Summer Camp:
Weekly Themes
Week 1: June 13-16
Gardens & Farms
What grows in Montana? We will prepare garden
beds, plant a salsa and a pizza garden, and learn
about local herbs and flowers. Teaching healthy life
skills through hands on learning we will be picking,
preparing, and cooking. Yurt campers will visit local
farms, and get a chance to get your hands dirty!
Green Theme: Compost - Nature recycles everything
Week 2: June 20 – 23
Dinos in your Backyard
Put on your paleontologist hat and let’s get ready to
dig! This week we will observe, study, and touch
fossils from Museum of the Rockies. We will also
investigate local birds and reptiles to discover which
animal is the closest living relative of the dinosaurs.
We will learn about the different types of dinosaurs
and their habitats. We will also discuss what fossils
are and even create some dino fossils and dig them
up!
Green Theme: Packing a trash-free lunch
Week 3: June 27 – 30
Bugs
This week campers will learn about the micro-world of
bugs, insects and butterflies. Did you know that of the
over one million animal species in the world, more than
98% are invertebrates? The word invertebrate means
“without a backbone.” Create miniature worlds using
plants and moss to create tiny toadstools, ladders, fairy
houses for lady bugs to live in!
Green theme: Native plants
Week 4: July 5 – 7
Birds
Did you know that birds have hollow bones, and that they may be
descended from dinosaurs? This week we will determine what else
makes birds unique. We will study the western Montana’s birds of
prey, and we will locate wild birds outdoors. Learn what makes a
bird a bird, study the science of flight, migration, beaks & feet, eggs,
feathers, nests, and make art from eggshells.
Green theme: Everything is connected
Week 5: July 11 – 14
Fish
Join us for a fun session of learning all about fish. We’ll work on
learning the parts of the fish, discovering the fish habitat, creating
fish-themed crafts, and more. Learn about water quality, watershed
management, trout habitat, insect life and stream restoration. Our
adventures in cool water – from sprinklers to mountain streams - will
help us beat the heat. We will also learn how to fly fish this week and
learn about casting, fly tying, knots, trout identification, stream
etiquette and proper fish handling.
Green theme: Water conservation
Summer Camp:
Weekly Themes
Week 6: July 18 – 21
People
Montana’s history is filled with people who have made a difference.
Native people’s stories tell the history of ancient cultures and the land.
Experience these stories by creating props and acting out characters
based on improvisational theatre and playwriting. Yurt campers will get
involved in all aspects of the Lewis and Clark expedition – horses,
canoeing, archery, hiking the Lewis and Clark Trail, camp fires and
cooking and learning the traditions of the local Native Americans. All
activities are conducted out of doors.
Green theme: Alternative transportation
Week 7: July 25 – 28
Outdoor Adventure and Survival
What does it take to survive? In the city? In the wild?
For plants? For animals? For us? This theme explores
the various ways life adapts to its environment – the
qualities, skills and tricks that ensure survival.
Adventurers will learn outdoor skills while exploring
streams, forests, and fields near Great Beginnings
Montessori School. Some of the week’s theme
activities will include compass-making, knot-tying,
and shelter-building.
Green theme: Food waste
Week 8: August 1 – 4
Ponds, Rivers and Lakes
Delve into the elements as we explore flowing water and
air. We’ll spend our days outdoors making small
waterways, dams, boats, pinwheels, streamers, kites,
small hot air balloons, and more. Bring your curiosity,
ingenuity, and a change of clothes because we may get
wet! Become an amateur meteorologist as you discover
the water cycle and create homemade weather
instruments. Yurt campers will explore local creeks and
learn how they fit into the watershed.
Green theme: Rain water harvesting
Week 9: August 8 -11
Mammals
Mammals are fun and fluffy animals. This week we will
learn all about the mammals that live here in western
Montana. Some mammals are wild, and some
mammals can be pets. We will learn about animals in
the wild and how to care for mammals as pets. We will
also play games and take walks in the woods, fields,
and wetlands to see what we can learn from other
creatures’ nests, dens, and hideouts.
Green theme: Biodiversity is good
Week 10: August 15 – 18
Our town
"Many hands make light work." This week will work together to make
Bozeman a more beautiful, happier, and cleaner place to live. Counselors
and teachers will lead the groups though a variety of projects based on
helping out local charities. We will learn about all the ways that we can
help make the world a better place and little things we can all do to help
those in need, enjoying the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.
Campers will enjoy a field trip at the end of the week to celebrate their
productive week. This week we will make toys and treats for local pets
and animals in need. Campers will share stories of their own pets, and
learn how they can help to better care for their own animals.
Green theme: Light bulbs and energy