April 2023 | Sports

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Here from the start.

I’ve seen both lead to the same level of giddiness and heart-wrenching devastation.

When my child takes the mat for a cheer competition, it’s like I’m out there with her, holding my breath as I hang on every tumble pass and stunt. I talk myself through each move and when she reaches the final few seconds of the routine and all the scary stuff is over, I can finally breathe…and more often than not, I find myself crying (it’s a happy cry).

It’s the same with my barrel racer. I’m breathless until after she finally rounds the third barrel and then I find myself screaming like a lunatic, “Bring him home!”

And these are just MY emotions, as a spectator and a parent.

So, when I say it’s comparable to dating, here’s where I’m coming from: I cautiously watch as they invest more and more of themselves and trust in the relationship deeper and deeper. I find myself investing too. But, like when I watch them cheer or race, I have the benefit of being on the sidelines and watching it all happen, with enormous hope but zero control.

If you haven’t yet had a child go through their first serious heartbreak, buckle up and hold on tight because it is dramatic, and it may possibly hurt you more than your child.

I’ve only recently really begun to learn how to be on the sidelines and offer encouragement for the successes and support for the losses. There’s no way around being out there on the mat or in the arena with my kids – just as there is no way around being witness to young relationships. You are there. In it for everything. And, as I said, you have no control.

What I can control is how I navigate the successes and failures. My girls don’t need me to tell them what they did wrong, or worse, blame anything on anyone else. It doesn’t help them for me to feed into the occasional, “Not my fault,” or “Why me?” They just need me to be there. And often in silence. No judgment. No advice (at least not in the heat of the moment). Just be someone who will unconditionally lean into them, listen and love them.

Now let me be honest. I may be getting better with the defeat and disappointment part, but when it comes to the successes…I downright embarrass myself. My 16-year-old daughter has been struggling to perform her best at competitions after multiple injuries. In fact, it was so dire that she was at risk of losing her position on the team. And then one weekend in early March she took the mat with a different attitude, one of confidence in herself and determination to be the athlete she knew she was. After three-and-a-half minutes, sweaty palms and a near heart attack (that would be me in the stands), she had done it. Nailed it, in fact. And without hesitation I looked around at my fellow cheer moms and loudly announced, “She’s back!”

Gloating a little? Yes. Not my best moment? Yes. But, like I said, I’m still getting comfortable in my spot on the sidelines.

I don’t know which gives me more agita, sitting back and watching my girls navigate dating or participate in sports.

BOzeman FARMERS’ MARKET

Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.

BOGERT FARMERS’ MARKET

June 20 - September 12, 2023

June 7-September 27, 2015

East Side of Lindley Park in Bozeman

Tuesdays, 5-8pm

Bogert Park’s Pavilion, South Church Avenue, Bozeman

Fresh Produce. Food. Art. Music & More

Fresh Produce. Food Vendors. Arts. Family Activities & Live Music

Volunteer, Sponsor and Vendor Info: bozemanfarmersmarket.org

Volunteer,  Sponsor  or vendor info: bogertfarmersmarket.org

Life’s a garden…dig it!

SNOW & LEIGH RIPLEY

AD DESIGN ANDREA HILL

COVER PHOTO LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

BLOG ANDREA HILL

ONLINE CALENDARS CALENDAR@MTPARENT.COM

SOCIAL MEDIA ANDREA HILL, SHAUNESCY WILLARD, CORA DESANTIS

PRINT MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION INFO@MTPARENT.COM

SUBMIT PHOTOS INFO@MTPARENT.COM

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

LEIGH RIPLEY

CATE WRIGHT

JUDITH EHRET

FLORA MCCORMICK

KATY REASONER

BLAIR FIJESTH

ALLY DZURKA

REBECCA COLNAR

SARAH HENDERSON

* Montana Parent strives to provide accurate information and entertainment to our readers. Some content may be based on opinion of the author and may not represent our views. We want all voices to be heard, so we all can be educated on both sides of important issues.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

CARLOS QUEZADA

JACK DEVANT

SUTHERLIN FAMILY

• What’s Up? photos are from event social media pages if not supplied by the organization

Sports

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Transformative Power of Sports: How Soccer Turned One Child’s Fear into Force

WRITTEN BY CATE WRIGHT

I never would have guessed that soccer would help my son overcome psychological and physical trauma. I have always equated youth sports with physical health; a way for kids to build muscle and cardiovascular fitness while having fun with friends. It had never occurred to me that sports would also provide a powerful pathway to heal the brain and mind, and that soccer would provide a catalyst for my son to recover from trauma.

It all started with a pistachio. A tiny, innocuouslooking pistachio. At my urging, my then 2-year-old son, Jack, popped one in his mouth and chewed it carefully. Ten minutes later an angry crimson rash crept across his skin and he complained of stomach pain. An indication that something was, perhaps, not quite right.

In fact, something was very, very wrong. The “pistachio incident” was the first of many life-threatening allergic reactions for my son, several of them including high-speed ambulance rides to the closest emergency room. It also set off a chain of events that would cause him to lose his trust in food, adults (including me!)

and his own body. Repairing the physical and psychological damage from these events has taken many years and would not have been possible without some unexpected help from his favorite sport, soccer.

Athletic performance requires competitors to nourish their bodies with a wide variety of healthy foods, but due to his allergies, Jack’s fear of food had caused him to whittle his diet down to just a few things. Imagine sitting down with a plate of food and not knowing for sure whether or not the nourishment before you will ultimately end your life. A bite of broccoli was a game of Russian Roulette, food was dangerous. This was Jack’s reality from the age of 2 and onward.

The level of allergy in Jack’s body was so high that most foods caused him to have a reaction: a small rash, a bad stomachache or a larger anaphylactic response requiring urgent medical care. He developed a deep distrust of food, and would only eat a few things. Thank you, Costco, for the value-sized boxes of Goldfish crackers that sustained my child for four years!

When Jack began to play soccer, he researched the sport’s noteworthy personalities and discovered Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s highest-paid soccer player. He wanted to be just like Ronaldo: he asked to pierce his ears and requested a pair of diamond stud earrings “the same size as Ronaldo’s” (that was a “no”); he saved his money for a Portugal jersey with Ronaldo’s name emblazoned on the back; he asked to move to Europe (also a “no”); he watched all of Cristiano’s games and spent hours in the yard emulating his footwork. Most importantly, he studied Ronaldo’s diet, which consists of healthy whole foods.

Jack’s desire to play high-level soccer pushed him to examine his diet and to slowly and carefully try new foods. He started to eat smoothies packed with fruits and vegetables and to enjoy how he felt when he fueled his body with proteins like steak and chicken. He started to see his energy and performance improve, which led to even more opportunities to add new foods into his diet. Soccer motivated Jack to conquer his food fears.

During Jack’s worst struggles with his food allergies, he also began to distrust adults. It took time, testing and some guess work to determine what was causing his reactions and along the way, we served him food that caused him to react. He started to distrust the people who put the food on his plate (mostly me!), along with the food he was being served. He struggled with trusting teachers at school, relatives and coaches, unsure if any could or would be able to keep him safe if he were to have an allergic reaction.

That all changed when Jack started to play soccer for Montana Surf Soccer Club. He was placed on a team with Joel Harris as the coach. Joel is the Technical Director for the Montana Surf Youth Academy program and was voted “Gallatin’s Greatest Coach” by Bozeman Chronicle readers, a well-deserved accolade. He is one of those “once in a lifetime” coaches, who is able to quickly and genuinely connect with each and every child on his team, inspiring them to bring their best to every practice and every game. Helping kids learn life skills in the context of sports is Joel’s true gift and he helps every athlete develop confidence, sportsmanship and integrity with a huge focus on fun. Joel was able to accomplish what others could not, earning Jack’s trust and inspiring him with many “cheesy pep talks” (Jack’s words).

Once Jack began to trust Joel, he started to trust other adults and was able to build strong relationships with his teachers at school. He was even able to go on a multi-day field trip with his class, trusting his teachers to feed and care for him for three days at a wilderness lodge.

As Jack continues to find success on the soccer field, we have seen him gain confidence in what his body is capable of. He feels in control, he feels strong and he feels adept. All of the pieces came together this year when he was placed on the Surf Select National Team, a squad made up of the best Surf players from around the world, and traveled to Barcelona, Spain, with them for a tournament. It is truly incredible to see how confident and resilient Jack has become thanks to his soccer experience.

Cate Wright is a mother of two, volunteer and member of the Montana Surf/Blitzz FC Board of Directors. Her work with the Montana Surf Annual Fund is focused on ensuring that all children have access to the mental and physical benefits of sports, regardless of income.

Permission Permission to be ADHD to be ADHD

An Innovative ADHD Healing Community

My Child’s Journey Would Look Different Without Sports

WRITTEN BY JUDITH EHRET

Uncomplicate your ADHD life in a safe community where you'll find dignity and belonging

Start today down your own Pathway to Permission to be ADHD

Scan above with your phone's camera, or visit our website: PermissiontobeADHD.com

As parents, we often wonder about what our children will be when they grow up. We have dreams and hopes, and wish the best for them. There are some of us who will guide more strictly the things our kids do, and then those who choose to let the child find their own path. With all of this said, childhood sports may or may not play a part in the daily lives of your child and your family. It’s different for every kiddo and their parents.

My child was born with ambition to be an athlete. Therefore, my honorable place in his life is to guide him with honest support along the way. As his mother, I take pride in knowing that this process and these dreams of his are not always going to be easy. Not only do sports take dedication on the part of a young athlete, but they also take dedication from the family, especially when your child takes them as seriously as mine does.

Being a supportive parent means cheering, teaching and wiping tears along the way. It also means building relationships; setting up values for life; modeling responsibilities, dedication and hard work. Sometimes these lessons will be harder to convey, but every uphill navigation makes us better and also brings us closer to the dreams we so want to pursue.

Without sports, my child would be in a different place with different skills. I believe he wouldn’t be the raw, genuine and honest person he has become. There are so many things he has learned about being a young man. Being a good human being. Keeping his word. Being humble and kind. Being the first person to lend a hand. Working hard. Setting goals and being willing to learn.

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Because of sports, my child is coachable therefore he is teachable. My child has willpower; therefore, he strives to do better than he did the day before. Because of sports, my child is a good teammate, therefore he is a great friend. My child can lead; therefore, he can communicate and strategize. Because of sports, my child has passion, therefore he is empathetic. My child is motivated; therefore, he can encourage someone else to be motivated.

