Summer Youth Programs

Summer Explorers

June 29 - August 17, 2023

• Thursdays for eight weeks

• 10:00 am - 12:00 PM for elementary participants

• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM for middle and high school participants
• Join the FREE fun!
  

Registration is required
To register for sessions or for more information please call Julie Croglio at 406-846-2070 ext. 226 or email.

 

Summer Explorers learn about native art.

NPS Photo/Bruce Wright

Elementary Program Sessions

(10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

June 29 – Knot Tying

What was the best way to secure a horse to a rail, or ensure a load of hay would not fall from your wagon? The best knots, of course. Without tools or hardware to fasten items together in the Old West, knot tying became an essential skill. Learn some knots the cowboys had to know as we study this time-honored and valued art form.

July 6 – Starry Day

Have you ever wondered what it’s like on other planets or why constellations got their names? Join us as we explore the night sky during the day!

July 13 – Pioneer Cooking

As the ornery cooks of the old trail drives once told their cowboys before heading out, “the food is hot, brown, and there’s plenty of it.” We’ll be nicer than that, but we’ll still try our hand at Pioneer Cooking as we use nothing but a Dutch oven, a sourdough starter, and a campfire to make a meal. And maybe some coffee and a son-of-a-gun stew. We can’t guarantee the quality of the cooking, but we know it will be a fun and eye-opening experience.

July 20 – Gold Panning

Why is Montana the Treasure State? Because of the gold in them ‘thar hills. Discover one of the many reasons so many people pushed into Montana during the old west days as we pan for gold. This unique and truly Montana way of life made a few folks rich but more importantly, gave rise to the beef industry in the state. Try your luck with a tin pan. Maybe you will strike it rich!

July 27 – Pollinators

Learn the critical role that pollinators play in our environment and build your own hummingbird and butterfly feeders to take home!

August 3 – Animal Olympics

Can you jump as high as a fox or hold your breath like a river otter? Test your skills against some of Montana’s amazing wildlife species and learn more about the animals that call the ranch home!

August 10 – Population Counting

Did you know that math can be fun? Come out to the ranch and learn how biologists study animal populations using statistics.

August 17 – World Beneath Our Feet

As picturesque as the ranch is, a world exists around that often goes unseen, at least without a microscope. We will explore the tiny ecosystems and habitats that help the ranch survive and thrive. This microscopic journey is sure to dazzle, amaze and educate us.

 

A Ranger and child observe two draft horses taking a break from their chores.

NPS Photo/ Bruce Wright

Middle and High Program Sessions

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

June 29 - Knot Tying

What was the best way to secure a horse to a rail, or ensure a load of hay would not fall from your wagon? The best knots, of course. Without tools or hardware to fasten items together in the Old West, knot tying became an essential skill. Learn some of the knots the cowboys had to know as we study this time-honored and valued art form.

July 6 – Plant Identification

Learn how to identify plants using a field guide and explore the ranch to discover how certain can benefit or harm people, wildlife, livestock, and the environment.

July 13 – Pioneer Cooking

As the ornery cooks of the old trail drives once told their cowboys before heading out, “the food is hot, brown, and there’s plenty of it.” We’ll be nicer than that, but we’ll still try our hand at Pioneer Cooking as we use nothing but a Dutch oven, a sourdough starter, and a campfire to make a meal. And maybe some coffee and a son-of-a-gun stew. We can’t guarantee the quality of the cooking, but we know it will be a fun and eye-opening experience.

July 20 – Weather

Weather patterns can have a negative or positive influence on ranching. Learn how climate is studied and how weather influenced the development of the American west.

July 27 – Photography

As thousands of visitors can attest, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is one of the most photogenic places one can find. From livestock to wildlife to the ranch’s historic buildings, the ranch offers limitless opportunities for rich photography. Capture an image as we venture out to photograph this unique piece of American history.

August 3 – "A River Runs Through It"

The Clark Fork River is important for ranching activities and the wildlife that live nearby. Come splash around and explore the river while we collect water samples.

August 10 – Draft Horses

Horsepower was once all that moved the ranch’s heavy equipment and tools in the years leading up to machines. The ranch’s draft horses provided that power. Come learn about these powerful beasts of burden as we explore how draft horses are harnessed, the components of their tack, and how they are driven in this unique way of exploring the history and spirit of the western ranch.

August 17 – Nature Journaling

National Parks are unique and special places. By working through several different writing activities participants might find and connect to their own “special place” on the ranch.