www. cunninghamsma.com/programs or call 406-556-8792.
Bozeman Sports Camp
Bozeman Sports Camp offers kids the chance to learn a variety of sports and skills this summer through their summer sports camp. Instead of focusing on just one sport, the camp covers everything from the footwork skills necessary to dribble a soccer ball to the hand-eye coordination required in playing ultimate frisbee.
for sports camps being offered this summer below!
Cunningham’s Martial Arts
Certain sports stress certain life skills and values more than others. While soccer may stress teamwork and trusting others, a sport like golf focuses more on the individual. Martial arts include life skills like coordination and respect as its cornerstones. Cunningham’s Martial Arts provides children with life skills including
The Bozeman Sports Camp is taught by Bozeman-area teachers and college students studying education, so campers will be in great hands. In addition to the drills and activities for sports like basketball, baseball, football and bowling, campers will also swim three days per week over at the Bozeman Swim Center. There they will receive hands-on swim instruction and have some opportunities to let loose in the pool. The Bozeman Sports Camp is offering sessions in June, July, and August this summer for kids entering grades K-6. Every camp runs for about two weeks, Monday-Friday.
The Bozeman Sports Camp’s goal is to “establish a fun and active lifestyle for kids. Through the exposure to a variety of games and sports, our hope is that kids will find sports and activities they can continue to enjoy as they grow up in Bozeman,” states the camp’s website. So, if your child is in that stage of still trying to figure out what sport they like best, this is the perfect camp for them.
in Story Mill Community Park, where campers will get the chance to embrace the outdoors and explore that week’s camp theme. The fun kicks off the week of June 14 with the Aloha Summer! Camp, where campers will be treated with a welcome-to-camp luau and other tropical-themed adventures. Hawaiian shirts are not required to attend but are highly encouraged…
Campers can expect to be split into groups based on age and receive ageappropriate instruction throughout the day. Group instructors will lead their groups through competitive and non-competitive situations to gain a real understanding of what it’s like to play that given sport, although having fun is always prioritized. No matter the kid’s skill levels in a given sport, all will be asked to participate and learn with everyone else.
In July, the Creative by Design Camp will call upon all campers to access their creative sides and make their very own masterpiece. The camp beginning July 19 will allow campers to experiment with different art mediums such as drawing, painting, woodworking, and sculpting to build terrariums, otherwise known as indoor gardening containers.
Those attending the camp will need to bring along a backpack, facemask, lunch, snacks, swim gear, and LOTS of water, as we all know how hot Bozeman summers can get. Registration for the camp is open now and can be found at https:// bozemansports.camp. You can learn more about Bozeman Sports Camp by calling 406-661-5496.
Feeling competitive and ready to showcase your talents? The Rec Olympics Camp beginning July 26 will allow campers to bring home the glory and gold while also learning the value of teamwork. The camp will be hosting its own Olympics in full – from lighting the torch to closing ceremonies! A variety of events will be offered, and all campers will be encouraged to participate in the fun.
The City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department is offering several week-long summer camps this year that focus on getting outside and exploring parks and trails around the city. The Explore! Summer Day Camp is for kids ages 5-10.
Bozeman Parks and Rec also offers a number of other camps through the summer, such as a Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming camp, family-based camps welcoming families to some Bozeman’s treasures (like the Farmer’s Market!), an Outdoor Adventure Club, and even World Language Camps in French, Arabic, German, Mandarin, and Spanish!
Each camp runs daily from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The drop-off location is at Story Mill’s Community Center at 600 Bridger Drive, where campers will be treated with a free lunch provided by HRDC’s Summer Lunch Program. So really, all campers will need to do is show up prepared to have a blast.
If you’re interested in learning more about the camps being offered by Bozeman Parks and Recreation, check out their list of activities being offered this summer at https:// bozemanrecreation.activityreg. com, or by calling 406-582-2290. Registration is open now (and filling up fast)!
Bozeman Parks and Recreation
A majority of the camp is based
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Bobcat Summer Youth Camp
Bobcat Summer Youth Camp is hosted by the Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU) and may be the most jampacked week, or nine, of fun a kid could imagine. The camp offers everything from outdoor activities like walks along to Galligator Trail to educational sessions with MSU students and alumni to movie days. It’s safe to say there is zero chance of becoming bored. The Bobcat Summer Youth Camp is offering weekly sessions for children entering grades K-6, with sessions beginning the week of June 14. Campers will have the chance to sign up for one week or all nine weeks at the time of registration. Each session runs Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with the option for postcamp recreation hours available for parents who can’t pick up until later. Campers will be split into groups
based on their grade level to help best serve every camper. Each week of camp will have a different theme this summer. The first camp offered, Bobcats in Training, will prepare campers to develop skills in a wide range of sports, including volleyball, track, football, and more! There will also be a camp mimicking and named after the famous television series, Survivor, where campers will complete physical and mental challenges, learn how to work in teams, and participate in outdoor activities. No one will be asked to eat a cockroach, though. The Bobcat Summer Youth Camp boasts an amazing staff of educators and students that help make the camp the perfect balance of fun, engaging, and educational. Camp staff includes Sam Garcia, a Master’s in Education graduate who has been involved with MSU Recreation Sport
and Fitness since 2013. Other camp counselors with nicknames like June Bug, Rip Tide, Chestnut and Maui, all come prepared with backgrounds in education and are there to make the Bobcat Summer Youth Camp an unforgettable experience for your child. Bobcat Summer Youth Camp also has a scholarship application for children of MSU students. Parents must have taken courses the spring semester prior to the start of camp and have been enrolled in seven or more credits for undergraduate students, and six or more credits for graduate students. Bobcat Summer Youth Camp is taking a variety of measures to decrease exposure to COVID-19 this summer, including daily checkins with camp counselors, a mask requirement, and keeping activities outside as much as possible. Those seeking more information on the
CAMP M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm | Starts June 14 Ages 3-5 and 6-11 • Sibling discounts available Join us for Ridge Kids Summer Camp where kids will have an active summer doing group fitness classes, gym play, swimming and play zone fun. Camp counselors and fitness instructors are trained and qualified to give your child a safe, exciting summer and will help build a foundation for a healthy and active life! Sign up for the whole summer or individual days. DAILY CAMP RATES: Members $60 full day/$35 half day | Non-Members $70 full day/$40 half day
camp or looking to register can check out http://www.montana.edu/ getfit/bobcat_ summer_youth_camp or by emailing RSFYouth@montana. edu.