Sports have not only become important to my child, they have also become something I look forward to being part of. And I believe they keep my child on track for success. Playing sports not only keeps kids on track for physical well-being and development, but it also aligns nicely with academic success.

Because of sports, my child is coachable therefore he is teachable. My child has willpower; therefore, he strives to do better than he did the day before. Because of sports, my child is a good teammate, therefore he is a great friend. My child can lead; therefore, he can communicate and strategize. Because of sports, my child has passion, therefore he is empathetic. My child is motivated; therefore, he can encourage someone else to be motivated.

Life comes with many choices. Sports was one for my child. With all that being said, he has choices in attitude, hard work, doing extra, eating right, practicing harder, competing harder, studying longer and the choice to understand the gratitude that comes along with it.

Judith Ehret is an Instructional Coach at Child Care Connections.

When They Don’t Make The Team

WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK, LCPC

Many parents worry that faced with disappointment, their child will be crushed by rejection and either never try again or feel like they are fundamentally not worthy. These worries are totally normal and very common. After all, this is our precious human who we’ve nurtured and encouraged since birth. You may have even been alongside them for days and hours of struggle and challenge as they set out to accomplish this big goal. You are proud and optimistic, and therefore when your child comes home crushed with disappointment, it’s easy to step into being a “fixer” or trying to rescue your kid from their feelings.

Unfortunately, this response can often be counterproductive and can cause your child to shut down or even be angry at you for “not getting it.” If your goal is to be encouraging and supportive of your child and this moment, be supportive, absolutely! But I recommend you focus on THIS KEY principle: Your job is to SUPPORT, not fix or rescue.

Here’s what that looks like.

1. Name their feeling: “You seem really (feeling word). Tell me about that.” We name feelings in moments like this because first off, when you name it, you may often tame it. Sometimes just hearing our feeling named out loud brings so much relief.

Secondly, we name feelings because these are key moments that are ripe for teaching emotional intelligence. When our child is having a feeling, and we give them a clear name for that feeling, it helps them be more likely to use that feeling name in the future, which is a key component of being emotionally intelligent. Bonus: It may help them to name that feeling when they see it come up for their friends. Again, major win for team emotional intelligence.

2. Then listen. No, like really listen. Consider that your job is to spend 80% of the next few minutes listening and validating. Then 20% of your time will be spent on solutions. This is often a flip-flop of the usual patterns where we may be tempted to just spend 20% of the time validating/listening and 80% of the time trying to solve the problem.

» A. The first option for how to really listen is to use validation responses like, “Ugh! Darn. Hmmmm.” If you’re wondering, “Why wouldn’t I try to help them feel better and cheer them up?!” The shift is this: We don’t want to rob our children of their own chance to work through their emotions, and come out the other side with their own path forward. We are following the concept from How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, and Listen so Kids Will Talk:

“By lending an attentive ear and firmly squeezing your lips together, or letting out a sympathetic grunt, we can help our children find their own way through their feelings. The gift we can give them is to not get in the way of their process by jumping in with our reactions, advice, questions, corrections.”

» B. Another option in the listening phase is to demonstrate you are hearing them by saying back exactly what you hear.

If the child says, “It’s just not fair! Jason made it and I’m better than him!” You can say, “It just doesn’t even seem fair, because Jason made it and you feel like you’re better than him.” It may seem trite or overly simplistic, but these phrases are often received as wonderful demonstrations that you are listening.

This process may go back and forth between steps one and two for 3 to 15 minutes, depending on the intensity of your child’s feelings about not making the team. Let that be OK. Picture their heart like a treasure chest that is full of some big, hard feelings. You are listening and using these phrases to help those feelings get aired out so there is room for new emotions and solutions.

» 3. Ask a problem-solving question. Resist the temptation to give a moral platitude like: “Well, everything happens for a reason,” or “There’s always next time.”

Instead, ask a question that guides the child to think through how they want to move forward:

» “I wonder what you might want to do about that?”

» “How can I best support you in this?”

» “What would you like to do next?”

Again, this may seem overly simplistic, but the gem here is that we are allowing the child to decide how they want to move forward, and that will likely be received as the BEST support your child was really craving.

Flora McCormick, LCPC is a parenting coach at Sustainable Parenting, and just launched a *new* podcast, with strategies that fill the gap between overly-gentle parenting and harsh discipline. When she isn’t writing or running online parenting groups with moms and couples, you can find her curled up with a vanilla latte, camping, gardening or mushing play dough with her two kids.

• day camps

• overnight camps

• adventure camps

• family camps

Six Reasons You and Your Child Should Learn How to Ice-Skate

When you reside in Montana where winter lingers for seven months of the year, you may find yourself searching for activities to fill those long months and stave away those winter blues. Hunting or skiing, both Nordic and alpine, are often the first winter sports that come to everyone’s mind in a place with quick access to some of the best trails and terrain in the states.

But don’t forget about the great outdoor skating lakes, ponds and parks so close to home as another means of accessible recreation for ice-skating or pick-up hockey for the whole family.

What if you and your family don’t know how to ice-skate? Is it going to be another expensive hobby? Can someone teach us proper technique for gliding across the ice?

Gallatin Ice recognizes the importance of making ice-skating affordable and accessible to the general public in a state where winter takes precedence over every other season. To get the whole family involved, they offer a Learn to Skate program for a mere $75 per five-week session for all ages. Eight, five-week sessions are offered throughout the year on Wednesdays and Sundays so there are many options.

If that’s not reason enough to immediately sign up your kids, and yourself, for a session of Learn to Skate, Gallatin Ice has compiled a list of additional reasons to learn a valuable skill this year.

1. Skating is excellent exercise. Skating is a great form of physical activity that emphasizes coordination, balance and agility. With a central focus on lower body movement, skating helps develop strong leg muscles, making it an excellent complement to other sports.

2. Skating teaches one of the greatest life lessons. The first thing you will ever learn in a skating lesson is how to fall down. Sounds counterproductive, right? Every skater, no matter how skilled and experienced, knows it’s inevitable that they are going to fall down, over and over again. We see it more often than not during the Olympics in figure skating and ice hockey. Professional skaters fall down... a lot. BUT they always get right back up and continue on with their routine. No matter how many times we fall, we too must learn to get back up and keep pushing forward.

3. Skating is fun. Every parent wants to know that, above all else, their child is having fun on the ice. Gallatin Ice instructors are constantly creating new ways to make learning to skate fun and engaging by using toys, games and creative incentives throughout each session. It is their number one goal to make sure everyone is all smiles before leaving the rink.

4. Skating is a lifetime sport for anyone at any age or ability.Because skating is a low-impact activity, it can be grouped in with golf, swimming, skiing and biking as a lifetime sport. That means it’s never too late to learn – that means mom, dad, grandma or grandpa can join in on the lesson too. There are also many adaptive forms of ice-skating for those with ranging disabilities.

5. Skating is an inexpensive winter activity the whole family can enjoy. Additional opportunities for winter fun on the weekends and holidays open when everyone in the family knows how to skate. The Gallatin Valley has multiple maintained outdoor skating rinks, ponds and two indoor sheets of ice (run by Gallatin Ice at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds) for recreational skating and pick-up hockey.

6. Skating offers a smoother transition into ice hockey. Kids and adults who have taken skating lessons before playing hockey excel much faster and have an easier time transitioning into hockey than those who don’t take any formal skating lessons. One shouldn’t have to worry about the correct placement of his/her feet and trying to maintain proper balance whilst performing a simple drill such as stickhandling a puck through cones.

Want to Learn More?

To register for Learn to Skate or gain more information, visit gallatinice.org/learn-toskate.

Article provided by Gallatin Ice and Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association.

The Impact of Sports

WRITTEN BY KATY REASONER

My love affair with basketball began at Belgrade Intermediate School. I played in grade-school and then with Big Sky Basketball through the summer before ninth grade when my basketball career was ended by an injury. My stepdad put in a hoop at our house, buried at least 3-feet deep and full of concrete—a permanent fixture that’s still there, even though my parents moved away from that house in 2006. I spent hours and hours shooting hoops in the driveway by myself. The discipline learned from having a passion for sports can’t be learned anywhere else.

My own child’s journey to finding his passion for basketball started a little later than mine. After a move out of the Gallatin Valley to a small Montana town, he was encouraged by a coach of the seventh-grade team to give basketball a try. The rest, as they say, is history. We were fortunate that first year to have a great coach – one who was encouraging and treated all players with an equal amount of respect, held them all to the same standard and pushed them to be the best that they could be. And, wow, I saw all those student athletes thrive. Most importantly, they began to learn what sports are really about.

When you play on a team, you learn skills that will take you through absolutely every other experience in your life: how to operate within a team, how to trust others, how to motivate and encourage others, and how to push yourself to your limits, even when the easy option is to quit. My son is 14 now, and this was not our first foray into organized sports. We tried T-ball, soccer, Tae Kwon Do and flag football. None of those inspired him enough to begin to realize his potential, find his passion and learn that you get out of it what you put into it. We can thank that particular coach for the push and the experience that will now affect his entire life.

This eighth-grade season we learned how important it is to have coaches who are passionate and motivated. And my son learned a valuable lesson you can’t find anywhere else; he learned how to step up, encourage and motivate his teammates himself. This lesson will come in handy no matter where he goes in life.

Katy Reasoner is a CACFP Coordinator at Child Care Connections.

Activities + guide

Academic Summer Courses

Big Sky Tutoring

Ç contact@bigskytutoring.info

Ç (406) 595-4996

Ç www.bigskytutoring.info/summer-courses

Big Sky Tutoring is offering academic summer courses for students of all ages. Sign up for their summer course email to receive further information as soon as it’s available.

Elementary/Middle School Summer Courses - Grade-Level Reading Group - Grade-Level Math Skills Group - Coding for Kids

High School Summer Courses - Living on Your Own - Adulting 101

- ACT Prep Course - Getting Into College, Research and Readiness

- College Level Writing - Introduction to Coding

ArtSplot Summer Art Enrichment Programs

Ç ArtSplot@gmail.com

Ç (406) 587-8424

Ç www.ArtSplot.com

Ç www.facebook.com/TheArtSplot

Ç www.instagram.com/artsplot

ArtSplot has been an independent art enrichment provider in Bozeman since 1995. Chelsea and Richard Smith, founders, owners and operators, teach extensively in the schools, in their studio and on location offering activities in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more. "Our teaching style is friendly and individualized. We embrace the wit and delight of creating artwork, while sharing knowledge and technique. Join us and experience what sets us apart.”

