2025 program dates will be posted in October. Registration will open in November.
Grades 9th-12th, including incoming 9th graders (current 8th graders) and graduating seniors (class of ‘25) are invited to apply to our Montana Summer Program. Applications will be considered in the order they are received. Please be sure to review our updated trip cost, payment schedule and cancellation policy on our payment page.
2024 Trip Overview
We feel, more than ever, that humans need a thorough screen detox and immersion in community and the natural world, which is why we have decided to do both a front and back country portion of our high school trip. We aim to provide a deeply impactful summer where participants will grow their self-worth and emotional resiliency while developing leadership skills through expeditionary learning. Our backcountry portion will provide participants with full nature immersion where they will build community through strengthening relationships with each other and non-human relatives, as well as deepen their sense of place. Our front country portion will focus on community building and cultural immersion through attending Powwow on the Blackfeet reservation and visiting uncle Joe.
Arrive in Missoula: July 1st-July 4th
The group will acclimate to Montana weather and climate at Pattee Canyon in Missoula while preparing to go into the backcountry.
Backcountry: July 5th-11th
This year, our pods will be backpacking in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Backcountry routes will depend on weather and fire patterns in Montana. We will share backpacking routes to families in June once they are confirmed.
Powwow, Uncle Joe’s, Missoula & Fly Home: July 12th-16th
After a rest day, our high school trip will head up to Browning to attend North American Indian Days which includes a parade, powwow and rodeo. The group will then head to uncle Joe’s to help with some Sun Dance preparations, but our group will not be attending Sun Dance this year. Everyone will head back to Missoula on July 15th and students will fly home July 16th.
Note: All participants will need to complete a minimum of two training hikes with the group prior to heading to Montana. All participants must also pass a Pack Test in May, which requires everyone to carry a 45-50 pound pack and finish a 3 mile hike in under 45 minutes. For this test we use Lanikai Loop.
Never underestimate yourself! Backpacking is one of the best ways to realize your own potential, strength and power.