Lone Mountain Swimming Lessons
Swimming is considered a necessary life skill that most children learn at a young age. Learning to swim opens up many new activity’s children can participate in with their friends as well. This summer, Lone Mountain is offering swimming lessons for children ages 6 months to 12 years old. In offering its beginner to advanced swim classes, Lone Mountain seeks to teach water safety and four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Students are initially placed in groups by age but are moved around as they progress, as is the case for most swim lessons. On their website, Lone Mountain
s t o h S e l t t Li
r e c c o S
Kids ages 3-5 will learn the fundamentals of soccer through fun games and activities in a non-competitive environment. SOCCER RATES FOR 3 WEEKS: Members $75 | Non-Members $90 Soccer runs May-August. See Schedulicity for dates and times. Book Summer Camp and Little Shots Soccer through Schedulicity or at the Ridge service desk.
WEEKLY SUMMER CAMP RATE: Members $260 | Non-Members $310 Early bird discounts when registering before April 1!
4181 Fallon St., Bozeman • (406) 586-1737 • ridgeathletic.com
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 13
“We believe in developing physical and social skills through challenges and successes within our programs,” the company states. “Individual accomplishments and recognition for those accomplishments help to generate confidence and selfesteem. Lone Mountain seeks to create a positive, proactive and supportive atmosphere for all our students, allowing children to enjoy their water experience from day one.” Several different classes for different age groups are offered by Lone Mountain. Water Babies, for children ages 6 months to 3 years, will be geared towards those entering the pool for their very first time, teaching the basics and getting infants comfortable being in the water. Classes are 35 minutes and
kids will need an adult to accompany them in the pool. Water Jumpers, for children ages 2-3, will be a transitional class from Water Babies to Beginning Little Swimmers classes. Here, children will learn to become independent swimmers and break free from the help of their loving parents. Various water toys and activities will still be involved, but skills like breathing, going underwater, kicking and floating will be introduced. The Beginner Little Swimmers and Little Swimmers classes will be the first classes children will take without a parent in the pool with them. The classes are for children ages 3-5 and focus on water comfortability for the newly independent swimmers. Little Swimmers will be for those who feel more comfortable in the water already and will focus on front and back floats, swim strokes, and independent movement through the water.
For those ages 6-12, three different levels of swim lessons are offered: Beginner Swim Kids, Swim Kids, and Advanced Swim Kids. Swim Kids will introduce the four basic strokes that are foundations for developing strong swimmers. Upon completion of the class, students will be invited to attend Advanced Swim Kids. The advanced class will focus on improving stroke technique and endurance. Students must know all four strokes and will be evaluated by the swim director before being admitted to the class. If you’re looking to enroll your little one in swimming lessons this summer, you can find more information on the different classes and registration at https://www. lonemountain.biz/swimming, or by calling 406-587-1180.
OF BOZEMAN
MONTANA
The ArtSplot offers Summer Art Enrichment Programs since 1995. Our students develop observational, artistic and verbal skills in a creative atmosphere.
JOIN US! Experience what sets us apart. The ArtSplot studio is located at 111 South Grand Avenue, Suite #211.
81028-1
states that their goal is to provide physical and social skills necessary to be safe in the water.
For Summer Program Dates and Registration visit www.ArtSplot.com Or call Chelsea & Richard at 587-8424
For People of All Ages
Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs Visit www.bozeman.net/recreation for information
14 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS: THE SHOW MUST GO ON According to University of Rochester Medical Center, the brain does most of its developing from the ages of 3 to 25 years old, a time when most children are attending school, summer camps, and learning to grow together. The development of life skills like problem-solving and creative thinking are some of the important skills children learn during this period of growth. While traditional schooling provides a variety of life skills and fosters critical thinking, and traditional summer camps allow for fun and necessary social skills, performing arts camps help foster skills like creativity, self-confidence, and selfexpression, skills equally important in the development process. Performing arts camps provide some of these life skills through hands-on lessons that ask children to engage and come up with creative solutions on their own. Many times, children will be asked to improvise
and create with minimal resources at hand. This can be challenging for anyone to do, but with help and guidance, children who attend these camps can learn these skills and grow. Because these camps provide a space for children to use their imaginations and problem solve, other areas of life for these children are improved. In a study by the American Alliance for Theatre Education, it was discovered that children who attended performing arts camps recorded higher standardized test scores, improved reading comprehension, and maintained better attendance records than their counterparts. Every summer camp strives to aid in the child development process and has its strong points. Performing arts camps help focus on necessary life skills that often only they can provide, and many parents believe the same. A Harris Poll found that 93% of Americans consider the
arts to be vital to providing a wellrounded education, and a critical link to learning and success. Gallatin Valley is fortunate to offer a number of performing arts camps this summer to children ages 5 to 18. If your child is looking for a summer full of hands-on learning, creative thinking, and meeting children with similar interests, a performing arts camp could be the best option for a summer camp. Check out some of the camps being offered below!
