Summer 2023 Camp + Activities

Activities

guide

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BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS

"Helping everyone feel beautiful but natural is my ultimate goal. Ensuring my clients feel comfortable and deserving of what they are doing is what I strive for. So many women feel embarrassed they are getting cosmetic treatments done and they onehundred percent should not This is the one life they have to live in this body, the outside should match the inside."

Janel Allison-Shamblin

Montana Ballet Company ~ 2023 Summer Programs

The Little Mermaid Summer

Ages 4 - 6

Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

NEW! Inaugural Adult Intensive

June 26 - July 1

Monday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

~ June 12 - 15

~ June 19 - 22

~ June 26 - 29

Daily ballet class, arts and crafts, choreography, performance and more!

New! Shape up for Nutcracker

August 21 - 24

Two Attendance Options with Performance Opportunity

Designed for adult dancers to immerse themselves in the art and discipline of dance, optimize training and take technique to the next level.

Dancing Under the Big Sky

July 24 - August 5 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Ages 11+

Special Guest Faculty

Prepare for auditions with this fun opportunity to learn MBC’s Nutcracker choreography.

Monday - Thursday

~ Ages 12 - 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

~ Ages 9 - 11, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Holistic curriculum ~ technique, artistry, health and wellness with special performance opportunities.

Mini Dancing Under the Big Sky

June 12 - 23 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Ages 7 - 10

New! Stand-alone program with MBC Faculty.

SPLASH CAMP

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

WHAT

Splash Camp is for kids who love to swim and want to grow their swimming skills!

Learn competitive strokes from certified coaches, including our gold-medalist head coach, Hans Dersch!

Proudly Sponsored By:

March 27 - 30 6:15pm - 7:30pm

HOW TO SIGN UP

Space is limited! Register by visiting: BozemanBarracudas.org

Kids ages 5 - 10*

*Participants must be able to complete one length of freestyle and backstroke without floatation devices

4 Days - $80 per participant

SWIMMING IS BENE FISH AL

Health Benefits! Swimming is a fun way to keep your kiddos active and healthy.

Improves Social Skills! Swimming will give your child the opportunity to meet new friends their age who share similar interests!

Boosts Confidence! Swimming helps children overcome fears and teaches them to adapt to new challenges.

Improves Mental Development! According to studies, due to the exercise, swimming helps children develop their mind/body connection.

Reduces Stress! The increase of endorphins in the brain from swimming help kids to effectively relieve their stress.

Teaches Safety Skills! Swimming teaches children a lifesaving skill and helps them be more aware of their surroundings and others.

PLUS! GOODIE FILLED SWAG BAGS FOR CAMP PARTICIPANTS

*Up-to-date local COVID-19 guidelines will be followed

Welcome, Dr. Wittekind!

BOZEMAN HEALTH PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Bozeman Health Pediatrics on the Deaconess Regional Medical Center campus.

Dr. Wi�ekind is board cer�fied in pediatric cardiology and general pediatrics. Dr. Wi�ekind sees pediatric pa�ents for the care and treatment of congenital heart disease, fetal cardiology, cardiomyopathy, heart rhythm disorders, and preventa�ve cardiology.

in collabora�on with

Learn more at BozemanHealth.org or call Bozeman Health Pediatrics at 406-414-4570

CORA DESANTIS | CORA@MTPARENT.CO M

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ALEXIS BRILL ALEXIS@MTPARENT.COM | 406-223-2775

LAYOUT & DESIGN SHAUNESCY WILLARD

COPY EDITORS ELEONORE SNOW & LEIGH RIPLEY

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COVER PHOTO CROSSCUT MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER BLOG ANDREA HILL

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* Montana Parent strives to provide accurate information and entertainment to our readers. Some content may be based on opinion of the author and may not represent our views. We want all voices to be heard, so we all can be educated on both sides of important issues.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: CROSSCUT MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

• What’s Up? photos are from event social media pages if not supplied by the organization

A Bozeman summer camp for elementary aged kids with yoga, outdoor education, d f

Guide Activities Camp +

fun »

Controlled Adversity and Beneficial Risk for Teaching resilience at

Crosscut Mountain Sports Center

WRITTEN BY RYAN KRUEGER

As parents, we often try to protect our kids from any form of danger or adversity. While this is a natural instinct, it can lead to our children missing out on valuable learning experiences that come from taking controlled risks and facing challenges. These experiences provide kids with opportunities to develop important life skills such as resilience, determination and problem-solving.

It turns out that exposing children to challenging experiences and calculated risks in safe and controlled environments may be one of the most important things we can do for their emotional growth and development. By encountering controlled risks in a supportive environment, kids can become more resilient and learn to respond to life’s hiccups and difficulties. Nurturing the skills and confidence to handle varied difficult situations now will have positive ripple effects throughout their lifetimes.

One of the ways that kids can experience controlled adversity and beneficial risk is through participation in sports programs with experienced coaches and mentors. At

Crosscut Mountain Sports Center in Bridger Canyon, biathlon and mountain bike programs provide kids with a safe and fun environment to challenge themselves and push their limits. While risk will always be part of the equation, our children can learn – with thoughtful leadership – these important lessons in safe, controlled environments.

