montana build crew
Applications for Summer 2027 are open now.
Please be sure to review our trip FAQs, payment schedule and cancellation policy below before applying. Applications will be accepted until November 16th.
THE BASICS
Dates: July 17th - August 3rd
Cost: $2500 + airfare
Age: Grades 9th-12th, including incoming 9th graders (current 8th graders) and graduating seniors are invited to apply to our Montana Summer Program.
program overview
The Montana Build Crew for high schoolers is a chance to gain experience in practical skills such as carpentry and construction, while leaving a physical legacy that will benefit future Wild Kids for years to come.
The Build Crew will work with members of our experienced and knowledgeable guide team to design and build infrastructural improvements at Pattee Canyon that will make it possible to continually expand and improve Wild Kids Programs. This past summer, the Build Crew constructed a 30’ yurt and associated platform - check out pics from the build below!
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 Build Crew guides are Wild Kids Alumni!
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
This summer, Build Crew will run concurrently with our Montana High School Program, meaning Build Crew members will get to share in frontcountry adventures with the rest of the group! Check out the example itinerary below. This is just meant to give an idea of what the summer will look like, and is subject to change.
Missoula: Pattee Canyon
The group will acclimate to the Montana weather and climate at Pattee Canyon, review the build plan, and get started on site prep and materials acquisition. There will also be time for day hikes, Missoula exploration, pod bonding activities, outdoor skills learning and more!
Build Project:
While the other pods head into the backcountry, the Build Crew will remain at Pattee Canyon to work on their assigned build project. Possible projects for this summer include another yurt platform, deer-proof garden fencing, and a mobile bathroom unit.
Front Country: Yellowstone National Park and surrounding area
Pods will road trip (Wild Kids style) down to Yellowstone National Park and have the chance to experience Montana’s communities, cultures and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Experiences will include navigating by maps (no map apps allowed!), engaging with local Montanans and small towns, day hikes, camping, dance parties on the side of the road, and cooking as a pod.
Blackfeet Reservation: Uncle Joe and Auntie Cathy’s
This year, our high school trip will head up to the Blackfeet Reservation to help out with preparations for the Sundance. If the schedule allows, we will also stay and participate in the first few days of the ceremony.
build crew faq
Do I need to have experience with this kind of stuff?
Nope, Build Crew is open to all levels of skill and experience. Our guide team has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share, and there’s all kinds of work to be done for every skill and comfort level. You’ll have opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, and take on greater responsibilities as you go. Some tasks, particularly those involving power tools or other specialized equipment, will require training and demonstrated proficiency, along with approval from our guides, before you can take them on independently.
Does Build Crew still get to camp and hike?
It wouldn’t be a Wild Kids trip without some wilderness adventures! Build Crew will still participate in a front country road trip to National Parks, hike around Missoula and spend time on the Blackfeet Reservation.
What are we building?
The final build crew project will be determined by a number of factors, including the size of the group, cost of materials, the needs of the property and the discretion of the guide team. Possible projects for this summer include another yurt platform, deer-proof garden fencing, and a mobile bathroom unit.
payment faq
Program Cost: $2500 + airfare
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.
What does the program cost cover?
The cost of our summer trips covers food, lodging, group gear, 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.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes! We host a student-led fundraiser every year 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.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes! You can choose to pay the program cost in two or three installments, with the $250 deposit removed from your first payment. If a longer payment plan would be more manageable for your family, let us know on your application.
PAYMENT PLANS
Payment In Full - 1st and full payment due February 1st
Half Payments - Payment due February 1st, March 1st
Month to Month - Payment due February 1st, March 1st, April 1st
PAYMENT OPTIONS
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 faq
Who books our tickets?
Wild Kids will organize a group flight from Honolulu to Montana as a travel option for families. Families will be given group flight details by April 1st. If you are traveling from somewhere other than Hawai’i, or 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 or covered by scholarships.
Do we have to take the group flight?
Nope! If you have alternative travel arrangements in place, such as coming from somewhere other than Honolulu, just get in touch with our team to coordinate arrival and pick-up. We just ask that you plan to arrive as close as possible to the rest of the group on July 17th.
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!
What type of bag should we bring as luggage?
We pack as a team in advance!
Because it is absolutely imperative that everyone arrive in Montana with the right gear, we pack as a team in advance. This allows our Wild Guides and Junior Counselors to actually see what is going into each bag and ensure that no one is overpacking, under-packing, or misunderstanding the gear and clothing guidelines.
Backpacking bags will be checked onto the plane.
What do we bring as a carry-on?
Participants can carry-on a small daypack.