Camp Equinox
For those ready to refine their acting and improvisation skills, Camp Equinox is offering four-week camps for students entering grades three through eight in two separate sessions this summer. Session one will take place June 14 through July 8, and session two July 19 through Aug. 12. For those interested in two entire months of learning from award-winning playwright’s and
camp directors Katie Goodman and Soren Kisiel, there is also an option to attend both sessions for a discounted price. The camp consists of jam-packed days, lasting from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., full of activities for aspiring actors to work on their craft. Most days start with a morning meeting where the entire group gets together to enjoy short skits presented by other campers and begin the day with some laughs. After that, the work begins, with campers breaking into different groups by grade and beginning their morning workshops, taught by the talented Camp Equinox staff. After taking some time to enjoy their PB&J and Sun Chips for lunch, campers will get “directed free time” to work on a skit, join in a team sport, or work on a creative project. Most days will come to an end with organized rehearsals or special performances by guest artists.
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 15 Camp Equinox offers a range of topics for those eager to learn, including everything from Shakespeare to puppetry. Camp Equinox states on their website that, “Our goal is to give our students the opportunity to meet challenges, explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and see their success in final performances, all in the environment of a supportive community. The positive growth that takes place through the performing arts is thrilling. You may not recognize your kids after four weeks at Camp Equinox!” For kiddos entering grades one and two, opportunities await as well. The camp for this age group is called the “Minispots,” on theme with Camp Equinox’s groups named after theatrical lighting instruments, and lasts from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for each available session. If you are interested in exploring your creativity and acting it out this summer, you can find more information on Camp Equinox at https://www.campequinox.com/ about , or by calling 406-522-7623. Registration is open now!
Young Actors Workshop
The Young Actors Workshop takes place in Livingston, Montana at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts’. The two-week program offers intensive training in theatre skills for students in grades K-12. The program normally begins around the first
week of August, with registration beginning in May for the Lalani Center’s most popular program. What should you expect? Nothing less than two weeks of rigorous training taught by theatre professionals and college students, that ends with a full-scale music production preformed to the public three times! While the workshop does include auditions on the first day for various roles in the production, the Lanai Center’s Executive Director Russell Lewis states this is nothing to be nervous about: “Everyone who’s enrolled in the camp will participate in the performance but were really trying to hone in on where everyone is in their personal development, and also see which talents are starting to shine through.” Being a part of a full-scale music production will help each actor learn the ropes of all the different aspects of a production, from how to memorize their lines and read with fluidity to costume design and lighting. The type of knowledge a total experience like this will provide is invaluable. For those looking to learn more about the Young Actors Workshop and the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts’, you can find more information at https://www.theshanecenter.org/ education/ , or by calling 406-222-1420.
TATE ACADEMY SUMMER 2021 OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS Summer is fast-approaching and TATE Academy will once again be offering our popular workshops at the beautiful Ellen Theatre. We are pleased to continue providing students with solid, technique-based theatre arts training taught by professional instructors. In response to COVID-19, class sizes will be limited, and policies will be implemented to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Information about our June workshops is currently posted on the TATE Academy website, and we will be adding many more summer classes very soon! If you have not done so, be sure to visit our website and sign up for the mailing list to be notified of upcoming opportunities. Registration is currently open for the Actor’s Toolkit workshops which are designed to explore the various theatrical skills that every performer needs. JUNE 21st – 25th The Actor’s Toolkit for those entering Grades 4 & 5 Choose either the morning or afternoon session: Monday through Friday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Cost: $120 This class focuses on techniques
and exercises to stretch the voice, body, and mind. Scripted material and improvisation will be used to encourage student’s development as actors, and individual coaching will help them to gain confidence as performers. JUNE 28th – JULY 2nd The Actor’s Toolkit for those entering Grades 6 through 12 Monday through Friday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Cost: $245 With a focus on developing a solid acting technique, students will explore character development, voice and diction, movement, and script analysis. Each student will receive individual feedback and coaching to build on his or her skills. To register, please visit our website at www.tateacademy.com For more information, Call (406) 585-6918 or Email tate.academy@ outlook.com Those in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for Scholarships. Sign up today! TATE Academy: Where hard work and joy collide. It’s serious fun.
16 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
MON TAN A BALLE T COMPAN Y 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMS
Sleeping Beauty Summer Join Montana Ballet for Sleeping Beauty Summer! Daily ballet class, dance-related arts and crafts, choreography, and more. Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. June 14 – 17, 2021 June 21 – 24, 2021 July 12 – 15, 2021 Ages 4 - 6 Ages 6 - 8 Ages 4 - 6
July 19 – 22, 2021 Ages 6 - 8
SUMMER ART CAMPS
Dancing Under the Big Sky
Kids Art Camps
Ages 5 – 13 | Weekly | 9am – 4pm
WK
DATE
THEME
1
June 14 – 18
Kaleidoscope of Colors
2
June 21 – 25
3
DATE
THEME
6
July 19 – 23
Master Builders
Yellowstone Naturalist
7
July 26 – 30
Strange Fishes
June 28 – July 2
Epic Myths
8
August 2 – 6
Prehistoric Art
4
July 6 – 9*
I Heart Montana
9
August 9 – 13
Cosmic Comets
5
July 12 –16
Flower Power
10
August 16 – 20
Around the World in 5 Days
* 4 day camp in observance of Independence day
WK
To Register call 405.581.9797, ext. 105 | www.theEmerson.org
Two-week Dance Intensive
photo: Lauren Brown
Emerson Summer Art Camps are back! We are pleased to offer 10 weeks of full-day camps featuring a variety of themes in a COVID conscious environment. Campers explore a new theme each week through 2D Arts, Sculpture, and creative art projects. Each week culminates in a Friday Art Reception showcasing each camper’s artistic accomplishments.