“We create a safe container for progressively appropriate risk, where participants start to identify what is a healthy risk vs. unhealthy risk. What obstacles—corners, jumps, climbs and descents, for example—am I ready for? How do I know? Cultivating this self-awareness in a camp or on a team leads to individual and social growth,” said Heidi Makoutz, Director of Mountain Services at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. “Healthy risk-taking is part of becoming a better version of yourself.”

The biathlon program at Crosscut combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, two activities that require focus, discipline and determination. Participants learn how to balance their breathing and heartrate while shooting, how to control their nerves under pressure and how to push themselves through physical activity. Experiencing a great skiing lap only to come into the range and miss

multiple targets is an emotional letdown. With supportive coaching, youth athletes learn to accept and move on from the disappointment, so it doesn’t negatively impact the next ski lap or shooting bout. Adversity on the range and trails helps kids to develop important life skills such as resilience, determination and selfconfidence.

“Sport allows you to be a part of something bigger than you—it allows you to make new friends and push your limits and teaches you how to persevere and come back from disappointment. It teaches resilience, tenacity, cooperation, patience and so much more,” said Ann Sorenson, Biathlon Youth Coach at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. “These are all qualities that benefit kids well beyond the bounds of the biathlon program.”

Similarly, the mountain bike programs that take place at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center — Crosscut’s camps for kids from fourth to 12th grade, Bozeman Youth Cycling (BYC) programs, and Montana Interscholastic Cycling League (MICL) team practices and competitive races—provide kids with the opportunity to push their limits in a safe and controlled environment. These programs teach kids about proper technique, balance and

CROSSCUT MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER YOUTH CYCLING

bike handling, and then challenge them with progressively more difficult trails. Participants learn how to navigate obstacles, how to stay calm and focused under pressure, how to correct mistakes and how to get outside of their comfort zones. All of these skills are transferable to other areas of life and can help kids to develop a growth mindset.

“We feel that by building bike-handling skills and endurance, the kids build self-confidence. By conquering obstacles on the trails, the kids build confidence. By providing a structured and supportive environment, the kids can overcome the adversity of the trails, their bikes, their bodies and even their minds,” said Molly Bowman, Executive Director of Bozeman Youth Cycling. “And the best part is these confident kids are kind and supportive of their teammates and they take it with them wherever they go.”

The experienced Crosscut, BYC and MICL coaches provide a supportive and encouraging environment, helping participants to develop a love for these sports and gain self-confidence by taking controlled risks and facing challenges. They believe that their programs not only help kids to develop important life skills, but also foster a love for outdoor sports and a connection to nature.

These experiences of controlled challenges and calculated risks all help children and adolescents to develop a wealth of important skills that will serve them throughout their lifetimes. Whether they’re skiing, biking or just getting outside, these versatile and valuable skills and experiences apply to many other areas of life, helping kids to become more confident, wellrounded and successful individuals who are better equipped to handle life’s challenges — for the benefit of themselves, and those around them.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Let the Ridge Party Specialists help you with your child’s next birthday party! Kids will have a blast in the pool, bounce house, PlayZone, or gym. Choose a birthday party location plus ala carte options to design the perfect 2-hour party for your child.

Call for Saturday and Sunday party availability.

Ryan Krueger is the Marketing & Events Senior Manager at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center.

your farmer?

Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices

Thrive’s Summer Camp for Middle School Girls

WRITTEN BY MAURA WATSON

Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices is a weeklong summer camp for girls entering grades six through eight, hosted by Thrive and created by Thrive’s longtime friend Nancy Nelson. The five days together are designed to inspire confidence, connection, imagination and self-expression in campers. The middle school years can often be a time of great transition for girls trying new skills, making friends and even attending new schools. Thrive aims to create a safe space for girls to find shared commonalities and connection with their peers to help them feel ready to boldly go into the world. The mission of Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices (GSGV) is for each girl to find her voice and use it to share her story.

At the start of every GSGV week, the staff says “hello” to a room full of middle school girls who are excited and smiling, but also a little bit nervous and shy. Five days later, they say “see you next time” to new friends. It is truly aweinspiring to see how much growth can happen in just one week of celebrating the unique qualities that make us special, powerful and ready to conquer any challenges we may face.

The theme of this year’s GSGV Camp is Girls are Creative! Their theme will guide exploration into different ways to be creative from artwork and writing to storytelling, movement, music and more. There are a million ways that girls can inspire the world around them, and Thrive’s goal is to help them find the ways they can be the truest versions of themselves while doing just that.

Throughout the week, community mentors will join GSGV daily to teach new activities and skills through workshops in STEM, personal

development, art and movement. Some previous years’ activities have included self-defense, yoga and mindfulness, improv, creating mosaics, collaging, astronomy, sustainability and so much more. With such a variety of guests and workshops, each camper finds a way to shine and to bring out her individual passions and strengths.