EPOCH SUMMER CAMP

Bozeman Children’s Theatre

Ç bozemanchildrenstheatre@gmail.com

Ç (702) 481-3622

Ç www.bozemanchildrenstheatre.com

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemanchildrenstheatre

Ç www.instagram.com/bozemanchildrenstheatre

Campers range from elementary to middle schoolers and are taken from auditions to full musical performances in under two weeks by licensed educators. Bozeman Children’s Theatre has put on numerous musicals over the past few years at many local elementary schools. They believe that theater is an incredible way to help young adults find their voice, confidence and new friends.

Camp Bodhi

Ç experience@bodhi-farms.com

Ç (406) 201-1324

Ç www.bodhi-farms.com

Ç www.facebook.com/experiencebodhi

Camp Bodhi is the ultimate Montana farm camp for elementary-aged kids entering first through fifth grade. Kids can sign up for a week or a month, with a different theme each week: nature, wilderness, homesteading and art. While each week is a new adventure, all weeks include: farm-fresh lunch daily, kids’ yoga classes, nature hikes around the farm, guest speakers and more.

Camp Equinox

Summer

Theater Day Camp

@ Bozeman Summit School

Bozeman Sports Camp

Ç bozemansportscamp@gmail.com

Ç (406) 661-5496

Ç www.bozemansports.camp

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemansports

Ç www.instagram.com/bozemansports.camp

Bozeman Sports Camp is an active summer sports camp for kids entering grades kindergarten through sixth. They provide fun and engaging activities, games and instruction covering sports of all kind. Instructors are Bozeman-area teachers and college students studying education and providing quality instruction of sports skills, strategies and sportsmanship in an active setting for kids to spend their summer.

Ç registrar@campequinox.com

Ç (406) 522-7623

Ç www.campequinox.com

Ç www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063763542393

Ç www.instagram.com/campequinox

Now in its 28th year, Camp Equinox is an exciting place for kids to learn all about the theater and explore their own creativity. From musical comedy, Shakespeare and film acting to mask-making, puppetry, playwriting and comedy improv, it’s a month of challenges, friends and intense fun. Since 1996, Camp Equinox’s goal has been to give students the opportunity to meet challenges, explore their creativity, build self-confidence and see their success in final performances, all in the environment of an enormously supportive community. The positive growth that takes place through the performing arts is thrilling.

Camp Headwaters

Headwaters Academy

Ç office@headwatersacademy.org

Ç (406) 585-9997

Ç www.headwatersacademy.org

Summer Camp at Headwaters has many opportunities for adventure, exploration and experiential learning. These new summer camps are designed to provide junior counselors with an enriching summer — ripe with discovery, creativity and abundant fun both indoors and out. For campers entering seventh through ninth grades, the camps offer age-appropriate fun in a reliable and caring environment. Sessions begin mid-June and end in mid-August. Camp runs Monday –Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cedar Ridge Equine Summer Horsemanship Camps and Clinics

Ç Cedarridgeequines@gmail.com

Ç (406) 282.3355

Ç www.cedarridgeequine.com

Ç www.facebook.com/cedarridgeequine

Ç www.instagram.com/cedarridgeequines

Cedar Ridge Equine has been offering summer horsemanship day camps for more than 18 years. Youth camps are available for beginners to advanced. At CRE Summer Horsemanship Camps, they believe it is important to teach life skill development and personal growth as an integral component of their horsemanship program.They strive to provide a safe, fun and educational environment for all campers. Campers will spend time in the saddle and on the ground with horses.

Circus Camp!

406cirque

Ç 406cirque@gmail.com

Ç (406) 475-2513

Ç www.406cirque.com/summer-camp

Ç www.facebook.com/406cirque

Ç www.instagram.com/406cirque

Kids don’t have to run away to join the circus! 406Cirque offers acrobatics, juggling, aerial, theater, dance, unicycling and friends. With state-of-the-art facilities and staff from all over the world, this is a program like no other in the valley. Early Bird enrollment prices are available for the first 50 families who register. From a parent: “I cannot say enough positive things about Cirque 406. The staff is caring, inclusive, talented and passionate about all things circus. Both of my kids, ages 7 and 11, loved this camp. We did the longer three-week session and they looked forward to it every single day. That is no small feat.”

Camp Dates:

With Award Winning Teacher Chet Leach

Creative Arts

Summer Camp

Creative arts preschool

Ç erin.creativeartspreschool@gmail.com

Ç (406) 579-7692

Ç www.creativeartspreschool.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ CreativeArtsBozeman

Ç www.instagram.com/creativeartsbozeman

Creative Arts Preschool is an art- and naturebased school that operates year-round. They incorporate art, dance, music and nature exploration into students’ daily activities. All summer long, kids get outside to enjoy our beautiful Montana surroundings and create art projects that focus on all the natural beauty we see each day.

biking camps and biathlon camps. Nature Camps are for first- through sixth-graders and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for five consecutive days on six different weeks. Mountain Bike Camps are geared toward fourth- through 12th-graders and run from noon to 3 p.m. for five consecutive days on six different weeks. Biathlon Camp is for 10- to 13-year-olds and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four consecutive days on five different weeks and includes transportation to and from Bozeman.

Dancing from Stage to Sky: Aerial Dance Camp

Mountain Air Dance

Ç info@mountainairdance.org

Ç (406) 595-0909

Ç www.mountainairdance.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ mountainairdance

Ç www.instagram.com/mtnairdance

Crosscut Mountain Sports Center Summer Camps

Ç camps@crosscutmt.org

Ç (406) 586-9690

Ç www.crosscutmt.org/summer-atcrosscut#summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/crosscutmt.org

Ç www.instagram.com/crosscut_mt

At Crosscut they believe in supporting body and mind so all campers can wholeheartedly pursue that which fulfills them. They offer three types of summer camps: nature camps, mountain

This fun and unique day camp, for ages 6 to 16, challenges students physically and mentally with classes in aerial arts, dance technique, choreography, yoga, Pilates, hula hooping, juggling, hand balancing, flexibility training, arts and crafts and more. Experienced instructors will guide students through their day in small groups based on age and skill level. Join the fun and learn to FLY! No experience required. 1:4 teacher to student ratio in aerial classes keeps campers engaged, active and safe.

Emerson Summer Art Camp

Ç education@theemerson.org

Ç (406) 587-9797

The Emerson offers weeklong summer camps for ages 5–12. Each week will include 2D, sculpture and mixed media projects. Every camp culminates with an artist reception on Friday afternoon. Emerson camps are filled with innovative art projects that are designed to let your child’s creativity grow!

SMALL FRY & ROOKIES

Toddler Sports Leagues & Clinics | Ages 3 - 5

Rookies Clinics and Small Fry Leagues are a great way to introduce your child to the world of sports!

Sign up for our Flag Football, Soccer, T-Ball or Basketball Rookies 4 week Clinics or try our 6 week Small Fry Soccer and T-Ball Leagues!

TO LEARN MORE VISIT GALLATINVALLEYYMCA.ORG

HEART AND HAND CENTER

invites you to join us at our Mountaintop Ranch for another season of fun and learning in our Summer Day Camps and Adult Week-end Retreats & Workshops

Horses, Hiking, Art, Drumming, Yoga

All for you at the K-J Ranch just East of Bozeman!

Enchanted Forest Girl Scout Day Camp

Ç bozemandaycamp@gmail.com

Ç (406) 580-7546

The perfect opportunity for all girls currently in K-fifth grade to get outside while supporting the mission to build courage, confidence and character and make the world a better place. This weeklong camp will provide the opportunity for campers to take part in crafts, skill and friendship building, outdoor exploration and girl-led camp activities. Registration is $115 for unregistered Girl Scouts (girls will be registered for the year if attending camp). Payment must be received within 30 days of confirmation of application.

Our Summer Day Camps offer your kids a week of fun-filled learning with Horsemanship, Art, Yoga, Meditation, Hiking, Drumming and more Parents deserve time for Rest and Rejuvenation as well! Our Adult Retreats provide just this!

So, come and join us for the best summer of your life!

— 2023 SUMMER DAY CAMPS —

June 26-30 | Kids Camp Session 1 (ages 8-10) | Daily:10am-4pm

July 17-21 | Kids Camp Session 2 (ages 10-12) | Daily:10am-4pm

Aug 7-11 | Back to School Camp (ages 10-14) | Daily:10am-4pm

— 2023 ADULT WEEK-END RETREATS —

Dates To Be Arranged for the following Retreats & Workshops:

Women’s Rest and Renewal | Discover Your Life Purpose Goal Achievement Summit

LEARN MORE AT: HEARTANDHANDCENTER.COM

IG: HEARTANDHANDCENTERMT FB: HEARTANDHANDCENTER

Offices: 111 Grand, Suite 275 | Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman

K-J Ranch: 20010 Bridger Hollow Road, Bozeman

406.587.4036 Email: support@heartandhandcenter.com

Epoch Summer Camp

Ç info@epochbzn.com

Ç (512) 680-1671

Ç www.epochbzn.comJoin

Epoch, Bozeman's first and only Waldorf-inspired school for primary grades, will explore the elements of nature all summer. They’re offering two, weeklong nature based camps Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. and one two-weeklong literacy skill camp.

Gallatin Valley Farm to School Summer Camps

Ç ali@gvfarmtoschool.org

Ç (406) 219-1010

Ç www.GVFarmtoSchool.org/summercamps

Are you looking for a great way to connect your kids with local food and agriculture? Want your kiddo to engage in hands-on learning, where creativity, inquiry and peer-learning come together to create a magical learning experience? Here's a camp for you! With a focus on creativity, inquiry and fun, GV Farm to School summer camps highlight all the ways food can bring together art, science, cooking, exploration and more. With 12 camps over 10 weeks, ages Pre-K through eighth grade, there will be plenty of options to choose from.

Explore!

Summer Day Camps

Bozeman Parks & Recreation

Ç (406) 582-2293

Ç www.bozeman.net

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemanparksandrec

Ç www.instagram.com/bozemanparksandrec

It’s tough to find the variety, adventure and affordability of Bozeman Parks & Recreation camps anywhere else. They are run by leaders who truly care about your children and implementing quality programs by creating a safe and fun camp environment that is spent mostly outdoors. Campers will play, laugh, create art, learn about our local ecosystem, meet new friends, get dirty and challenge themselves by engaging in new activities daily. Bozeman Parks and Recreation is creating community through people, parks and programs.

