SUMMER 2026: June 22nd - July 3rd

Applications open Oct 15th and close Nov 9th. Check back here on Oct 15th for the application link.

Grades 9th-12th, including incoming 9th graders (current 8th graders) and graduating seniors (class of ‘25) are invited to apply to our Montana Build Crew Program. Please be sure to review our updated trip cost, payment schedule and cancellation policy below before applying.

The Montana Building Crew for high schoolers is a chance to gain experience in practical skills such as carpentry, while leaving a physical legacy that will benefit future Wild Kids for years to come. 

The Building Crew will arrive at Pattee Canyon about 2 weeks before the High School Program begins, and work with members of our experienced and knowledgeable guide team to design and build infrastructural improvements to the property that will make it possible to continually expand and improve Wild Kids Programs at Pattee Canyon. It will be hard- but rewarding - work, and you will leave with a deep well of experience in a variety of practical skills, making it possible to undertake these type of projects on your own in the future. Most of our Building Crew guides are Wild Kids Alumni!

Payment & Travel Information

Program Cost: $2000 + airfare

The program cost covers food, lodging, group gear and materials, staff salaries and annual first aid training, insurance, safety equipment, and ground transportation. Flights to Montana are not covered in our program cost or scholarship funds.

Please note: There is a non-refundable deposit fee of $250 to secure your spot, due upon acceptance of the trip. The deposit amount will be reflected in your first payment total.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes! We host a student-led fundraiser every Spring to raise money for scholarships. Students can apply for a scholarship in the program application. Our team will review scholarship requests and will do our best to provide scholarships to those who apply. Please note: our scholarships do not cover the cost of airfare.

PAYMENT PLANS

DEPOSIT

There is a non-refundable deposit of $250 due upon trip acceptance, and no later than January 12th, to secure your spot. The deposit amount will be reflected in your first payment total.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT

Payment options include check, or PayPal*. If you choose PayPal, our team will send you an invoice(s) for your payment(s) based on the payment plan that you choose. If you choose to pay by check, checks should be made payable to Wild Communities Foundation and mailed to:

Wild Communities Foundation 111 Hekili St Suite A182 Kailua, HI 96734

*Please note: there is a 3% processing fee assessed by PayPal

CANCELLATION POLICY

We are a small organization and simply cannot absorb the full cost of late trip cancellations. As such, we ask that our community respect our cancellation policy:

• Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made before February 15th.

• 50% refunds will be issued for cancellations made between February 15th and April 15th.

• No refunds issued for cancellations after April 15th. We will consider partial refunds for late cancellations if your child’s spot is filled.

TRAVEL FAQs

Who books our tickets?

Wild Kids will organize a group flight from Honolulu to Montana as a travel option for families to opt into. Families will be given group flight details by April 1st. If you prefer to book your tickets on your own, we ask that students arrive and depart within no more than 1 hour of the group arrival and departure time. The driving time between Pattee Canyon and airport is about 30 minutes, so fewer trips to the airport is best. Please note: airfare is not included in program cost.

Can we drop-off or pick-up our child in Montana?

Absolutely! We highly recommend tacking this trip onto a family adventure. Please email Wild Kids Montana if you plan to either drop your child off or pick him/her/them up in Montana. We will work with you to make this possible!