Working from the inside out, the week will start with reflecting and looking introspectively into individual values, talents and “superpowers.” The next few days lead to examining friendships, family and relationships, and how we can best express ourselves to continue to build confidence and connection in a meaningful way. Each summer also brings a cultural component to camp, enabling girls to explore the world in a different way. In past years, Thrive has worked with MSU partners to write letters to (and learn about) girls growing up in Kenya, as well as having women and students from the International Programs join and share what life is like in their cultures.

By the end of the week, the girls’ takeaways speak for themselves: “I learned how to be myself…that us girls have a voice and we need to use it…I’m more confident…you shouldn’t be afraid to be yourself.” These quotes are some things our campers have gained through their week at Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices Summer Camp.

Thrive invites you to join them this summer at Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices Summer Camp during the week of July 17 to 21. You can register at allthrive.org, and scholarships are available. Reach out if you have any questions or want more information.

Maura Watson is the Youth Program Coordinator at Thrive.

the Free Soccer Initiative

Erasing Barriers to Entry for Gallatin Valley Athletes

Across the United States, families are experiencing inflation-related cost of living increases. Coupled with that, Gallatin Valley residents have faced a 32% increase in housing costs over the past year. Families have to make hard choices when money gets tight, and often the first things to go are extracurricular activities for kids. Local nonprofit organizations, like Montana Surf Soccer Club, are working diligently to keep kids involved, and to increase access for underserved populations. Montana Surf recently launched The Free Soccer Initiative, ensuring that all kids have the opportunity to participate, regardless of income.

The Free Soccer Initiative was developed as a supplement to Montana Surf’s substantial scholarship fund, and was designed to erase all barriers to entry for low-income families, with an emphasis on children who may not otherwise have the access to extracurricular opportunities. Funded by generous community donors and Montana Surf fundraising efforts, The Free Soccer Initiative eliminates program fees for qualifying youth athletes and solves transportation limitations by arranging rides and carpools. The Bozeman Chapter of Montana

Soccer Soles – started by two 11-year-old Montana Surf athletes – provides cleats, shin guards, socks and balls, ensuring that everyone has the equipment they need to play.

Montana Surf’s Competitive Academy Technical Director, Vanessa Davis, is the founder of The Free Soccer Initiative, which was inspired by her own experience as a Latinx youth growing up in the Gallatin Valley. Vanessa developed The Free Soccer Initiative in order to address inequality, poverty, health and access in the context of sport. “Our objective in developing the program was to use our institutional reach to create meaningful impact and improvement in the lives of low-income families,” she said. “Soccer is a powerful force for kids, helping them become an integral part of a team in which they build quick trust and relationships.”

The Free Soccer Initiative debuted in June of 2022 in partnership with the World Language Institute’s Bella Camp and Bienvenidos, a Gallatin Valley local nonprofit that welcomes Spanish-speaking migrants and their families to the region, connecting them with local mentors, volunteers and community resources. Children

associated with Bienvenidos were enrolled in Montana Surf summer camps and experienced the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor play as well as the community-building effects of spending time with their peers. “We have found that youth sports are a wonderful way for kids to make new friends, create a support system and feel comfortable in their new lives in Montana,” said Bienvenidos’s Ita Killeen. “Offering free programs, equipment and transportation means that kids have opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them.”

The program expanded in fall of 2022, offering free soccer to students in the Bozeman School District’s ESL (English as a Second Language) Program. “As the population of multilingual students and new arrivals continues to grow in the Bozeman district, the urgency to address their social-emotional needs becomes a priority,” said Evelyn Paz-Solis, Bozeman Schools’ Multilingual English Coordinator. “Our students arrive facing endless struggles when acclimating to a new culture and learning a new language. Making soccer accessible for them allows them to move hard emotions through their bodies, to find belonging again, to feel

they are successful at something familiar, to show their talents to the rest of the community, to create community, to have the chance to access very healthy coping skills and to find HOME in a place where they don’t immediately fit in.”

While free recreational programs are beneficial for individual children and families, they also positively benefit the greater community. Dylan Hale Thornton, a DEI Consultant and founder of Hale Creative Consulting said, “Many studies suggest after-school activities are the number-one factor for helping kids achieve upward mobility. Sports create connections between individuals, cultures, perspectives, the environment and community. Providing access isn’t just good for kids and families, it’s good for communities.”

The Free Soccer Initiative provides opportunities for youth athletes of every level to access the physical, social and psychological benefits of team sports. It also gives athletes a chance to experience all levels of Montana Surf programming, from camps and Montana Surf Recreational Soccer all the way through the club’s competitive high school programs. For more information visit www.montanasurf.org/ the-free-soccer-initiative.

March 23- April 8

gallatinvalleymall.com/events

WITH WINSLOW STUDIO

SummerIntensivesDance

Summer dance intensives are a wonderful training opportunity for aspiring dancers. Students are provided an opportunity to grow and learn under the tutelage of expert faculty in the art form. While dance intensives are held all over the United States (and the world for that matter), Bozeman’s Montana Ballet Company (MBC) is home to three: Dancing Under the Big Sky, Mini-Dancing Under the Big Sky and, new this year, the Inaugural Adult Intensive. Over the years MBC has welcomed dancers who travel from across the country to further their training at the MBC.