Comprehensive curriculum: Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Pilates, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and more. July 26 - August 7 • Ages 8 & Up Special Guest Teachers Rachel Van Buskirk and Christian Clark
REGISTER ONLINE: montanaballet.org • 406.582.8702
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 17
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS: MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE? Montana Ballet Company
Improve your ballet skills while learning a timeless tale this summer through Montana Ballet Company’s Sleeping Beauty Summer Camp. The camp offers four different sessions in the months of June and July. Each session is Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Montana Ballet Company dance studio. The weeks of June 14 and July 12 will be held for kids ages four to six, and the weeks of June 21 and July 19 will be held for kids ages six to eight. In each session, attendees will dive into the Sleeping Beauty Ballet, adopted from the original 1697 fairy tale and considered one of the most famous ballets of all time. Attendees will do this through daily ballet class, dance-related arts and crafts, choreography, and more! Instructor Elizabeth DeFanti states the camp “gives dancers a first-hand glimpse
into what a major ballet is like.” Registration is open now at https://montanaballet.org.
Dancing Under the Big Sky
Dancing Under the Big Sky is another summer program hosted by Montana Ballet Company July 26 - Aug. 7. The two-week dance intensive program provides an educational curriculum that nurtures the whole dancer: mind, body and spirit. This camp is offered for those ages eight and up. Ballet aspects covered in this camp include technique, pointe and pre-pointe, variations, Pilates, nutrition, musicality, and much more! Students will also be treated to two guest faculty who will be leading the camp, Rachel Van Buskirk and Christian Clark. Both instructors have taught for the Atlanta Ballet, the longest continually performing ballet company in the United States. Van
Buskirk has danced with Atlanta Ballet for 13 years and is the co-founder of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. She has been nominated for Dance Magazines “25 to Watch,” and has countless experience educating young ballet students. Clark is another co-founder of the Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre and has been dancing for the past 15 years, largely with Atlanta Ballet. Clark has performed lead roles in some of the most renowned ballets, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and Dracula. He also starred in the 2013 film adaptation of the Moulin Rouge ballet by Jorden Morris and Grammy and Emmy-winning directors Pierre and Franois Lamoureux. For those interested that are not currently Montana Ballet Company students, an audition must be com-
pleted prior to acceptance to the program. This can be done in-person or by sending an audition video to Montana Ballet Company. Montana Ballet Company will also be holding open classes from June 14 - July 23 for continuing students and new students alike. Different age groups are scheduled for different dates and times. Class information and registration can be found on the MBC website. All who are serious about ballet are encouraged to reach out, and can find more information by contacting the companies office at 406-5828702, or by emailing info@montanaballet.org. More information on the program can also be found at https://montanaballet.org.
18 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS: MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
Flathead Lake Music Camp
Picture this: it’s the middle of July. You just camped under the stars on the banks of Flathead Lake and stayed up all through the night roasting marshmallows and telling harrowing ghost stories. Dawn is approaching as you lie in a deep sleep. Andrea Bocelli appears and begins to belt out “The Prayer.” You wake up and realize it’s just your fellow camper taking in the morning. This dream (nightmare?) could become a reality this summer by attending the Flathead Lake Music Camp. The Flathead Music Camp is an annual week-long summer camp for middle school and high school vocalists and instrumentalists. The high school camp is July 11-17, and the middle school camp July 18-24. The camp is hosted at the Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp near Rollins, Montana, and will offer a bucolic experience like no other.
Attendees will get the chance to stay in modern cabins every night, staffed by adult counselors, while enjoying the convenience of having Flathead Lake next door. Small groups will get the chance to study with professional music educators, university teachers, graduate students, and many others! The camp also offers a mix of group settings including individual lessons, large ensembles, and student recitals. This year the high school camp will feature a concert band, jazz band, concert choir, and jazz choir. The middle school camp will feature a concert band, jazz band, and concert choir. The Flathead Lake Music Camp’s philosophy is simple, stating they believe that, “Every student is gifted. The Camp seeks to provide an environment in which each student’s talents can be nurtured and refined. In addition to technical assistance and
instruction, emphasis is placed on the very special self-worth of each student.” Interested in learning more or signing up? Visit http://www.flatheadlakemusiccamp.org and let nature inspire you this summer.
and another in August. Each camp consists of 15 girls, one camp leader, and two creative cultivators for personal connection and attention. Because the groups are small, camps will fill up quickly.
GirlSing
GirlSing will also be implementing a number of health and safety protocols this year given COVID-19. Camp attendees’ temperatures will be taken every morning prior to entering the camp. Any child with a reading above 100.4 F will not be able to attend the camp. General health screening questions and a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities will also be implemented.
GirlSing seeks to create an inclusive environment that empowers girls through song and other forms of art. Self-empowerment and self-expression are core themes introduced throughout the camp, primarily through singing songs with positive messages, and exploring lyrics to songs campers love and delving into why they love them. GirlSing states that they, “Include songs that point to the true nature of their inner beauty with related songwriting activities and self-expressive art projects.” GirlSing is available to girls ages 7-11 and is a weeklong camp from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Two different camps are being held this summer: one in June
If you are interested in hearing more about GirlSing summer camp or registering your daughter for this summer, you can find everything you need to know at https://girlsing. webs.com or by calling 406-5702839.
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 19
Our growing team of pediatric specialists is dedicated to caring for the health and needs of Montana’s children. Montana Children’s Specialists - Bozeman Clinic is welcoming new patients at our new location - 1610 Ellis Street, Suite 1B. Specialty services at this location include: Pediatric Gastroenterology Pediatric Neurosurgery Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Pediatric Neurology Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Surgery
To learn more about our pediatric services, call (844) 215-7969 or visit (406) 758-7490 montanachildrens.org
est. 1984
Summer Camps 2021 Spend the summer as a scientist at Montana’s premier science camp for kids, and explore the world around you! Find camp descriptions and registration at montanalearning.org
20 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
EXPLORE YOUR FAITH THROUGH FAITH-BASED DAY CAMPS!
