As they carefully climbed over their gear, settled into their seats, and dipped their paddles into the water for the first time, the air was filled with a mix of emotions—apprehension, anticipation, doubt, optimism, awe. It was early June, and 9 Montana Wilderness School students and 3 field instructors had just launched their canoes into the Missouri River at Coal Banks Landing. The plan? To canoe more than 100 miles over 12 days, following the paddle strokes of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery.
For most of the participants, it was their first time canoeing; for some, their first time on moving water. And while the journey ahead seemed unfathomable for them, the journey they had completed to reach this shore was just as impressive.
Montana is a state of extremes, and wilderness access is a microcosm of those polarities. We have some of the most incredible wildlife and wildlands, and their exploration and enjoyment is often the reason people move here. Yet too many other families, especially those in rural areas or those with fewer means, do not have the same capacity to explore the backcountry. That is where Montana Wilderness School steps in.
MWS courses fully immerse students in vast areas of public lands and wild spaces. They run rivers, climb mountains, ride ranges, and navigate tricky stretches of challenging terrain. Each day students are on the move, staying active and developing the skills to continue these activities long into adulthood.
Learning to paddle a whitewater rapids or scale a formidable rock face or traverse complex terrain on a horse guarantees considerable technical skills, but it also teaches students how to solve problems alone and collaboratively, how to intelligently consider risks, how best to help a struggling peer, how to safely stretch boundaries. And, when around the campfire, they start to think critically about the space and world around them.
MWS’s guiding principle is ensuring that all Montana youth have a chance to explore this wilderness, soak up its history, learn about the Indigenous peoples who first called it home, understand what it means to have and use public lands, and become peers and often forever-friends with youth they might not otherwise have known.
Cohorts are a mix of urban, rural, and Indigenous youth from a diversity of cultures. As their courses progress so does their capacity to trust each other, hear each other, respect each other, and support each other.
As the six canoes slip into the water, there is almost a reverent silence for what’s ahead, but that quickly turns to chatter, laughter, stories, and song. What began as a gathering of 12, will land at James Kipp Campground as a fully cohesive group of explorers who will always be connected by this water.
Summer Open Enrollment Schedule
Missouri River Canoe
Ages: 14-16
Dates: July 22-August 2 (12 Days)
Skill Focus: Great First Backcountry Trip, Canoeing with Day Hikes, and Camping
Difficulty: Introductory to Moderate
Montana Backpacking
Ages: 14-16
Dates: August 11-20 (10 Days)
Skill Focus: Great First Backcountry Trip, Backpacking, and Camping
Difficulty: Introductory to Moderate
Backpacking Skills for Aspiring Hunters
Ages: 16-18
Dates: July 31-August 10 (10 Days)
Skill Focus: Backpacking and Off-Trail Navigation, Wildlife Behavior and Tracking, and Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Alpine Backpacking
Ages: 16-18
Dates: August 4-17 (14 Days)
Skill Focus: Backpacking, Off-Trail Navigation and Summiting Peaks, and Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Since their first course launch with five students in 2015, Montana Wilderness School has led 100 expeditions for 830 youth, accumulating more than 190,000 program hours. In nine seasons they have provided more than $883,000 in financial aid-directed scholarships.