Dancing UnDER the Big Sky

MBC’s Annual Dancing Under the Big Sky (DUBS) two-week summer dance intensive is an enriching educational program featuring exceptional guest teachers and a holistic curriculum. MBC is delighted to welcome Lesley Rausch, Samantha Shelton and Rebecca Berke for the 2023 intensive.

Ms. Rausch is currently a principal dancer at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Ms. Shelton is a classical ballet faculty member with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and has taught at ABT Summer Intensives for the past 20 years. Ms. Berke is an expert instructor of character dance and teaches master classes, dance history and mindfulness for dancers.

Ç DUBS 2023 will be held Monday, July 24 through Saturday, August 5. Classes will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with short breaks and a lunch hour each day.

Offerings may include ballet technique, pointe and pre-pointe, variations, contemporary and character dance, Pilates, physical therapy and nutrition. This well-rounded curriculum exemplifies MBC’s belief in nurturing the “whole dancer,” mind, body and spirit.

DUBS will conclude with a performance at the 46th Annual Sweet Pea Festival on Saturday, August 5.

New ~ Mini-DUBS Standalone Program

This updated program is a mini version of MBC’s DUBS and designed specifically for dancers ages 7 to 10 who are ready to commit to a dance intensive. The new stand-alone schedule will offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in classes and perform in a final in-studio showing. In addition, interested dancers are offered the opportunity to perform again at the Sweet Pea Festival.

Ç Mini DUBS will take place June 1223, 2023, and run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This two-week intensive is a unique opportunity for dancers to explore a variety of dance forms focusing on technique, artistry, musicality and expression. Along with ballet technique, dancers may have classes in modern, character, mime, injury prevention, nutrition and body conditioning.

MBC’s own faculty including Academy Director Melissa Bowman, teachers Richard Bowman, Karen Smith and others will serve as primary instructors.

MBC’s Inaugural ADult IntEnsive

This new program is designed for the adult dancer who wishes to immerse themselves in the art and discipline of dance. Each day is specifically designed to help optimize training and take technique to the next level.

Similar to MBC’s other intensives, classes may include ballet technique, contemporary, body conditioning, Pilates, yoga and repertoire. Interested dancers participating in the full week program will have a performance opportunity at the conclusion of the intensive.

The Adult Intensive offers two attendance options:

Ç June 26 through July 1, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 1.

Ç June 29 through July 1, Thursday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 1.

For more information on MBC’s Intensives, please email mbowman@montanaballet.org or call 406-582-8702. To register visit www.montanaballet.org/academy/summerprograms.

LAUREN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Five Reasons to

Love Circus

In the last few decades, circus arts has made the move from big tents and caravans to brick-andmortar buildings. Techniques that were once passed down only from generation to generation are now taught in several performing arts schools around the world.

This approach to circus arts arrived in Montana when Paúl Gomex founded 406Cirque, the Circus Center of Bozeman, in 2018. Here are five reasons why he thinks we all should run away with the circus.

1. Circus helps create a positive body image

The idea that our bodies need to look a certain way in order to perform a circus skill (or to exist, for that matter) is an illusion. You may think that our bodies are not perfect, but secretly, they are – and no matter your body shape or height (or age), circus bodies are all STRONG and TALENTED in their own way! The work and discipline we develop through practicing a circus skill helps us embrace ourselves and celebrate our individuality.

2. Circus builds community

Circus builds a community of performers who trust and rely on one another. 406Cirque’s community home is the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, where youth learn and perfect all circus skills. From there, the community expands with camps and workshops for both kids and adults, along with several collaborations in town including shows with IndepenDANCE and Raison D’être Dance, among others.

406Cirque staff is composed of seasoned performers from more than four countries. The community created by circus has no borders, no passports and no judgement, increasing trust in international encounters with enthusiasts and professionals alike.

3. Circus is a creative outlEt

Circus allows us to create art that is physical and full of emotion. It is important to have an outlet for our emotions, feelings, worries – even joys. 406Cirque’s students and performers practice a circus skill with the pure joy of being able to express who they are or what they are feeling. Pro Tip: When you feel stressed, find some balls that you can through into the air. You’ll be amazed what effect it will have on you.

4. Circus is inspiring

Circus can inspire you to learn, grow, develop discipline; build strength and coordination, create an entire routine by yourself and open your life in ways you never thought possible. Dare to inspire and be inspired by others.

5. Circus makes you happiER

If you were wondering whether circus is also considered a recreational activity, you are right. And with every physical activity, be it practicing a handstand or juggling scarves, the body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are released when you exercise, and they reduce the perception of pain. These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, make you feel good and give you a positive outlook on life.

Go to www.406Cirque.com to learn more about their community and opportunities to join.

Activities + guide

Heart and Hand Center Day Camp

High above the din and distractions of city life, classrooms and chaos, Heart and Hand Center hosts therapeutic/recreational day camps each summer at their beautiful mountaintop ranch. Here, kids love getting to know the horses while learning to be the leader in horse/human relationships. Horses – like kids – need love, leadership and a language they can understand. Horses are amazing teachers and kids carry lessons learned from the horses with them throughout their lives.

