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Our Montana summer camp adventure for girls is set in the heart of the Alpengirl homeland, SW Montana near Bozeman, MT and Yellowstone Park where Majestic purple mountains rise up from golden plains. This is the original Alpengirl summer camp session, a proven winner year after year, and full every summer. It has all the bells and whistles that girls with great A-l-t-itude desire!

Caverns: Lewis & Clark State Park is Montana's first and best-known state park and it showcases one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air-conditioned, these spectacular caves are lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helicitites and date back through time. On our 2-hour guided hike through the caverns, we'll gain an insight into the delicate ecology of this world without light.

Backpacking: Powered by healthy "camp gourmet" food and guided by superhero Alpenguides, Alpengirls will reach lofty heights as they to surpass goals one footstep at a time on our 4-day walk into Montana's alpine majesty. We'll backpack 4-8 miles each day and hike at a pace that allows our group to enjoy each step into the great unknown as we gain a sense of stewardship by connecting with the natural world on the road less traveled. Outdoor camping skill basics that minimize the impact on our natural environment are taught right from the beginning on all Alpengirl trips and are relied upon throughout this teen girls camp session. Campers will learn how to properly pack and carry a backpack with a limited and select number of items (sleeping bag, pad, clothing, and a portion of tent and food). We'll leave all extra gear, worries and conveniences behind as we rise above our own expectations and find ease in becoming an outdoor Adventuress!

Hot Spring Soaking: A Montana geothermal wonder! A long soak in a wood-lined outdoor naturally clean pool is not only good; it's good for you! After a long day on the trail, we'll soak in the 103-degree (F) mineral water, play in the sprinklers and sprayers that cool the pool, and enjoy the view from the pool - watching for deer, antelope, and moose in the surrounding wetlands. Eagles, hawks, Sandhill cranes, egrets, ducks, geese, and songbirds are all at home in this natural and peaceful place. If we are lucky, we'll catch some live acoustic poolside music while we soak under the starry night skies of Montana!

Horseback Riding: We get fitted to our helmets, saddles and horses by the best cowboys and cowgirls you'll ever meet from Centennial Outfitters. Our full-day western trail riding adventure takes us up-up-and-away into the Centennial Mountains, high atop the continental divide, through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and crossing crystal clear spring fed creeks. We select a new route each time to maintain the most pristine environment possible, sometimes this means through the wild woods, across down trees, through left-over snow fields and into country that most folks will never have the opportunity to see. Mountain riding on the back of our sure-footed friends prevents us from safely going faster than a trot most of the time. However, if trail conditions and circumstances allow, girls that have proven their horse riding skills today may be allowed to gallop at select times and locations. Ben, Festus, Shiloh, and Foxy are so completely awesome that you'll want to return to see them year after year and may even consider our Montana Horse Camp in your future as an Alpengirl!

Canoeing: The flat waters of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River welcome us to bask in the sun and have some relaxed fun for a river day full of swimming, viewing nesting osprey, discovering mysterious underwater grasses and spying a moose in the willows. Girls will be fitted to life jackets and paddles and taught canoeing basics riverside before being matched up with partners to paddle with down this mild, clear and shallow waterway that beginners can easily navigate and may at times even need to get out to lighten the load in order to get to the next swimming hole for an epic Alpenolympic water fight!

Yellowstone National Park: Bubbling mud cauldrons, grazing bison, kaleidoscopic geysers, wolves and bears of Yellowstone National Park! While exploring our nations first national park we'll watch Old Faithful erupt, dip our toes in the Firehole River, behold the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and learn about this huge caldera with our very own "Alpengirl Ranger".

Rock Climbing: A full day of outdoor rock climbing on the river carved walls of the Gallatin Canyon. Whether you are an experienced climber or have never climbed before, there are climbs here that you'll love! The level you go to in climbing is up to YOU, we'll encourage you to go a bit beyond your super-comfortable zone, but how much or how little you do is totally up to you, no pressure, only encouragement from your friends. After rope handling, knot tying, safety talks and communication basics on the ground, climbing shoes, helmets, and harnesses are fitted and we head for the rock. Our professional guides from Montana Alpine Guides will set up a few top roped climbs by before we arrive, then, when we are ready, girls can simultaneously take turns between climbing, belaying and snacking on lunch. Many girls enthusiastically strive to reach the top of each climb. Rappelling (lowering yourself from the top back to the ground) is the final highlight of today's adventure.

Whitewater Rafting: The Gallatin River originates in Yellowstone National Park and gains steam as it flows through the Gallatin Canyon. It is a small technical white water river with continuous rapids that demand lots of maneuvering at low water and fast decision making at high water along with scenic beauty. After gearing up with river shoes, pfd's, helmets and splash suits we'll listen to a riverside safety talk by our professional guides from Montana Whitewater and we'll paddle our way through paradise! The classic half-day trip includes some class II-III rapids followed by the Mad Mile (class IV at high water levels). The upper stretches of the river are great for first timers and times when the water level is just too high to run the legendary "Mad Mile". Before we raft, we'll review river conditions and select the section that best suits our group experience and ability level. No matter which section we run, the Alpenolympic rodeo-rafting event is sure to put a smile on your face!

The best thing about this trip - besides the fact that All Alpengirl trips ROCK is... "It's the Alpengirl CLASSIC girls adventure summer trip with tons of activities!"

Montana Alpengirl Parent Reviews - Testimonials

"Our daughter greatly benefited from the Alpengirl experience. While she most appreciated the rock-climbing, horseback riding, hot springs, and new-found friends, we were most thrilled that she came home with a new love of nature (not something she was known for in the past), enthusiasm for Yoga, physical exertion, and, to a lesser extent, healthy eating, and demanding that we take her backpacking. I would highly recommend this program." ~ Pamina (Pensylvania)

"Heather came back from the trip beaming with confidence! She seems to feel more comfortable in her teenage skin. She is constantly getting comments on how healthy and tone she came back. Your philosophy and small family/like group has given her a sense of self worth and self esteem that a large "camp" cannot touch. Thank you for having such a great program." ~ Ron (Maine)

"Kaley really bonded with the other girls - the comradery was the best for her. For us, she participated in a wilderness experience that was totally positive. She is calmer and more focused. Kaley experienced the wonders of mountains and wilderness areas, learned some valuable lessons in self-sufficiency, and best of all, made some wonderful friends. The comradery she experienced has made a lasting impression. ~ Lucy (Minnesota)