For kids looking to explore their faith this summer, Gallatin Valley offers a few options for day camps. Faith-based camps typically include some type of bible study, games and activities, and a big emphasis on community and relationships. Attending a faith-based camp or church service provides you with more than just invaluable lessons, but also a like-minded community willing to accept you with open arms. These camps introduce children to a life of faith all the while introducing them to children their age. Here are a few options for camps available this summer!
Hope Lutheran and Holy Rosary Catholic Parish
Hope Lutheran offers a Vacation Bible School every summer in partnership with the Holy Rosary Catholic Parish. The camp is typically the second or third week of June and lasts for five days. Campers can expect an introduction to scripture through fun and engaging activities. This year’s camp information can be found at https://hopebozeman.
com/faith-formation and should be posted soon. Hope Lutheran Church also offers a Family Camp every summer, during Labor Day Weekend. The camp takes place at Christikon, Hope Lutheran’s local Lutheran camp site, located about two hours south of Big Timber. The camp offers cozy, warm cabins and a weekend of faith-based activities and worship. Attendees can also expect plenty of unstructured time to relax with their families and enjoy the sweet outdoors. Learning sessions are typically broken up into different age groups, with a group session later on in the day. More information on the Family Camp can be found at https://hopebozeman. com/faith-formation.
E-Free Camp Agape
Serving Gallatin Valley since 2008, Camp Agape is setting its sights on having another successful summer this year. Camp Agape is a summer day camp that focuses on keeping kids engaged and offering a haven for them to enjoy their summer. Camp Agape checks all the boxes
for what you’d expect from a summer camp: quality counselors, yummy snacks, field trips, foosball, swimming, nature hikes, and most importantly, FUN! It’s hard to believe that all this is packed into one week, but it’s true. Camp Agape is offered to children entering grades K-7. Upon arriving at the camp, kids are split up into groups as follows: K-2, 3-4, and 5-7. The camp typically runs from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. but offers an extra hour-and-a-half in the morning and hour at night for those needing early drop-off and late pick-up options. The late and early options cost $2 extra per day. A typical day at Camp Agape begins with kids being split into groups and playing games for the first hour of the morning while camp counselors plan the schedule for the day. Morning play time is followed by the groups re-convening to sing songs that soothe the soul. Song time is followed by group time with some sort of activity like drawing or cards. Just before lunch, campers will load
the buses and head off to that day’s activity location. Sunscreen will be required! After a filling lunch and some fun in the sun, campers will load up the buses and head back to Camp Agape’s campus. Camp Agape prides itself on being on the most affordable camps available in Gallatin Valley, and is well worth its price. Kids entering grades K-4 can pay $100 for three days of camp, $110 for four days, and $120 for five days. Kids entering grades 5-7 can pay $105 for three days of camp, $113 for four days of camp, and $120 for five days of camp. Camp Agape is implementing a number of health and safety protocols this summer in response to COVID-19. They are following all guidelines laid out by the CDC for summer youth camps, and face coverings will be required to attend the camp. Camp Agape will also implement a health screening procedure for anyone returning from travel, having a known close contact, or experiencing symptoms. A strict cleaning and disinfecting policy will
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 21 You can find more information on Camp Agape by visiting https://efree. agapemg.com. Or by calling 406600-4511. Registration is open now!
Yellowstone Theological Institute TheatreMakers Summer Camp
Hosted at Yellowstone Theological Institutes rehearsal space with programming offered by TheatreMakers and Bozeman Actors Theatre, the TheatreMakers summer camp is the go-to day camp for creating original theatre like Cinderella or Rapunzel this summer. Founded on the principle that theatre artists grow by creating every step of the way, this camp will be a creative experience your child will not regret! This year’s camp will be the week of August 16, continuing through August 20, and is available to students entering grades 4-12; although, opportunities for leadership roles will be available for older students.
Students are dropped off at 9 a.m. and are let out at 3 p.m. Camp objectives include learning the fundamentals of creating a character and dramatic structure through writing and performance; exploring body, voice, and imagination; learning the ins and outs of theatre design; learning a variety of theatre perspectives and working together as a supportive ensemble. The camp is led by Yellowstone TheatreMakers Director Kristin Kammargren and experienced members of the Bozeman Actors Theatre. Students should bring comfortable clothes, a water bottle, and a lunch for their day of creative exploration. You can find more information on the TheatreMakers Summer Camp by visiting https://yellowstonetheology. org/community-events/summercamps, or by calling 406-404-1600. Registration will be opening soon!
The Heart and Hand Center Summer Day Camps & Retreats
Horses, Hiking, Arts & Crafts, Yoga, Music, Meditation Are you or your kids maxed out with COVID19 social distancing and anxiety about getting this virus? WE CAN HELP! Our summer day camps offer kids time to come to our beautiful mountaintop ranch where they will enjoy being with other kids in a safe environment as they learn more about themselves and how to have healthy relationships. Campers will enjoy playing games with horses, making arts & crafts together, making music together, hiking, relaxing with yoga & meditation and sharing their stories. Our well trained staff will help your kids learn to have more self-confidence, manage anxiety & depression, deal with anger in healthy ways, set appropriate boundaries, and plan for a bright and positive future as they come to understand their unique place in our crazy world more fully!
Join us at Heart & Hand Center Ranch just 15 miles East of Bozeman & let this be the BEST summer of your kid’s life and your life!