Camp days at the ranch are filled with a balance of play, learning, hiking, yoga, drumming, making art, new friends and relaxing in hammocks overlooking the Bridger Mountains. At the end of each day, kids find a quiet place on top of the haystack or sitting beneath shady pines to write about their day in personal journals. At the beginning and end of each day, campers form a circle touching outstretched hands as they each share feelings and hopes. As the week goes on, even the shyest kids open up and learn to share within the safety of the day camp circle.

Heart and Hand Center’s wise horses teach campers to respect and set clear, but kind, boundaries. Lessons learned with horses help campers to improve human relationships. Campers are taught to play games with the horses that replicate leadership games horses play with each other in the herd. The kids have fun while learning new skills that improve understanding and confidence, laying a foundation for better boundaries in all relationships.

Each morning campers are asked if they want the horses to hike to the tipi site with the group and each morning they emphatically reply, “Yes, yes, yes!” For a small child, learning to

safely lead an 1,100-pound horse is not a small accomplishment!

As they slowly make their way up the trails to spectacular views of the Bridgers and surrounding mountains, the group is inspired and energized. At the tipi site, high above the stresses of everyday life, campers make music with drums, create crafts and paint beneath the cool pine trees. Lunch shared together is always a favorite time to relax and get to know and understand each other better.

Back at the barn in the afternoon, the kids eagerly create 3D dioramas and paint two small boxes to contain their treasures and traumas. On the last day, sitting on blankets within the safe circle of the tipi, they fill these treasure boxes with notes of affirmation and encouragement. Then each person shares what his or her trauma box contains. With solemn ceremony and drumming, campers carefully carry those trauma boxes to the campfire, place them in the fire, and watch their hurts go up in smoke. Then, everyone celebrates by roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

At the close of a fun-filled week of learning, laughing and leaning in together, campers have stretched and grown a little bit wiser and kinder to themselves and others. Everyone has shared and learned and become a close-knit group. It’s always hard to say goodbye and, in the final closing circle, the kids’ parting hope is that they can come back again to the next Heart and Hand Center Day Camp.

For more information and to register your child for summer day camps, email support@heartandhandcenter.com, call 406587-4036, visit the website at www.heartandhandcenter.com, follow them on Instagram at heartandhandcentermt or follow on Facebook at heartandhandcenter.

Summer Child Care in Montana

WRITTEN BY ROSE HEIDER

There simply isn’t enough child care in Montana. With children out of school and more kids needing care, summer can be an especially challenging time for families to find and afford safe quality care – especially for school-age kids.

Summer care programs are available from all sorts of organizations, letting kids spark a new interest or dive deep into something special they already love. Whether your child is curious about science or ready to race around a soccer field, you’re bound to be overwhelmed by the options. It can be hard to determine what type of care is the best for your child and family. So, here’s a quick breakdown of the types of care out there. 1

Child Care Centers offer child care, often to children from ages 0-6. However, during the summer months some child care providers offer additional openings or camps for school-age kids who aren’t quite ready to be on their own while parents work during the day.

Summer Buddies are often mature teenagers or college students who can come to your home to provide supervision, companionship and even transportation to children.

Traditional Summer Camps offer a variety of activities for kids to explore their interests or even learn something new. Most summer camps take place during the day, so you may need to plan for additional care before or after camp programs.

Special Needs Camps offer care to children in need of extra support. Staff have access to special resources and are trained to help children with a variety of needs. There are a range of activities tailored to each child’s ability to enjoy along with camp friends.

Resident and Sleep-away Camps give kids a home away from home experience for a week or longer. Many of these camps are activity or skill-based and offer leadership opportunities for older kids.

As with most new things, your child will need to adjust to their summer care routine. By going over what’s ahead, you can help them have a great summer experience. Consider letting them help you choose a camp or care that they are excited about. Once their summer care is planned, talk to them about what to expect including daily activities, clothing, gear, pick-up and drop-off details and meals. This can help calm any nerves and get your child excited for their upcoming summer.

Are you thinking about leaving a child home alone? If you think your older child can care for themselves for part or a whole day during the summer, a self-care situation may meet your family’s needs. There are minimum-age requirements for legal self-care that vary from state to state and county to county. Many counties specify the amount of time that children of various ages can care for themselves, as well as age requirements for staying home with other children. To find out the requirements in your county, refer to your county’s Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS). 2

Community resources like Child Care Connections’ Child Care Referral Program can help you find the right summer care for your family. This program helps you navigate child care needs, access scholarships and even find other community support to help your little one have a great, and safe, summer! Learn more at cccmontana.org.

Rose Heider, Development and Communications Coordinator at Child Care Connections, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children. Learn more at cccmontana.org or 406-587-7786.

Sources:

1. https://ors.od.nih.gov/pes/dats/childcare/Pages/ summerCareResources.aspx

2. https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/cfsd/ CANpubs/3isyourchildreadytobehomealone.pdf

SUMMER ART CAMPS

Ages 5 – 12

Weekly from 9 am to 3 pm

Emerson camps are filled with innovative art projects designed to help your child’s creativity grow!