Gallatin Valley YMCA Adventure Day Camp: Kindergarten to Second grade @ The Commons

Ç yprograms@gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç (406) 994-9622

Ç www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç www.facebook.com/Gallatin.Valley.YMCA

Ç www.instagram.com/gv_ymca

Kindergarten through second-grade camps focus on youth development and learning through creativity, play and exploration of our environment. Activities and trips are intentionally planned to promote physical, cognitive and emotional/social development and provide kids with memorable experiences and friendships that last a lifetime. All campers will have the opportunity to leave their site every day, swim, slip n’ slide on the Y’s giant slide and hike once during the week, visit multiple parks and attend two field trips related to the weekly theme.

Gallatin Valley YMCA Adventure Day Camp: Second to Fourth grades @ The Commons

Ç yprograms@gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç (406) 994-9622

Ç www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç www.facebook.com/Gallatin.Valley.

YMCA

Ç www.instagram.com/gv_ymca

Second- through fourth-grade camps focus on youth development and learning through various activities, field trips and opportunities. Activities and trips are intentionally planned to promote development/learning while providing older campers with new experiences and challenges. All campers leave their site every day, swim, slip n’ slide on the Y’s giant slide, hike once during the week, visit multiple parks and attend two field trips related to the weekly theme. Each camp will participate in arts and crafts, daily reading, games, singing and social-emotional learning.

Gallatin Valley YMCA Teen Camp Fifth to Seventh grades

Ç yprograms@gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç (406) 994-9622

Ç www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç www.facebook.com/Gallatin.Valley.

YMCA

Ç www.instagram.com/gv_ymca

YMCA’s teen summer camps provide older campers more significant opportunities to spread their wings and experience new adventures. Campers are encouraged to make their own choices, build relationships and develop essential life skills through YMCA character values. The teen camp offers a more challenging range of activities for experienced campers. It provides a safe place where teens can be themselves, participate in activities and go on field trips specifically tailored toward their evolving interests.

Parties & Performances Summer Camps

After School Classes

Private Lessons

Teen/Adult Classes & More! MountainAirDance.org

SUMMER 2023 CAMP & CLINIC REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

GirlSing Music Camp (Singing, Songwriting, Art & Outdoor Fun with Music Kate)

Ç katebryan2000@gmail.com

Ç (406) 570-2839

Ç www.GirlSing.com

Heart and Hand Summer Day Camps and Retreats Heart and Hand Center

Ç support@heartandhandcenter.com

Ç (406) 587-4036

Ç www.heartandhandcenter.com

Ç www.heartandhandcenter@facebook.com

Ç www.heartandhandcentermt@instagram.com

Find horses, art, yoga, drumming and hiking at Heart and Hand Center’s 285-acre ranch high above the distractions and stress of life in the beautiful mountains just 14 miles east of Bozeman. Your kids will gain insight and experience incredible personal growth during these weeklong day camps; and parents: Heart and Hand Center’s retreats are tailor-made to give you the rest and renewal you long for.

K Beginner to Advanced Riders

K Ages 5 and up

K Life Skill Development Workshop

K Speed/Rodeo Events

K English/Western Riding

K General Horsemanship

Learn more about camps, clinics and events at cedarridgeequine.com

cedar ridge equine

horsemanship camps, clinics & lessons

Owner/Trainer Amy Prechter

email cedarridgeequines@gmail.com phone 406-282-3355

The GirlSing Music Camp is a five-day, Monday-Friday camp, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for girls ages 7 to 11. This camp empowers girls to explore their creative spirits through music, singing, songwriting, journaling and selfexpressive art projects. Staff embrace the beauty in every personality (introvert, extrovert, in-between, etc.) and celebrate the gifts that make each girl unique. This indoor and outdoor camp offers engaging activities including daily hikes/outdoor play, picnics, drumming, rhythm-making and creative art projects. A Thursday night program offers girls a chance to share songs and art with family and friends.

Lone Mountain Summer Camps & Classes

Ç admin@lonemountain.biz

Ç (406) 587-1180

Ç www.lonemountain.biz

Ç www.facebook.com/Lone-MountainGymnastics-and-Swim-School

Lone Mountain offers a fun variety of summer camp options. Everything from KidVentures camp for little ones to Campapalooza (an all-around fun day camp with swimming in the afternoon sessions). They have Trampoline Camp and Combo Camp (highlighting gymnastics and overall sports agility) and don’t forget about swimming lessons. The second location also offers Ninja camp and Tiny Dancers camp for little ones. Lone Mountain keeps your kids active, engaged and having fun this summer. Camp offerings vary by week, so visit the website or call for details.

"NO HOUR OF LIFE IS WASTED THAT IS SPENT IN THE SADDLE."

-Winston Churchill

MBC’s Dancing Under the Big Sky

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/ summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

Montana Ballet Company’s annual Dancing

Under the Big Sky (DUBS) two-week Summer Dance Intensive is an enriching educational program featuring exceptional guest teachers from across the country. This year, MBC is delighted to welcome Leslie Rausch from the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Samantha Shelton from American Ballet Theatre. The DUBS Intensive, with a full and thoughtful curriculum, exemplifies MBC’s belief in nurturing the “whole dancer,” mind, body and spirit.

Activities

This new program is designed for adult dancers who wish to immerse themselves in the art and discipline of dance. Each day is specifically designed to help optimize training and take your technique to the next level. Classes may include ballet technique, character dance, variations, contemporary, body conditioning, Pilates, yoga, lectures, photo sessions, repertoire and a final performance.

SUMMER ART CAMPS

Ages 5 – 12

MBC’s Inaugural Adult Intensive

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/ summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

MBC’s Mini-DUBS Program

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/ summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

This “mini” version of Dancing Under the Big Sky is designed for dancers ages 7-10 who are ready to commit to an intensive. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in classes and perform in a final in-studio showing and may return to perform again at Sweet Pea Festival held on August 5, 2023. This two-week intensive allows dancers to explore a variety of dance forms focusing on technique, artistry, musicality and expression. Along with ballet technique, dancers may study modern, character, mime, injury prevention, nutrition and body conditioning.

COMIC CHARACTERS

June 12 – 16

July 24 – 28

MYTHIC MONSTERS

June 26 – 30

August 7 – 11

COSMIC COLOR

July 17 – 21

grow!

THAT’S WILD

June 19 – 16

July 31 – August 4

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ART

July 10 – 14

August 14 – 18

Youth ages 14 – 18 are welcome to apply to our Youth Intern program.

Weekly from 9 am to 3 pm REGISTER

www.theEmerson.org

ART

•

DANCE

•

MUSIC NATURE EXPLORATION

Full Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or

Half-Day 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Options - Monday through Friday

Year round Art and Nature based Preschool for 3-5 year olds

346 Gallatin Park Drive, Bozeman (406) 579-7692

www.creativeartspreschool.org

Emerson camps are filled with innovative art projects designed to help your child’s creativity

MBC's Open Ballet Classes

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/ academy/summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/ montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/ montanaballet

Montana Ballet Company's Open Classes are a wonderful opportunity for students to continue their classical ballet training during the summer. All summer programs are open to current Academy students and new students alike. Held May 30-July 22, 2023* and August 14-19, 2023 (*No classes the week of July 4).

MBC’s The Little Mermaid Summer Workshops

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/ summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

Based on Montana Ballet Company’s production of an original The Little Mermaid, this program offers dancers ages 4 to 6 the opportunity to take part in themed classes, choreography, arts and crafts, and an instudio performance. Come join them under the sea!

Montana Regional Dance Intensive

Yellowstone Ballet Academy

Ç yellowstoneballet@gmail.com

Ç (406) 222-0430

Ç yellowstoneballet.info/

Ç www.facebook.com/yellowstoneballet

Ç www.instagram.com/yellowstoneballet

A regional dance intensive for serious dancers age 12 to adult, June 19-30. Join YBC for two weeks of training with Fiona Lee of the world-renowned Royal Danish Ballet; Tricia Sundbeck, former principal dancer Sacramento Ballet/Cincinnati Ballet; Thomas Bell, former principal dancer Eugene Ballet and current ballet master University of Cincinnati and other preeminent instructors. Daily classes include ballet, pointe, pas de deux, contemporary, conditioning, yoga, Pilates and/ or international dance. Private lessons and coaching are also available for all ages.

Montana Outdoor Science School

Ç camps@outdoorscience.org

Ç (406) 219-3899

Ç www.outdoorscience.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool

Ç www.instagram.com/mt_moss

MOSS Summer Programs offer FUN, ENGAGING and EDUCATIONAL explorations of the natural world in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. MOSS believes that inspiring a love for nature helps children become aware of, and want to care for, the unique environment in which we live. Camps fill quickly; early registration is recommended.

Montana Surf World Cup Soccer Camp

Ç programdirector@montanasurf.org

Ç (406) 600-8146

Ç www.montanasurf.org/programs/camps

Ç www.instagram.com/montana_surf_/?hl=en

Montana Surf Soccer Club is bringing the recent excitement of the World Cup tournament to the Bozeman area with the inaugural Montana Surf World Cup Camp. Players of all levels ages 4-14 will have the opportunity to train with Surf’s “best of the best” coaching staff during a weeklong camp session that will culminate with the Montana Surf World Cup tournament.

Pet Pals Summer Camp Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

Ç volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org

Ç (406) 404-3068

Ç www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemanhov

Ç www.instagram.com/heartofthevalleyanimalshelter

Pet Pals Summer Camp offers seven weekly sessions for children (6-12 years old) who love animals. Campers learn the importance of compassionate animal care through time with animals, games, crafts, humane education lessons and a wide variety of guest speakers. Each week children will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals. The camp is Monday-Friday with drop-off between 8:30 and 9 a.m. and pick-up between 3 and 3:30 p.m. The weekly cost of camp tuition is $250. Need-based scholarships are available.

Ridge Kids Summer Camp Ridge Athletic Clubs

Ç camps@ridgeathetic.com

Ç (406) 582-4452

Ç www.Ridgeathletic.com

Join the Ridge for a summer of fun! Their camps offer a different theme each week (from Sports and Sparklers, Artistic Exploration, Into the Wild and more) and give kids an opportunity to swim, make crafts, take instructorled fitness classes, watch educational videos, do STEM play and play games. Ridge Kids Camps help your child build a foundation for a healthy and active life. They offer half-day camps from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 3 to 5 and full-day camps from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 12. $260 a week for members and $335 a week for nonmembers. Registration is open from now through May 15. Scan QR code to enroll.

Rhythm World Drum Camp

Ç Chet@rhythmdrums.com

Ç (406) 580.8229

Ç Rhythmdrums.com

Rhythm World Drum Camps are held in Bozeman at the Emerson. Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to join Chet Leach (aka Mr. Chet) for weeklong drum camps that include drumming from Africa, Brazil, Cuba and Egypt. Your child will learn about world culture through storytelling, games and, of course, lots of DRUMMING!