2020 SUMMER CAMPS June 28-July 2: Kids’ Camp (ages 8-12) July 12-16: Teen Camp (ages 12-16) August 2-6: Back to School Camp (ages 10-14) 2021 ADULT ZOOM RETREATS August 27-29: Adult Trauma Repair Retreat September 17-19: Adult Discover Your Life Purpose
Learn more at: heartandhandcenter.com IG: heartandhandcentermt FB: heartandhandcenter Offices: 11 Grand, Suite 275 - Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman Ranch: K-J Ranch, East of Bozeman 406.587.4036 Email: support@heartandhandcenter.com
SUMMER2021YAA! register online at www.yaacamp.org Young & Free day camp
1-4 Grade • Camp 1: June 21-25 • Camp 2: June 28-July 2 • Camp 3: July 12-16 • Camp 4: July 19-23
RESIDENTIAL CAMP
Rookie Camp 2-4 Grade • July 6-9 Trailblazer Camp 3-5 Grade • June 20-25 Pioneer Camp 5-6 Grade • June 27-July 2 Explorer Camp 6-8 Grade • July 11-16 and • July 18-23 Senior High Camp 9-12 Grade • June 13-18
YAA is permitted for outfitting and guiding in the Gallatin National Forest
SPECIALTY CAMP Archery Camp 7-9 Grade • July 6-9 Base Camp 6-8 Grade • July 6-9
FAMILY CAMP
• July 2-4 • Sept 3-6
www.yaacamp.org
406-763-4727
13707 Cottonwood Canyon Rd
Bozeman, MT 59718
81023-1
also be implemented.
1869986
22 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
HEALTHY MEALS
& ACTIVITIES
IN A FUN & SAFE ENVIRONMENT
FREE
GET YOUR LUNCH ON AT HRDC FREE SUMMER LUNCH’S! If there is one thing a child should never have to worry about, it’s how they’re going to get their next healthy meal. For parents who are not always around during the day because of a job, this can require extra planning to make sure their children are well fed and ready to enjoy a Montana summer day to its fullest. HRDC wants to help parents out with the meal-planning process this year through their Summer Meals Program. Their program offers healthy meals at sites across Gallatin Valley for all kids and teens 18 years and younger, and it’s completely free! All meals follow USDA nutrition guidelines and can help families save time and money this summer. In the summer months of 2020 alone, the program served 29,115 breakfast and lunch meals to Gallatin Valley kids. In addition, Root Cellar Foods donated 579 pounds of produce to the program, so kids can usually expect to see some locally grown goods offered at the sites as well. Most meals are distributed around lunch time, Monday-Friday, according to HRDC’s website; so anywhere from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Serving times differ based on location. Last year’s
Bozeman sites included: Beall Park, Bozeman High School, Bozeman Public Library, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, Irving School, Kirk Park, MSU Family and Graduate Housing, Story Mill Park, and Walton Homestead Park. Last year’s Gallatin Valley sites included: Three Forks School, West Yellowstone School, and Belgrade. HRDC expects meal sites to be very similar this summer, if not exactly the same. Kiddos can also text “food” to 877 877 to join the closest site to them for a meal. They will be prompted to text their address and will receive a text including the nearest location serving a free lunch. The Summer Meals Program begins in June! No registration is required for the Summer Meals Program, and all kids are asked to do is show up. Doesn’t sound too hard, right? Summer 2021 lunch locations will be posted in May and can be found at either HRDC’s website at https://thehrdc.org, or at the Gallatin Valley Foodbank’s website at https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank. org/get-help/summer-meals/. Interested in helping out? You can also sign up to volunteer at Gallatin Valley Food Bank’s website listed above!
TO KIDS & TEENS AGES 18 & UNDER
WEEKDAYS FROM 12:00 PM TO 1:00 PM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: *
MEAL OFFERED & SERVICE TIME MAY VARY DEPENDING ON LOCATION
*
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEALS & ACTIVITIES OR TO FIND A SITE NEAR YOU:: VISIT gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org CALL 406-586-7600 TEXT LUNCH TO 877-877
Farm Fresh. Montana Made. Delivered Direct.
Available to customers in the Gallatin Valley, Big Sky, + beyond! SHOP OUR ONLINE MARKET: ROOTCELLARFOODS.COM
BUI LDING A BETTER COMMUNITY
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 23
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The Rock Youth Center
Where Healthy Smiles Begin Love All Serve All New Summer Activities Learn more in our upcoming Newsletter! New buses to transport kids to all events.... Big Sky Skate Park; Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and more Contact Us Office Phone: 406 522 7979 Facebook: therockyc www.therockyc.org
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24 SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021
LIFETIME HOBBIES: A LABOR OF LOVE FINDING A HOBBY TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER AND BEYOND Every student, no matter their grade, has encountered the timeless question: what are your hobbies? Usually asked during an icebreaker activity, these icebreakers usually elicit answers like rock climbing, painting, skiing, or something else kids enjoy in their free time. Having hobbies is important because they help you engage in something that you truly enjoy. It’s an activity where you aren’t doing it because your parents told you to or you are being paid to do it. If you’ve got a job, you’re likely using that money to participate in your hobby. Hobbies are also important because they allow you to meet people interested in the same activities. Whether much of your free time is spent on the golf course or on a mountain bike, hobbies bring you closer to like-minded people and give you the chance to meet lifetime friends. When you’re young, you go through stages of learning your likes and dislikes. Maybe ballet is crossed off the list because you are the least coordinated person alive, or football
because of its high contact. Either way, the best time to explore new hobbies is while you’re young. Try a new one out every few weeks and see if it sticks. Here are a few options for lifetime hobbies you can try this summer!