COMIC CHARACTERS

June 12 – 16

July 24 – 28

MYTHIC MONSTERS

June 26 – 30

August 7 – 11

COSMIC COLOR

July 17 – 21

THAT’S WILD

June 19 – 16

July 31 – August 4

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ART

July 10 – 14

August 14 – 18

Youth ages 14 – 18 are welcome to apply to our Youth Intern program.

REGISTER NOW AT www.theEmerson.org

SUMMER 2023

Activities + guide

Bozeman

ArtSplot Summer Art Enrichment Programs

Academic Summer Courses

Big Sky Tutoring

Ç contact@bigskytutoring.info

Ç (406) 595-4996

Ç www.bigskytutoring.info/summer-courses

Big Sky Tutoring is offering academic summer courses for students of all ages. Sign up for their summer course email to receive further information as soon as it’s available.

Elementary/Middle School Summer Courses - Grade Level Reading Group - Grade Level Math Skills Group - Coding for Kids

High School Summer Courses - Living on Your Own - Adulting 101

- ACT Prep Course - Getting Into College, Research and Readiness

- College Level Writing - Introduction to Coding

Ç ArtSplot@gmail.com

Ç (406) 587-8424

Ç www.ArtSplot.com

Ç www.facebook.com/TheArtSplot

Ç www.instagram.com/artsplot

ArtSplot has been an independent art enrichment provider in Bozeman since 1995. Chelsea and Richard Smith, founders, owners and operators, teach extensively in the schools, in their studio and on location offering activities in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more. "Our teaching style is friendly and individualized. We embrace the wit and delight of creating artwork, while sharing knowledge and technique. Join us and experience what sets us apart.”

EPOCH SUMMER CAMP

Teen summer camps provide older campers more significant opportunities to spread their wings and experience new adventures. Campers attend two field trips that relate to the weekly theme. As well as participate in arts & crafts, daily reading, games, socialemotional learning, and weekly STEM projects.

Camp operates 7:30am to 5:30pm

Breakfast, Lunch & Snack included

Two field trips per week

Located at the YMCA

K-4th grade camps focus on youth development and learning through creativity, play, and exploration of our environment. Campers attend two field trips that relate to the weekly theme. As well as participate in arts & crafts, daily reading, games, singing, social-emotional learning, and weekly STEM projects.

Camp operates 7:30am to 5:30pm

Breakfast, Lunch & Snack included

Two field trips per week

Locations:

Hawthorne Elementary

Heck-Quaw Elementary

The Commons

A new camp for 1st - 5th graders focusing on staying active during the summer! Campers will play games, learn fundamentals of sports, with downtime for indoor activities & more! Located at Story Creek Elementary this camp will keep your kiddo active all summer!

Bozeman Children’s Theatre

Ç bozemanchildrenstheatre@gmail.com

Ç (702) 481-3622

Ç www.bozemanchildrenstheatre.com

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemanchildrenstheatre

Ç www.instagram.com/bozemanchildrenstheatre

Campers range from elementary to middle schoolers and are taken from auditions to full musical performances in under two weeks by licensed educators. Bozeman Children’s Theatre has put on numerous musicals over the past few years at many local elementary schools. They believe that theater is an incredible way to help young adults find their voice, confidence and new friends.

Camp Bodhi

Ç experience@bodhi-farms.com

Ç (406) 201-1324

Ç www.bodhi-farms.com

Ç www.facebook.com/experiencebodhi

Camp Bodhi is the ultimate Montana farm camp for elementary-aged kids entering first through fifth grade. Kids can sign up for a week or a month, with a different theme each week: nature, wilderness, homesteading and art. While each week is a new adventure, all weeks include: farm-fresh lunch daily, kids’ yoga classes, nature hikes around the farm, guest speakers and more.

Camp Equinox

Summer

Theater Day Camp

@ Bozeman Summit School

Bozeman Sports Camp

Ç bozemansportscamp@gmail.com

Ç (406) 661-5496

Ç www.bozemansports.camp

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemansports

Ç www.instagram.com/bozemansports.camp

Bozeman Sports Camp is an active summer sports camp for kids entering grades kindergarten through sixth. They provide fun and engaging activities, games and instruction covering sports of all kind. Instructors are Bozeman-area teachers and college students studying education and providing quality instruction of sports skills, strategies and sportsmanship in an active setting for kids to spend their summer.

Ç registrar@campequinox.com

Ç (406) 522-7623

Ç www.campequinox.com

Ç www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063763542393

Ç www.instagram.com/campequinox

Now in its 28th year, Camp Equinox is an exciting place for kids to learn all about the theater and explore their own creativity. From musical comedy, Shakespeare and film acting to mask-making, puppetry, playwriting and comedy improv, it’s a month of challenges, friends and intense fun. Since 1996, Camp Equinox’s goal has been to give students the opportunity to meet challenges, explore their creativity, build self-confidence and see their success in final performances, all in the environment of an enormously supportive community. The positive growth that takes place through the performing arts is thrilling.