Rockhaven UnCamp Rockhaven Camp and

Retreat Center

Ç scott@rockhavencamp.org

Ç (406) 600-1891

Ç www.rockhavencamp.org

Ç www.facebook.com/rockhavencamp

Ç www.instagram.com/rockhavencamp

Rockhaven UnCamp is an innovative summer camping program where freeplay, nature-play and child-led independent play is front and center. They create a safe environment where creativity and imagination can flourish and kids can just be kids, get a little (or maybe a lot) dirty and play like kids are meant to play. UnCamp at Rockhaven takes the schedules, the expectations and the rules out of summer and replaces them with genuine play, natural curiosity, epic messes, muddy faces, sticky fingers and awesome memories that will last a lifetime.

Science Summer Camp Montana Science Center

Ç (406) 522-9087

Ç www.montanasciencecenter.org/learn/summer-camps-1

Ç www.facebook.com/MontanaScienceCenter

Ç www.instagram.com/MontanaScienceCenter

It’s a summer of science at Montana Science Center. Join in for hands-on STEM challenges, science experiments, high-tech learning opportunities and more. Summer camp is scientifically more fun at MSC! Camp runs 9 a.m.3 p.m., five days a week; before- and after-care options are available upon request.

State of Play Summer Art Camp Series

Ç info@stateofplay.co

Ç (509) 939-5383

Ç www.stateofplay.co

State of Play Summer Camp for 3- to 9-year-olds is offered three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), with half- or full-day options (9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Each week your child will explore a different art material, engaging in offerings and invitations connected to an artistic concept or theme. Through group activities and projects within their art studio and play space, children will learn about different artists and how the materials connect to our everyday world. Daily outdoor lunch and art making will be held in one of the many Cannery green spaces.

Snapology Camps

Ç Steph.scott@snapology.com

Ç (406) 438-7241

Ç www.snapology.com/location/helena

Ç www.facebook.com./snapologyhelena

Ç www.instagram.com/helena_snapology/

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)

camps with LEGO® Bricks

At Snapology summer camps, students have a blast engaging in a variety of STEM activities. Using mostly LEGO® bricks in their programs, they also incorporate other hands-on learning activities using a variety of engaging materials. This summer, Snapology is thrilled to bring their camps to Bozeman and Helena! If your child is a hands-on learner and you would like them to keep those STEAM brains working this summer, these camps are sure to be a ton of fun and educational for all ages! Safety is the priority, and all instructors pass federal background checks.

Summer Climbing Camps Spire Climbing + Fitness

Ç kids@spireclimbingcenter.com

Ç (406) 586-0706

Ç www.spireclimbingcenter.com/summer-camps

Ç www.facebook.com/SpireClimbingCenter

Ç www.instagram.com/spireclimbing

Spire summer camps are a great way for children ages 5–16 to enjoy rock climbing in a fun, structured environment! Beginners learn the essentials of the sport while kids with prior climbing experience take their skills to the next level. Spire summer camps are half-day, weeklong camps, with tons of climbing time in their south Bozeman facility, as well as plenty of fun and games for your child. A mid-day snack keeps your child energized and ready to climb their best throughout the week.

Wheat Ridge Outdoor Education Summer Camp

Ç charity@wheatridgeoutdooreducation.com

Ç (410) 246-5544

Ç www.wheatridgeoutdooreducation.com/summercamp

Ç www.facebook.com/wroebozeman

Ç www.instagram.com/wheatridgeoutdooreducation

The true Montana farm camp experience! Located just three miles west of Four Corners on more than 1,000 sprawling acres of Wheat Ridge Farm, Wheat Ridge Outdoor Education Summer Camp offers students the opportunity to enjoy gardening, hiking, baking, farming, choring, farm equipment, farm animals and much more.

World Language & Culture Camps 2023

Ç info@wlimt.org

Ç (406) 414-6419

Ç www.wlimt.orgwww.facebook.com/worldlanguagemt

WLI offers three weeklong sessions of dynamic and engaging Language & Culture Camps for kids ages 5-15 in a variety of languages that will leave your child dreaming of traveling the globe! Camps are filled with fun games, traditional art and cooking activities, storytelling, songs and more, all led by experienced Language Coaches. Camps are held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Headwaters Academy, with activities both indoors and outdoors. Language camp offerings vary each year, so please check the website for more details!

Windhorse Equine Learning Beginner Summer Camp

Ç programs@windhorseeqiunelearning.org

Ç (406) 522-3906

Ç www.windhorseequinelearning.org

Ç www.facebook.com/windhorseequinelearning

Ç www.instagram.com/windhorseequinelearning

Windhorse Equine Learning offers a unique camp experience where kids learn horsemanship and riding skills while also learning how to be good leaders and fair partners to their horses and each other. The relationship they develop with the horses and the skills they learn to handle them safely and to communicate with them effectively gives kids confidence, builds self-awareness and teaches valuable lessons about respect, trust, empathy and communication. Windhorse also offers classes in six-week sessions in the spring and fall. Camps are half-day, from 9 a.m. to noon, and are for beginner riders.

Yellowstone Alliance Adventures

Ç cbultena@yaacamp.org

Ç (406) 763-4727

Ç www.yaacamp.org/summer

YAA runs a variety of youth camps for first- through 12th-graders. Whether this is your camper’s first time or they are a “seasoned summer camp pro,” there is bound to be something amazing for them at YAA. Registration includes a YAA-exclusive summer camp T-shirt. What better way for your kids to remember one of the best weeks of their summer than with YAA swag?

Pilgrim Preschool

Great Falls

Enrolling Now

For Fall 2023-24 Classes

For over 50 years Pilgrim Preschool has been helping children grow and develop socially, physically, emotionally, and academically through creative play, art, music, science, language, and math.

Visit our website or call to enroll your child.

www.pilgrimpreschoolmt.org

406.586.6060

Summit for Youth in Foster Care

CAMPS:

June and July — grades 3-8

CLASSES:

Spring and Fall — grades 3-12

Scholarships Available !

@

University of Providence, Great Falls

Ç rsafford@reachhighermontana.org

Ç (406) 495-7354

Ç www.reachhighermontana.org/plan-your-future/ youth-in-foster-care

Reach Higher Montana holds an annual Summit for Youth in Foster Care every year in June. The purpose of the summit is to help youth in foster care experience life on a college campus, learn about available resources to achieve education and career goals, and connect to peers across Montana. There is no charge for foster youth to attend. Ages 16-19. Every participant will receive a laptop or life skills package.

Helena

12 and run through the week of August 21. ExplorationWorks offers camps for kids ages 4 and above. All-day camp combos allow you to pick a morning and an afternoon camp to create your personalized all-day learning adventure. Your scientist will experience one exciting morning camp, break for a supervised lunch, then start the science fun again with an afternoon camp. (Lunch not provided.) There’s sure to be a combo for your budding scientist.

Montana Learning Center

@ Canyon Ferry Lake

Ç (406) 475-3638

Ç MontanaLearningCenter@ gmail.com

Ç Montanalearning.org/ student-programs/

Ç www.facebook.com/ MontanaLearningCenter

ExplorationWorks Summer Camps

Ç info@explorationworks.org

Ç (406) 457-1800

Ç www.explorationworks.org/summer-camps

Ç www.facebook.com/ExplorationWorks

Ç www.instagram.com/explorationworks

Kids get to spend the summer as scientists and explore the world around them. Camps begin the week of June

The Montana Learning Center is Montana’s science camp for kids, a place for students to come together, create and be empowered. Daily camp life includes STEM immersion experiences, friendship-building and recreation at Canyon Ferry Lake. Evening options include a traditional campfire or learning about the night sky at their worldclass observatory. This is a small and personal camp with a staff composed of verified teachers, many of whom are award-winning. Staff to camper ratio is 1:6 or better and each of the instructors and counselors are CPR and First Aidcertified.

Snapology Camps

Ç Steph.scott@snapology.com

Ç (406) 438-7241

Ç www.snapology.com/location/helena

Ç www.facebook.com./snapologyhelena

Ç www.instagram.com/helena_snapology

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) camps with LEGO® Bricks At Snapology summer camps, students have a blast engaging in a variety of STEM activities. Using mostly LEGO® bricks in their programs, they also incorporate other hands-on learning activities using a variety of engaging materials. This summer Snapology is thrilled to bring their camps to Bozeman and Helena! If your child is a hands-on learner and you would like them to keep those STEAM brains working this summer, these camps are sure to be a ton of fun and educational for all ages! Safety is the priority, and all instructors pass federal background checks.

Storytime in the Parks!

Lewis & Clark Library

Ç BBrumm@lclibrary.org

Ç (406) 447-1690 x131

Ç www.lclibrary.org

Ç www.facebook.com/LclBookmobile

Ç www.instagram.com/lewisandclarklibrary

Storytime in the Parks returns for summer 2023. Join the Lewis & Clark Library at a different Helena city park every Thursday at 10 a.m. for story time. This year, the program is traveling to East Helena, Augusta and Lincoln too. Enjoy 30 minutes of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Library services will be offered at the Lewis & Clark Library Bookmobile after the story time program. Geared toward children between the ages of 3 and 8, but everyone is welcome.

Summer Climbing Camp @ Stonetree Climbing Center

Ç youthprograms@ stonetreeclimbing.com

Ç (406) 534-0325

Ç www.stonetreeclimbing.com/ camps

Ç www.facebook.com/ stonetreeclimbing

Ç www.instagram.com/stonetree_ climbing

Join Stonetree all summer long for the best day camp in Helena. Their weeklong camps encourage kids to be active, build confidence, play creatively and foster new friendships. Campers spend the day climbing, challenging their comfort zones, playing games on and off the climbing walls, doing arts and crafts and having a blast. Experienced instructors make sure that every climber leaves having learned something new and with a smile on their face. Camps also include outdoor excursions and daily snacks. Instructor ratio is 1:7 and camps are for ages 6-13. Register early; camps sell out!

Idaho

Summer Library Program & Reading Challenge

Lewis & Clark Library

Ç mhudson@lclibrary.org

Ç (406) 447-1690

Ç www.lclibrary.org

Create, read and imagine at your library this summer! All branches of the Lewis & Clark Library will be hosting programs, events and reading challenges for all ages along the theme of All Together Now, focused on kindness, friendship and community.