Spire Climbing and Fitness Summer Camps
Spire Climbing and Fitness is one of Bozeman’s rock-climbing gyms open to all ages. This summer they are offering both weeklong summer camps and day camps for kids ages 5-16. Rock climbing provides a great upper body exercise all the while teaching hand-eye coordination skills. It can also teach life skills like trust and determination through repeated work on a challenging climb. Rock climbing’s laid-back attitude will also always remind you not to take the sport, or life, too seriously. The PIR Day Camp will help campers learn the basics of rock climbing and focus on developing some of the life skills essential to succeed in the sport like strength, confidence, fo-
cus, trust, and teamwork. The camp is open to kids of all abilities and tries to introduce rock climbing to kids in a fun and engaging way. Children ages 5-9 will be split into one group, and children ages 10-12 in another. The next available day camp is being offered April 8, but dates the camp is offered do change, so it is best to check Spire’s website. Information on the PIR day camp can be found at https://www.spireclimbingcenter. com/PIR-day-camps. In addition to the PIR Day Camp, Spire also offers weeklong summer camps for kids ages 5-16. Camps are offered just about every week beginning June 14 and go Monday-Friday, 8:30-12 p.m. Afternoon sessions are also offered on special occasions. Campers are split up into one of the three groups: Monkey Mania for kids ages 5-8, Rock Warriors for kids ages 8-11, and Rock Stars for kids ages 1116. Each camp will focus on Spire’s mission to help kids learn the essentials of the sport and take their skills to the next level. Monkey Mania
will focus on skills like tying knots, commands and technique through games and activities. Rock Warriors will expand on the basics learned in Monkey Mania and move on to advanced climbing techniques. Rock Stars will try to ascend to rock climbing glory, and will focus on learning to rappel, tying a variety of knots, and understanding the fundamentals of lead climbing. Registration for all summer camps is available now at https://www.spireclimbingcenter. com/summer-camps. Spire is implementing a number of safety guidelines in response to COVID-19, including: limiting all camps to 15 participants, requiring sanitization when leaving or entering their facility, sanitizing high-touch surfaces frequently, and performing activities outdoors whenever possible. Those seeking more information on camps being offered this summer can check out https://www.spireclimbingcenter.com/, or call 406586-0706 for more information.
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Wilderness Adventures Montana Fly Fishing If I told you over the course of 16 days you’d be able to backpack in some of Southwest Montana’s beautiful backcountry, raft a raging river, and fly fish the Madison River with expert guides, would you believe me? Well, it’s true, and this summer Wilderness Adventures is hosting the trip of a lifetime. The epic escapade begins on June 27 at Bozeman’s airport and kicks off with camping under the Douglas-Firs stretching as far as the eyes can see. On day two, campers will be introduced to the Gallatin River and get to experience its views via whitewater raft. On days three and four things get serious, and campers participate in a customized, in-the-field fishing seminar where they will learn basic fly fishing techniques. They will also be schooled in fish ecology, fly fishing ethics, and how to protect the beautiful habitat they are in. After that, the two-week trip will be rounded out with putting their new skills to the test through two backcountry fly fishing trips. Campers will venture into the Anaconda Pintlers Wilderness along with Yellowstone National Park, where they will fly fish in some of the most beautiful places Montana has to offer. Along the way, they will learn important skills like meal planning, Leave No Trace principles, and map and compass navigation. The Montana Fly Fishing Camp is available to students entering grades 9-12 and is being offered in two different two-week sessions. The first session will be offered June 27-July 12, and the second session July 14-July 30. Those attending will be required to supply their own personal gear, clothing, and airfare if they are traveling from somewhere other than Bozeman. The trip itself includes all accommodations, activities, meals, and group gear, including fly fishing rods.
Those seeking more information on the Montana Fly Fishing camp can check out https://www.wildernessadventures.com for more information.
Wave Train Kayak Team
This summer, Wave Train Kayak Team is offering kayak programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers looking to improve their kayaking skills on the beautiful rivers of Southwest Montana. The camp runs as a six-week session, with two sessions available this summer. Session one begins May 21 and session two July 5. Those who sign up for both sessions will get discounted rates. The six-week camps are available for kids ages 10-18. Kids ages 10-14 will be split into one group, and teens ages 15-18 in another. From there, participants will be divided further into groups by skill level and comfortability in a kayak. Those new to the sport should not be discouraged to apply, as Wave Train sees kids of every skill level every summer. Campers will spend two days each week kayaking on rivers throughout Gallatin Valley, and will get the chance to improve their skills in the process. It’s important to note that Wave Train Kayak Team does not supply equipment for any of its programs, so purchasing or renting a kayak before will be necessary. The Barn offers discounted rental rates to Wave Train Kayak Team participants and can be reached at 406-5866029. All participants will also be required to provide a personal flotation device, helmet, spray skirt, paddle, booties, dry top, wetsuit, gear bag, throw rope, and a whistle. For more information on Wave Train Kayak Six-Week Teams, check out their website at http://www. wavetrainkayakteam.com/sixweekprograms, or call 406-539-4333.
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YMCA SUMMER CAMP: PAVING THE WAY FOR SAFE SUMMER FUN “I think the biggest difference from camps we’ve run in the past and this year’s will be recognizing kids who might not have been as involved and out of school or school programs,” says Gallatin Valley YMCA’s Marketing Director Shayna Blaser. Blaser recognizes that the Adventure Day Camps offered every summer by the Y will have a different look this year given the global pandemic, but last year brought similar circumstances for the weekly camp, and Gallatin Valley YMCA was able to adapt with success. Gallatin Valley YMCA is ready to provide another summer of fun and safety for all. The camp is offered for eight weeks straight beginning June 14th, and is a Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. day camp. The Adventure Day Camp is offered for children entering grades K-7, with a different theme every week and loads of fun to go around. Children are placed in cohorts consisting of grades K-2, 2-4, and 5-7. Grades K-4 will be at either Hawthorne School or The Commons for their camp, and grades 5-7 at Gallatin Valley YMCA. Grades K-4 will have two different locations so a single cohort does not surpass the 23-person limit set to keep groups small and allow for
physical distancing. While Gallatin Valley YMCA offers typical summer camp activities like field trips and arts and crafts, the Y also strives to provide the role models and teachers younger children so often need. “Our camps are geared around encouraging learning and growth and development,” Blaser says. “But in an environment where you’re learning with other kids in your age group. We’re really just trying to teach kids our core principles of honesty, respect, and responsibility.” Gallatin Valley YMCA goes above and beyond to help make their weekly camps an unforgettable experience. This summer they will be hiring licensed teachers to introduce fun and engaging learning exercises like “Wacky Wednesdays,” where campers get to dress crazy and express themselves. The camp will also tackle more serious topics like gun safety education and give campers the chance to raft a mellow section of the Yellowstone River, among other things. Blaser thinks hiring licensed teachers is important given the unconventional school year most students have had. “While studies have shown there’s
not a huge slide (academically) due to the pandemic, we are going to bring in certified teachers to ensure the students are not only having fun, but so our activities are encouraging learning and education,” Blaser says. She also believes that this will allow children to have fun while preparing for the next school year on the horizon. In addition to the certified teachers the gym hires for each of their camps, Gallatin Valley YMCA also brings on youth leaders to help manage the groups and promote development. All youth leaders must be 18 years of age, complete 30-35 hours of training in topics like character development and behavior management, and be CPR and First Aid Certified. Staff are also required to go through a child abuse prevention program. Blaser explains that this program is in place to help empower their youth leaders to recognize situations of abuse and allow campers to feel comfortable confiding in the people they look up to. “We absolutely want everyone to be comfortable and safe during our camp,” says Blaser. The YMCA is also focusing a lot of attention on the health and safety of its campers and staff this summer.