Camp Headwaters

Headwaters Academy

Ç office@headwatersacademy.org

Ç (406) 585-9997

Ç www.headwatersacademy.org

Summer Camp at Headwaters has many opportunities for adventure, exploration and experiential learning. These new summer camps are designed to provide junior counselors with an enriching summer — ripe with discovery, creativity and abundant fun both indoors and out. For campers entering seventh through ninth grades, the camps offer age-appropriate fun in a reliable and caring environment. Sessions begin mid-June and end in mid-August. Camp runs Monday –Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cedar Ridge Equine Summer Horsemanship Camps and Clinics

Ç Cedarridgeequines@gmail.com

Ç (406) 282.3355

Ç www.cedarridgeequine.com

Ç www.facebook.com/cedarridgeequine

Ç www.instagram.com/cedarridgeequines

Cedar Ridge Equine has been offering summer horsemanship day camps for more than 18 years. Youth camps are available for beginners to advanced. At CRE Summer Horsemanship Camps, they believe it is important to teach life skill development and personal growth as an integral component of their horsemanship program.They strive to provide a safe, fun and educational environment for all campers. Campers will spend time in the saddle and on the ground with horses.

Circus Camp!

406cirque

Ç 406cirque@gmail.com

Ç (406) 475-2513

Ç www.406cirque.com/summer-camp

Ç www.facebook.com/406cirque

Ç www.instagram.com/406cirque

Kids don’t have to run away to join the circus! 406Cirque offers acrobatics, juggling, aerial, theater, dance, unicycling and friends. With state-of-the-art facilities and staff from all over the world, this is a program like no other in the valley. Early Bird enrollment prices are available for the first 50 families who register. From a parent: “I cannot say enough positive things about Cirque 406. The staff is caring, inclusive, talented and passionate about all things circus. Both of my kids, ages 7 and 11, loved this camp. We did the longer three-week session and they looked forward to it every single day. That is no small feat.”

Rhythms World Drum Camp

African! Cuban! Egyptian Drumming! Storytelling, Games, World Culture!

Ages 5-12 • Monday-Friday – 9 a.m.-noon

Bozeman Camp Dates: June 12 - 16; June 26 - 30; July 10 - 14; July 24 - 28

With Award Winning Teacher Chet Leach

406.580.8229

Meets at Rhythm Drums at The Emerson | www.rhythmdrums.com |

SCIENCE FUN FOR

Creative Arts

Summer Camp

Creative arts preschool

Ç erin.creativeartspreschool@gmail.com

Ç (406) 579-7692

Ç www.creativeartspreschool.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ CreativeArtsBozeman

Ç www.instagram.com/creativeartsbozeman

Creative Arts Preschool is an art- and naturebased school that operates year-round. They incorporate art, dance, music and nature exploration into students’ daily activities. All summer long, kids get outside to enjoy our beautiful Montana surroundings and create art projects that focus on all the natural beauty we see each day.

biking camps and biathlon camps. Nature Camps are for first- through sixth-graders and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for five consecutive days on six different weeks. Mountain Bike Camps are geared toward fourth- through 12th-graders and run from noon to 3 p.m. for five consecutive days on six different weeks. Biathlon Camp is for 10- to 13-year-olds and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four consecutive days on five different weeks and includes transportation to and from Bozeman.

Dancing from Stage to Sky: Aerial Dance Camp

Mountain Air Dance

Ç info@mountainairdance.org

Ç (406) 595-0909

Ç www.mountainairdance.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ mountainairdance

Ç www.instagram.com/mtnairdance

Crosscut Mountain Sports Center Summer Camps

Ç camps@crosscutmt.org

Ç (406) 586-9690

Ç www.crosscutmt.org/summer-atcrosscut#summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/crosscutmt.org

Ç www.instagram.com/crosscut_mt

At Crosscut they believe in supporting body and mind so all campers can wholeheartedly pursue that which fulfills them. They offer three types of summer camps: nature camps, mountain

This fun and unique day camp, for ages 6 to 16, challenges students physically and mentally with classes in aerial arts, dance technique, choreography, yoga, Pilates, hula hooping, juggling, hand balancing, flexibility training, arts and crafts and more. Experienced instructors will guide students through their day in small groups based on age and skill level. Join the fun and learn to FLY! No experience required. 1:4 teacher to student ratio in aerial classes keeps campers engaged, active and safe.

Emerson Summer Art Camp

Ç education@theemerson.org

Ç (406) 587-9797

The Emerson offers weeklong summer camps for ages 5–12. Each week will include 2D, sculpture and mixed media projects. Every camp culminates with an artist reception on Friday afternoon. Emerson camps are filled with innovative art projects that are designed to let your child’s creativity grow!

Enchanted Forest Girl Scout Day Camp

Ç bozemandaycamp@gmail.com

Ç (406) 580-7546

The perfect opportunity for all girls currently in K-fifth grade to get outside while supporting the mission to build courage, confidence and character and make the world a better place. This weeklong camp will provide the opportunity for campers to take part in crafts, skill and friendship building, outdoor exploration and girl-led camp activities. Registration is $115 for unregistered Girl Scouts (girls will be registered for the year if attending camp). Payment must be received within 30 days of confirmation of application.