River Camps

Salmon River

Adventure Company

North Fork, Idaho

Ç adventure@salmonwhitewater.com

Ç (208) 993-7722

Ç www.salmonwhitewater.com

Ç www.facebook.com/ SalmonRiverAdventureCo

Ç www.instagram.com/salmonriveradventure

SRAC River Camps are all inclusive: glamping, meals, equipment and lessons. Each day students will spend a morning and afternoon session on the water honing their skills learning the fundamentals of whitewater – paddling strokes, river safety, how to “read” the river, etc. In the evenings, they will review performance by looking at videos from the day and focus on team building though various games and activities. SRAC's goal is to offer the highest level of coaching to develop the next generation of river runners in a fun and safe environment.

The

Teen Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Lewis & Clark Library

Ç SSchlundt@lclibrary.org

Ç (406) 447-1690

Ç www.lclibrary.org

Begin at the library by picking up your Scavenger Hunt kit and then head downtown in search of clues. Solve the clues and win prizes! Open to the first 50 participants, no registration required. Last clue given at 4:30 p.m.

these listings will also be featured in our print & digital May issue. to be included, submit your summer camp or activity listing @

www.mtparent.com/submityour-summer-camp-info

Easter Bunny Photo Experience

at Gallatin Valley Mall

April 1-8, 2023

Hippity-hoppity, Easter’s on its way! Visit the Easter Bunny in the former JCPenney Court now through Saturday, April 8.

This is not your clichéd mall photo. The Easter Bunny photo experience has been carefully reimagined and curated by the talented Winslow Studio photographers, who have over 30 years of professional experience in the Gallatin Valley. Your family will receive a more personalized photo and ordering experience, multiple poses and snapshots and more quality time with Easter Bunny to create special memories you will treasure for a lifetime.

No appointment necessary, just come by during these times:

Ç Thursdays and Fridays: 4-7 p.m.

Ç Saturdays: Noon-7 p.m.

Ç Sundays: Noon-5 p.m.

Children’s Coloring Contest

April 1-27, 2023

Attention kids of all ages living in Gallatin, Park, Meagher, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark and Broadwater counties: It’s time again for Child Care Connections' Annual Coloring Contest!

This year’s FREE virtual coloring contest theme is SUPERPOWERS. Join CCC from April 1 to April 27 for weekly virtual art classes hosted by local artists and create your own art by drawing what your superpower would be. Submit your coloring sheet by April 20 for a chance to win an exciting prize.

You can find your coloring sheet by visiting cccmontana.org. Make sure to check the back of your coloring sheet for details and rules. Now break out your crayons, put on your thinking caps and let’s get coloring!

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8, 2023

The Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Lindley Park for kids ages 1 to 10. The fun begins at 1 p.m. sharp and goes FAST! There will be hot cocoa, coffee and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Arrive at least 15 minutes early and look for signs for your age group. Visit bozeman. net/recreation to view the map in advance.

Puberty Workshop

April 12, 2023

Bridgercare adult and peer educators are partnering with community organizations, Haven and the Help Center, to host a workshop designed to prepare adults for having conversations about tough topics surrounding sexual health education. Beyond the Talk will be held on April 12. Visit bridgercare.org/education for more information and to register.

April 14 & 15, 2023

Anderson School continues its tradition of exceptional performances with the whimsical and heartwarming production of Seussical the Musical This full-length Broadway musical ignites the imagination of all ages, encouraging everyone to be willing to think new and big thinks.

First produced in 2000, the story centers around the books Horton Hears a Who and Horton Sits on a Nest. This lively musical brings together stories, references and characters from 17 of Dr. Seuss’s books, all orchestrated through the mischief of The Cat in the Hat. The Education Tony Award-nominated program at Anderson School brings the story to life with a vibrant set and plenty of surprises.

Performances are April 14 and 15 on the Emerson Cultural Center’s Crawford Theatre stage. Show times are Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 15 at noon and 7 p.m.

All seating is reserved. Tickets are available online at ShowTix4U, and at the door. Cost is $10 for the main floor and $7 for balcony seating.

The Little Red Schoolhouse production of Seussical will be led by Anderson School veterans, Stephani Lourie and Laurie Kinna. The Anderson drama team brought you recent productions of Matilda, Fiddler on the Roof and The Little Mermaid. The production team is in its 26th year of producing full-length, highquality performances with 70 to 85 student actors. This year’s production, with monkeys flying through the air, a vibrant professionally constructed set, and wildly colorful and creative costumes, will not disappoint.

Bozeman Winter Farmers Market

What began more than 10 years ago as a small group of farmers selling veggies, the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market is now a large community of local farmers, ranchers, artisans, bakers and community members selling their winter produce and home-baked and homemade goods. The market is held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Exhibit Building 1.

Bozeman Winter Farmers Market Dates:

Ç April 15 & 29

Ç May 13 & 27

MBC’S CONNECTIONS 2023

April 21, 2023

Montana Ballet Company (MBC) announces CONNECTIONS 2023, proudly presenting worldrenowned guest artists, one night only on Friday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at the Willson Auditorium.

MBC is delighted to welcome Skylar Brandt and Herman Cornejo, stars and principal dancers with the American Ballet Theatre, performing the Act 3 Sleeping Beauty pas de deux, one of the most iconic ballets in the classical realm.

Ms. Brandt will also perform Black Swan from Swan Lake with International Principal Guest Artist and Director of United Ballet Theatre, Joseph Gatti. Principal Guest Artist Daynelis Muñoz will join Mr. Gatti in the Act 1 pas de deux from Le Corsaire, a piece of magnificent virtuosity.

Also featured in this special program, will be Christian Clark and Rachel Van Buskirk, Co-Founders and Principal Dancers with Atlanta’s Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. Mr. Clark and Ms. Van Buskirk will dance two contemporary pieces, their own Treaty pas de deux along with the duet from Ana Maria Lucaciu’s Long Ago and Only Once.

MBC Artistic and Executive Director, Elizabeth DeFanti created CONNECTIONS in 2019 to provide an opportunity for Montana Ballet and its valued audiences to “connect” with the larger national and international dance community. CONNECTIONS 2023 promises to captivate audiences once again with impressive professional artistry and talent.

For tickets contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406-582-8702 or online at www.montanaballet. org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $25 - $75.

MONTANA BALLET COMPANY "SPECIAL CONNECTIONS EVENT"

On Thursday, April 20 at 4:15 p.m., International Principal Guest Artist and Director of United Ballet Theatre, Joseph Gatti, will teach a special master class at MBC studios. The class is open to community Intermediate/Advanced students. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Contact MBC at 406582-8702 or info@montanaballet.org to register. Season after season, MBC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, produces quality performances, enchanting audiences with new and updated artistry of dance, choreography, music, and design.

Skylar Brandt (photo: Carlos Quezada) Joseph Gatti (photo: Jack Devant)

Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival

April 22 & 23, 2023

Come together as a community and join Bozeman Parks and Recreation for some exciting Earth Day activities in Bozeman. www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org

Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week

Monday through Sunday, April 24-30, 2023

The Downtown Bozeman Association and participating downtown restaurants, pubs and cafes are excited to bring you Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week. This sevenday event will be filled with good eats and drinks, offmenu specials, exclusive dining experiences and chances to win some amazing prizes from local sponsors.

Kombucha, Zesty Science

April 27, 2023

Montana Science Center’s April After Dark program will feature local Kombucha manufacturer Zesty Beverages for a discussion of fermentation science and how to keep life zesty. After Dark will be held at MSC on Thursday, April 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For ages 21 and over, cost is $25 or included with an After Dark Membership. RSVP at www.montanasciencecenter.org/learn/adult-programs

Arbor Day

April 28, 2023

Join the City of Bozeman Forestry Division for a tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day. Event location will be posted on the Forestry Division website when determined. www bozeman.net/forestry

Seventh Annual Moms Like Me

May 13, 2023

MOMSLIKEME MOMSLIKEME

downtown Bozeman. Without

complex and beautiful journey

performances from our Mom Band, comedy skits and the beloved raffle basket drawing,

» Reduce shame and stigma around perinatal mental health

» Celebrate and support moms and families in the greater Gallatin region

» Promote inclusivity and compassion

» Create community and connect parents to resources

» Provide a beautiful and unique evening out for parents

All members of the community are encouraged to attend Moms Like Me to lift up and celebrate mothers at this unique and powerful event, which creates the space to be present and witness the power of connection through storytelling, song and comedy. Childcare will be generously provided by Dino Drop-In so parents may enjoy an evening out.

The transition from pregnancy to parenthood can be tumultuous and isolating, affecting parents in many different ways, and the goal of Moms Like Me is to change that. The hope is that, in attending the event, folks will look around and feel, “Yes, me too. I am not alone; we are not alone.” By building community, Moms Like Me creates a safe space for connection and a bridge to local resources.

To continue to provide a high–quality event which is accessible, engaging and unique to all members in our community, Roots relies on sponsorships from local businesses and individuals. Consider joining the movement to ensure all families in our community feel less alone and more connected to the resources they need.

If you are interested in sponsoring Moms Like Me and joining the many businesses who care deeply about supporting mothers and fathers in our community, please contact Julie Zickovich at julie@rootsfamilycollaborative.com or scan the QR code above.

Easter

Egg

on Mount Helena

April 8, 2023

Hunt

The Easter Egg Hunt on Mount Helena will take place on Saturday, April 8, beginning promptly at 11 a.m. Thousands of eggs will be scattered at the trailhead, and hunting areas will be divided up by age groups (babies; preschool and kindergarten; second and third grade; fourth and fifth grade). Please note, the Run for Justice will also be taking place, so parking will be limited at the trailhead. Please consider parking downtown and enjoying the walk through Reeder’s Alley!

Story Time in the Parks

Story time in the parks returns for summer 2023

Join the Lewis & Clark Library at a different Helena city park every Thursday at 10 a.m. for story time. In addition to story time in the Helena city parks, this program is traveling to East Helena, Augusta and Lincoln too. Enjoy 30 minutes of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Library services will be offered at the Lewis & Clark Library Bookmobile after the story time program. These programs are geared toward children between the ages of 3 to 8 years old but everyone is welcome. Cancellations due to weather will be posted by 9:30 a.m. the day of the event on the library website, www.lclibrary.org, and social media accounts @LewisandClarkLibraryHelena and @LCLBookmobile. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a blanket to sit on!