“A lot of the training is going through our policies and procedures because safety is number one,” Gallatin Valley YMCA’s Camps Director Leah Weaver reminds us. Policies the YMCA will implement include daily health screenings and temperature checks, face coverings, thorough cleanings of school buses, and additional staff to help sanitize all touched surfaces of a room. These policies mirror the efforts the YMCA implemented last summer to keep campers safe. It seems they did the job, too. The Gallatin Valley YMCA did not report a single positive COVID-19 case transmitted through its camp last summer. “Another thing we focus on is character development and inclusion,” Weaver says. “We really want everybody to be able to thrive, be comfortable, and feel like they can be themselves. That’s really important for us.” One-way Gallatin Valley YMCA is doing this is by offering a diverse array of weekly themes for each camp this summer. Themes range from the Nerf Camp, where campers will learn gun safety and have teamfocused nerf battles, to Space Squad, where campers will learn about
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2021 27 astronauts and the great unknown that is outer space. The naturalborn inventors will get their chance to shine during the Imagination Station Camp, where the 6th annual Thingamajig Competition will take place. It’s safe to say that whichever week a child chooses to attend will not disappoint! Campers will need to bring the necessities like a water bottle, face covering, backpack, and sunscreen; but breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack will all be provided by the camp. Lunches will be sponsored by the HRDC’s lunch program and a nutritional specialist will be brought in to ensure healthy, balanced meals. After many summer camps were cancelled last summer due to COVID-19, Gallatin Valley YMCA made the tough decision to continue its camp with additional health and safety policies in place. This summer, many camps are following in the
Y’s footsteps to offer programming again. They will be implementing some of the same protocols the YMCA used last summer. “We are so excited that some of these other camps have decided to move forward and offer camps this year because we do see the value in doing it, and unfortunately we can’t house all the kids,” Blaser says. “So, there being other opportunities and other camps is really exciting.”
GREAT SUMMERS
Gallatin Valley YMCA is paving the way for safe and engaging summer programming given our new normal and showing everyone what is still possible.
YMCA Summer Day Camps | 2021
START HERE
Those interested in learning more about Gallatin Valley YMCA’s summer camps can find more information at https://www.gallatinvalleyymca. org/2021-summer-camp or by visiting their building at 3673 Love Lane in Bozeman. Registration is open now!
K-7th Grade | June 14th-August 20th
Summer is a time for kids to be kids. And Y camp is the place to make every precious summer day a great one!
REGISTER ONLINE!
Camp Runs from 7:30am to 5:30pm Breakfast, Lunch & Snack are included No additional fees for field trips
GALLATIN VALLEY YMCA | gallatinvalleyymca.org | 406.994.9622
Women’s and Children’s Services OB/GYN
Our team offers the most comprehensive women’s services in the Bozeman area. Our OB/GYNS are there to care for you through every stage of life. For couples trying to conceive and women with high risk pregnancies, we offer maternal fetal medicine and the only reproductive medicine specialists in the region. For more information or to make an appointment, call 406 -587-9202 or 1-866-587-9202
Tyler Shelby Bradford, MD Haugan, MD
Amy Korten, MD
Samuel Sillitti, MD
Mon - Fri: 8 am to 5 pm 925 Highland Blvd., Ste.1210/1220
Reproductive Specialist
Jennifer Yarger, MD
Karlee Haus, NP
Stacy Christene Shomento, MD McDonnell, RDMS, PA-C
Nutritionand DiabetesEducation
Katie Sonnek, RD, LN
Pediatrics Our pediatricians care for your child’s primary and urgent care needs at a convenient location with hours to meet your needs as busy parents. You can rest assured that if your child needs a higher level of care, our pediatric specialists collaborate to keep you close to home whenever possible. For more information or to make an appointment, call (406) 522-KIDS (5437) Same day care, after hours and virtual appointments available. Mon - Fri: 8 am - 6 pm, Sat: 8:30 - 11 am 1819 S 22nd Ave. Ste. 100
Courtney Handlin, DO
Sheila Idzerda, MD
Claire Kenamore, MD
To talk to a registered nurse about health questions after hours, call HealthLine at (406) 255-8400 or 1-800-252-1246, available 24/7. billingsclinic.com/bozeman
Coming Soon Next Spring: Billings Clinic Bozeman’s New Home Our new medical campus will include a sophisticated three-story multispecialty clinic and urgent care with an adjacent one-story surgery center that can accommodate brief overnight stays. The design features a modern, mountain aesthetic that will be filled with natural light and views of the Bridger Mountains. The clinic will house OB/GYN and pediatric practices that have been in the Bozeman community for many years, in addition to a complement of additional specialty and primary care services. Radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services are included will be available on-site.
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