Ç Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m. in Cherry Hill Park, Helena

Ç Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. in Cherry Hill Park, Helena

Ç Monday, June 26 at 11 a.m. outside at the baseball field on Broadway Street, Augusta

Ç Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m. in Skelton Park, Helena

Ç Thursday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in Skelton Park, Helena

Ç Thursday, July 13 at 10 a.m. in Skelton Park, Helena

Ç Monday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Main Street Park, East Helena

Ç Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m. in Lockey Park, Helena

Ç Monday, July 24 at 11 a.m. outside at the Lincoln Library, Lincoln

Ç Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m. in Lockey Park, Helena

Keeping it Real

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FIJESTH

More migraines. More tears. More leaving events urgently because the signs of migraine were coming on. There were missed school days and holidays, the rest of the family tiptoeing around the house to not aggravate the ugly migraine monster.

After I finally coaxed him out, he told me he thought he had COVID and would die. I wrote about that experience in an earlier column, but the takeaway was far different. I return to that moment three years later because – while it broke me – I’ve come to find that when things break, they can be fixed.

Since that day, my son, who was in kindergarten then (and is in third grade now), has had dozens of migraines. What I initially hoped was a one-off turned into years of fighting the system for help.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt something was wrong, whether with your health or your child’s, and despite your best efforts your concerns went untreated and, sadly, unheard.

It seems like so many of us are in this group.

It started with fatigue, then eye pain, followed by shrieking from severe head pain, usually leading him to vomit and then immediately needing a dark room and zero noise. At least a dozen hours later, he would emerge from his bed finally himself again.

For the last few years, I have actively tried to find help for my son and his debilitating migraines. Appointment after appointment of, “Please help,” and being told, “Sorry, we can’t do anything until he is 12,” or, “He will grow out of it.”

I tried being overly polite at first, “OK, thanks for your time,” or “Sorry to bug you again, but...”  Still nothing.

Then I elevated my efforts to insisting on a referral. Every three days, my husband or I would call to inquire about where our referral was in the process. After seven months – SEVEN MONTHS – we finally met with a pediatric neurologist who told us to give him ibuprofen and Mountain Dew (for the caffeine) and again that he would grow out of it... hopefully.

Gee... thanks a lot.

Finally, this year, after three years of this madness, we are walking out with a prescription. And it only happened because I happened to ask a pharmacist I know what he thought about pediatric migraines.

Bless this man because instead of shrugging off my question, he reached out to colleagues in the industry and researched a solution for me. He recommended a children’s migraine drug that the FDA approved for children as young as age six—the exact age my son was when these migraines started.

I called our pediatrician and got another appointment. When we arrived, I pulled out my journal of our son’s migraine history, provider visits and research. I handed the doctor the name of the drug, which he had never heard of and had him look it up in his medical book on prescription drugs. As he skimmed the section on this particular drug, my husband, son and I sat watching with bated breath.

It took all of that to get to a “yes.”

As we left the office, my son grabbed my arm and said, “Thank you, mom, for always looking out for me.”

Those words healed the broken pieces of my heart from years of feeling like I had failed him as his protector.

This column is not intended to be a snub against medical providers. We need them, and they do good work to keep us healthy. They just don’t live with us 24/7 to see the problems and their effect on our daily lives. As parents, we sometimes don’t feel smart enough, capable enough or, heck, like we are allowed to push back on our children’s providers to go against the status quo and insist on better. But it’s our right and role to fight aggressively for our children. Never feel apologetic for that. A hard lesson learned for me.

During the spring of 2020, I found my son sobbing under his bed.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker.inc@gmail.com. Follow her Instagram @blair_mt for more adventures.

Creating Connection with a Child: The Four R’s of Attunement

WRITTEN BY ALLY DZURKA

We all have trouble connecting with one another now and then. Sometimes, it can feel like we are speaking different languages or just talking “at” one another instead of “with” each other. Connecting with a child who is experiencing something difficult can be especially challenging.

Attunement

is a crucial piece in connecting and building an effective relationship with a child. By attuning, you are allowing yourself to be in the child’s shoes and understand their experience. In turn, the child can recognize you are not trying to problem-solve them out of their emotions, but rather, see and accept them for who they are. Once this connection takes place, additional interventions can be implemented and will likely be more effective due to the safe and trusting relationship that has been established.

The Four R’s of Attunement Communicating in the moment when emotions are heightened can be especially tough. But if you can remember the four R’s of attunement, you can use them as a tool to help navigate these conversations in the moment.

1. Read Take a minute to read the child’s body language, tone of voice, expression.

2. Resonate Can you think of a time you felt the feeling the child is experiencing? How were you feeling in that moment? Put yourself in the child’s shoes.

3. Reflect Reflect their experiences in a nonjudgmental way that the child can understand. Some examples may sound like, “Oh, wow, that sounds hard.” Or, “I don’t know what to say right now. Thank you for sharing with me.”

4. Repair Being a human means making mistakes, and there is power in saying “I am sorry.” Making time to repair with a child is invaluable in building and modeling healthy, healing relationships.

Attunement in Action: Jimmy’s Difficult Day in Library

Jimmy is a 9-year-old boy who started third grade at a new school this year. While there are other kids at his school he enjoys playing with at recess and talking to in class, he misses his friends from his old school.

Recently, Jimmy had a difficult time in library. He has always loved reading books with his parents, and he and his friends often read Diary of a Wimpy Kid together. He was hoping to check out the most recent Diary of a Wimpy Kid book so he could discuss it with his friends from his old school when he saw them over the weekend. Jimmy realized one of his classmates checked out the book already, so he threw his hands in the air and exclaimed, “That’s not fair!” Then, he left the library and sat outside the door with his arms crossed, head down and tears in his eyes.

How would you attune with Jimmy in this moment?

1. Read You might notice Jimmy raised his voice and threw his hands in the air when he exclaimed “That’s not fair!” Following the distressing event, you might also notice Jimmy appears closed off with head down, arms crossed and sitting away from the rest of the class outside the library with tears in his eyes.

2. Resonate Can you think of a time you felt disappointed or had unmet expectations? Jimmy expected to check out Diary of a Wimpy Kid so he could catch up with his friends and his excitement was met with disappointment when the book was not available. Connect with this experience within yourself and put yourself in Jimmy’s shoes.

3. Reflect In this situation, you may or may not know that Jimmy and his friends from his old school used to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid together, so let’s assume we don’t know this. To reflect Jimmy’s experience, you may say “It seems like you really wanted to check out Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and it’s disappointing you couldn’t get it.”

The level of reflection may vary depending on the relationship. If there is a strong relationship between you and Jimmy, you may bring attention to his closed-off body language by saying something like, “I noticed you separated from the class and your arms are crossed. Not getting that book must’ve been difficult.”

4. Repair In repair, it’s important that we do not make assumptions about the child or their experience. Repair is a great time to own our mistakes and convey unconditional positive regard toward the child, meaning you will accept them no matter what they do. For Jimmy this may sound like, “That was really difficult for you. Let’s find a different way to work through it next time.” Conveying a message of togetherness and hope can help the child feel less overwhelmed and alone in their struggles.

At Intermountain, our developmental-relational model focuses on understanding children through a developmental lens to identify areas in which we can help them heal. The most important tool we use to facilitate healing is building close relationships with our clients and their families, thus much of our work focuses on relationship building to truly understand and support the clients and families we work with.

Ally Dzurka is an Intermountain Comprehensive School and Community Treatment counselor at Smith Elementary in Helena. A nationally recognized nonprofit, Intermountain provides a variety of mental and behavioral health services in Helena, Bozeman, Billings and the Flathead Valley, as well as other communities that are served through telehealth services. Learn more at intermountain.org.

Cattle Genetics and Raising an Ag-Savvy Son

WRITTEN BY REBECCA COLNAR PHOTOS COURTESY

Lacey Sutherlin didn’t grow up in agriculture in Stevensville, Montana. Her father was a teacher and her mother is involved in sales and administrative work; however, her uncles had ranches, so Lacey spent plenty of time learning about cattle while growing up. In high school, she worked for a local Angus breeder, which is where she got her cattle “bug.” She and her future husband, Chad, were friends in high school and she spent plenty of time on his family’s ranch.

After college, Lacey accepted a job with ORIgen, a cattle genetics company, where she discovered her fascination with cattle breeding. Lacey is currently a District Sales Manager for ABS Global. She manages 22 representatives throughout Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington. She loves cattle genetics, noting it is essentially the art of matching cattle pedigrees together to make matings that yield better cattle. “Creating matings is a science with the end product being a safe, tasty, juicy, healthy protein for consumers to feed their families.”

Her 6-year-old son, Cayden, has already developed the cattle bug. “He’s in Kindergarten and is known as the rancher in the class. He explains tractors and anything cow-related to the other students. We took a baby calf to his class, and his classmates took turns bottle feeding and learning about caring for an animal.

I think it’s important for kids to learn about animal husbandry, developing a work ethic and learning the responsibility of taking care of a young animal. There were some children who had never seen a baby calf.”

They answered questions in ways the students could relate to: “Where does he live?” “We give him shelter and he has a little field to run and play.” “What does he eat?” “Calves drink milk and he gets a bottle every 12 hours so he doesn’t get hungry.”

“We explained that our animals come first. They usually get fed before we do, and if there’s a storm, we’re out there ensuring those animals have some kind of shelter,” said Lacey. “On Valentine’s Day we took our liquid nitrogen (that’s used in our breeding services, so we always have some around) to make liquid ice cream, similar to how Dippin’ Dots uses cryogenic technology. We stirred up the cream and sugar with the kids. It was a great way to teach them about milk and dairy products.”

Cayden wants to be rancher like his dad. He’s a good worker and enjoys helping, such as moving cattle up the alley from the outside. He owns a couple of real cows that have their unique ear tag color. The enterprising youngster even has a “500-head ranch” in the Sutherlin’s living room covered with cattle handling equipment, alleys and sorting tubs.

Lacey and Chad enjoy that both of their jobs allow them to bring their son with them. “Ever since Cayden was born, he has come to work with me, even if he was in a backpack. My customers and sales reps have gotten to know him, and he’s sociable and converses easily with adults. He also spends time with his dad, whether they’re calving or haying.”

Lacey believes it’s important that kids have a job to do. No matter what you do, she says parents should take their children to work and make them part of your life. Give them a small job to do while they are with you, whether it’s doing a little clean up or labeling something.

The young woman adds that people farm and ranch because it’s a lifestyle they enjoy. She notes that it’s not a way to get rich, but it’s a great environment for raising children. “They learn about having a good work ethic, food safety and responsibility. We are out with our animals 365 days each year. The success for us is seeing the younger generation taking on farming and ranching. As easy as it might sound, we can’t feed this country out of a petri dish.”

Lacey encourages parents not involved in agriculture to ask to visit a local farm or ranch with their children, and learn about what it takes to put food on the table.

OF THE SUTHERLIN FAMILY

Rebecca Colnar is Director of Public Relations for Montana Farm Bureau and a freelance writer from Custer, Montana.

Ask Flora

WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK

Question 1. My kids don’t want to go to any of the camps I’m suggesting, and I don’t want it to be a battle at drop-off. What can I do?

Answer: First, I just want to relate to this and say that one of my kids often has negative feelings when I first introduce an idea of trying something new. The overall approach I recommend is to validate the feelings while holding a boundary and using a strategy that uses the acronym C.A.R.:

Connect: “Oh honey, I hear that you are not wanting to go to this camp. Tell me about that.” Then listen.

Acknowledge that the feeling is normal: “I hear you. That is not your favorite. And some places are not our favorite. It’s OK to feel that way.”

Redirect: Shift into solutions, while holding the boundary. “We will be doing this camp, so I wonder what ideas you have for how we can make it better?” You may be really shocked at your child’s suggestions. And if they continue to stay resistant, you can end with some version of “I love you AND the answer is no.” For example, “I love you AND this is the camp we are doing.”

Question 2: We had our second child this fall, and my toddler has been acting out a lot. She has a lot of tantrums and she will even grab me and hit me when she is angry. I try to stay calm and collected, but I find myself wanting to scream – I’m so overwhelmed. I really want to find better ways to communicate with her that will be effective so we have fewer tantrums, less aggression and she will listen to us better.

Answer: First off, it’s very normal for it to be a challenging transition when an additional child enters the family. The good news is, research now shows that jealousy of the new baby is not a response that generally sticks. In How to Raise Kids who aren’t A$$holes, studies showed that, “Children most often have a mix of both positive and negative feelings toward a sibling.” And the best way we can help the child work through any negative feelings is to validate those feelings, while keeping limits on behavior.

When a child feels big angry or sad feelings, lean into it and let them know their feelings are normal, and then suggest a solution.

“You sound mad at the baby. Tell me about that.” (Pause for at least 30 seconds to listen. They may not start talking until 29 seconds in silence). And then suggest a redirection or solution, “Let’s get out some Play-Doh together.” Or, “We can put these on your ears when baby is crying, if that’s bothering you.”

In this column, you can ask your questions about parenting kids from ages 2 to 10 to Flora McCormick, Licensed Counselor & Parenting Coach.

Secondly, it sounds like you have not known how to respond in a gentle way when she is expressing anger toward you. It’s totally normal to feel that way, and we can give you a clear roadmap forward. It’s important to hold kind and firm boundaries with your daughter’s hitting and hurting –even with you. Being a gentle, loving mama does not mean you have to be a punching bag or doormat for her emotions. And it’s not good for her to practice violence against anyone. It only offers the chance for that behavior to become more common.

Instead, I recommend setting a very clear boundary on behaviors that seem to be at the top of the anger curve, and having a plan of action, so you aren’t just telling her that hitting isn’t OK…You are showing her that hitting isn’t OK.

In many families the simplest definition of unacceptable behavior is “Hitting, harming or screaming.” That includes harming property, the dog, throwing, etc. It then helps to tell your child outside of any upset moment, “Honey, we are going to have a new plan. When you are not being a good boss of your body – like hitting, harming or screaming – you can take some space to calm down right here.” Note: this is NOT the old school time-out. I recommend something I call a “Reset,” which is defined more as a space to calm down and get back to your wise, wonderful self. With very young kids, you can call it a space to get back to being a good boss of their body. If you’d like a social story to help explain the moments when they have basically “flipped their lid,” you can find that FREE resource at Sustainableparenting.com.

I can’t determine for you what that calm down space will be. Every family must decide for themselves what feels right. Yet I can share that parents have chosen options ranging from using a high chair, a bench in the living room, the landing area of the stairs, or the child’s bedroom as locations for calming down. The key is that this is a clear space, agreed on in advance, for the child to safely reset to their calm self. This can be a very challenging shift to navigate on your own, so feel free to reach out for parent coaching support if you’d like assistance in that process.

To get more sanity-saving strategies for parenting young kids, join Flora’s Free Facebook Group: Sustainable Parenting. Questions for the next issue or wins/questions from this issue can be submitted to contactflora@gmail.com. A special thank you to those who submit monthly questions.

Thinking Outside the Box The Bozeman Charter School

WRITTEN BY SARAH HENDERSON

At 8:20 a.m. on a weekday morning, Isaac logs on to Mrs. Burke’s morning meet. His day runs a few hours ahead of Mountain Time, making it 10:20 a.m. in Colombia when the school day begins. On the other side of the world, Natalia signs on from Japan, nearly a full day ahead of her friends. Locally, the other students in Mrs. Burke’s class at Bozeman Charter School sign on from desks in bedrooms, dining rooms and even the car while dropping a sibling off at school. This style of schooling is nothing if not flexible. Teachers need to see the students’ workspace and materials clearly on-screen and students must be on-time and on-camera for the entire meet. The rest is largely up to the needs of the student and their family.

Bozeman Charter School (BoCS) grew out of the online school created by the Bozeman School District in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the district’s growing need for a flexible option. The school operates as part of the Bozeman School District and enrollment is free to Bozeman residents. This year, BoCS dropped “online” from its name, choosing to be known more accurately as Bozeman Charter School, the first and only public charter school in the state of Montana. The online component is key, but it is far from the whole picture. Bozeman Charter School operates on three guiding principles: a flexible schedule, competency-based learning and expeditionary learning.

A flexible schedule

Students attend school online in the morning to receive mandatory core instruction with a dedicated “live” classroom teacher. There are scheduled breaks and blocks of independent work between online meetings. In the afternoon, students can choose to attend in-person, for further instruction and special activities like music, library and health enhancement. BoCS elementary students (second through fifth grade) meet in two well-appointed

classrooms at Irving Elementary, while middle schoolers (sixth through eighth) convene in their own space on the second floor of Willson School. The afternoon session is optional, allowing families to choose how that time is spent. According to a report commissioned by the Bozeman School District, “[In a flexible learning model] Many students have opportunities for vocation, athletics and other pursuits that make a traditional, time-based system of education prohibitive to their personal growth.”

(National Alternative Education Association, 2014)

Learning at your own pace

Competency-based learning is another pillar of the Bozeman Charter School. Students progress with their own mastery as the guide. This system allows for personalized interventions for students who may struggle, and opportunities for acceleration for students who may progress more quickly than their age-level peers. In the BoCS model, assessment does not lead to punishment for poor performance, rather it is an opportunity to adjust expectations, explore different learning strategies and develop a growth mindset. A competency-based learning environment strives to meet the needs of all students, individualizing instruction in the hopes of closing achievement gaps.

Real-world learning

Each week, BoCS students discover a new part of their community through hands-on, experiential learning. BoCS students have visited the Outdoor Wilderness Learning School (O.W.L.S.), the Bozeman Public Safety Center, Crosscut Mountain Sports, Spire Climbing, The Gallatin Valley Regional Food Bank and Gallatin Ice, to name a few. They have been visited by the Bozeman High School Coding Club, learned about the science of snow from Montana Outdoor Science School and examined Bear Biology with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Deepening students’ relationship

with the world around them, especially at the local level, is essential to the BoCS model. BoCS Expeditionary Learning Coordinator Chris Ottey says, “Expeditionary learning provides incredible opportunities for students to be engaged in active, applicable, real-life learning that is meaningful and memorable.”

A new opportunity

There are hundreds of children thriving in the traditional school model here in Bozeman. Our playgrounds are filled with happy children, squealing and playing, a rainbow of snow pants and lost mittens. But there is also a large community of children who are not at their best in that same model: Children who thrive with more time at home, a higher level of parent involvement and a smaller cohort to navigate. Children who need more time to process their school subjects, or, conversely, less time and crave the challenge of schoolwork beyond their grade level.

Bozeman Charter School creates an opportunity for all students in the community to thrive within the public school system. BoCS continues to pursue charter school-specific grant funding to support its growth long term. With the support of the community, Montana’s first public charter school could become the model for alternative education statewide, providing new opportunities for the next generation of Montanans to learn and grow through public education.

To enroll in the BoCS or request additional information, please contact principal Jennifer Westphal at jennifer.westphal@bsd7.org, 406-53-6500, YouTube www.youtube.com/@ bozemancharterschoolpac, Instagram @ bocspac.

Sarah Henderson,

“I love BoCS because we can travel to see my grandparents in North Carolina and Missouri and I don’t miss any school. I have classmates who are traveling the world now while in school, so it’s fun to learn about where they are and what they are doing. Online learning is fun and the afternoon classes are different every day. My teacher is very nice, too.”

~ Elsie, BoCS second grader

“The BoCS is a place where my son has been allowed to explore his own strengths, pursue them and grow. It is an extremely special community of teachers, staff and students. The BoCS is my son’s school where he has become a successful learner and a human being confident in his own abilities.”

~ Hallie Echols, BoCS middle school parent

“We love that BoCS gives us the opportunity to work and travel with the entire family unit. With two parents that have to travel for work, it really gives us the most flexibility, keeping our child’s schooling accessible and affordable. With the cost of everything going up it would be very difficult to find an economical traveling tutor/private online program. This program allows us to still be a part of the community that we love and adore while away.”

~Vanessa Santos, BoCS elementary school parent

BoCS is highly effective for students seeking:

1. Personalized instruction (via goals, pacing and context through competency-based education);

2. Flexible scheduling (based on health, personal, situational, curricular and extracurricular needs);

3. Learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom;

4. Classroom settings that provide fewer physical distractions and the ability to learn anytime from anywhere; and a flexible learning community focused on academic, personal and social emotional growth.

~ Bozeman School District

Written by

parent of a third grader at Bozeman Charter School, owner of Wildarts and Music Together Bozeman.

win Animal Tracks outreach gift certificate MONTHLY GIVEAWAY

April 2023

How to enter:

Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook and Instagram page starting April 1.

1. Like the post and Tag one friend

2. Follow Montana Parent magazine on Facebook and Instagram (if you don’t already!)

3. Follow Animal Tracks Outreach on Facebook and Instagram too!

Other info:

Enter for a chance to win a gift certificate to Animal Tracks Outreach!

We bring our animals to your event!

Animal Tracks Outreach offers a unique, entertaining and interactive experience. With an array of exotic and familiar animals, people of all ages will create memories and smiles.

*ATO is based in Helena, but will travel to Butte, Great Falls and Bozeman*

Winner will be chosen at random and announced May 1. Must be 18 years of age to enter.

For more information about Animal Tracks Outreach, visit: www.animaltracksoutreach.com