• day camps

• overnight camps

• adventure camps

• family camps

CAMPS:

June and July — grades 3-8

CLASSES: Spring and Fall — grades 3-12

Scholarships Available !

LET KIDS WANDER TO WONDER EPOCH: WALDORF INSPIRED FOREST SCHOOL FOR PRIMARY GRADES IS OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Epoch Summer Camp

Ç info@epochbzn.com

Ç (512) 680-1671

Ç www.epochbzn.comJoin

Epoch, Bozeman's first and only Waldorfinspired school for primary grades, will explore the elements of nature all summer. They’re offering two, weeklong nature based camps Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. and one two-weeklong literacy skill camp.

Gallatin Valley Farm to School Summer Camps

Ç ali@gvfarmtoschool.org

Ç (406) 219-1010

Ç www.GVFarmtoSchool.org/ summercamps

Are you looking for a great way to connect your kids with local food and agriculture? Want your kiddo to engage in hands-on learning, where creativity, inquiry and peerlearning come together to create a magical learning experience? Here's a camp for you! With a focus on creativity, inquiry and fun, GV Farm to School summer camps highlight all the ways food can bring together art, science, cooking, exploration and more. With 12 camps over 10 weeks, ages Pre-K through eighth grade, there will be plenty of options to choose from.

Explore!

Summer Day Camps

Bozeman Parks & Recreation

Ç (406) 582-2293

Ç www.bozeman.net

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemanparksandrec

Ç www.instagram.com/ bozemanparksandrec

PLAY EXPLORE CREATE

Email interest for grade school or summer camps to info@epochbzn.com

612 W Main St. epochbzn.com

512-680-1671

It’s tough to find the variety, adventure and affordability of Bozeman Parks & Recreation camps anywhere else. They are run by leaders who truly care about your children and implementing quality programs by creating a safe and fun camp environment that is spent mostly outdoors. Campers will play, laugh, create art, learn about our local ecosystem, meet new friends, get dirty and challenge themselves by engaging in new activities daily. Bozeman Parks and Recreation is creating community through people, parks and programs.

Gallatin Valley YMCA

Adventure Day Camp: Kindergarten to Second grade @ The Commons

Ç yprograms@gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç (406) 994-9622

Ç www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç www.facebook.com/Gallatin.Valley. YMCA

Ç www.instagram.com/gv_ymca

Kindergarten through second-grade camps focus on youth development and learning through creativity, play and exploration of

our environment. Activities and trips are intentionally planned to promote physical, cognitive and emotional/social development and provide kids with memorable experiences and friendships that last a lifetime. All campers will have the opportunity to leave their site every day, swim, slip n’ slide on the Y’s giant slide and hike once during the week, visit multiple parks and attend two field trips related to the weekly theme.

Gallatin Valley YMCA

Adventure Day Camp:

Second to Fourth grades

@ The Commons

Ç yprograms@gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç (406) 994-9622

Ç www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç www.facebook.com/Gallatin.Valley. YMCA

Ç www.instagram.com/gv_ymca

Second- through fourth-grade camps focus on youth development and learning through various activities, field trips and opportunities. Activities and trips are intentionally planned to promote development/learning while providing older campers with new experiences and challenges. All campers leave their site every day, swim, slip n’ slide on the Y’s giant slide, hike once during the week, visit multiple parks and attend two field trips related to the weekly theme. Each camp will participate in arts and crafts, daily reading, games, singing and socialemotional learning.

+ Potential openings in our Primary classrooms ages 3- 6 years old.

+ Unique Learning Environments, MUST SEE!

+ Our highly trained staff love serving families and children

Join us for a virtual tour to learn more about our centers! Locations at Equestrian Ln. and Enterprise Blvd.

Come see your face in lights in one of our 3 summer sessions!

Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices Thrive

Ç mriley@allthrive.org

Ç (406) 922-4256

Ç www.allthrive.org

Ç www.facebook.com/allthrive

Ç www.instagram.com/allthrive

Gallatin Valley YMCA Teen Camp Fifth to Seventh grades

Ç yprograms@gallatinvalleyymca. org

Ç (406) 994-9622

bozemanchildrenstheatre.com

Ç www.gallatinvalleyymca.org

Ç www.facebook.com/Gallatin. Valley.YMCA

Ç www.instagram.com/gv_ymca

YMCA’s teen summer camps provide older campers more significant opportunities to spread their wings and experience new adventures. Campers are encouraged to make their own choices, build relationships and develop essential life skills through YMCA character values. The teen camp offers a more challenging range of activities for experienced campers. It provides a safe place where teens can be themselves, participate in activities and go on field trips specifically tailored toward their evolving interests.

Discover new ways to express yourself and create change in the world while making friends, exploring fun hobbies and creating projects. Girls’ Stories, Girls’ Voices is a fun-filled week for all middle school girls. This year’s theme is Girls are Creative. Participants will learn dances, write poetry, practice yoga and find their voices as they learn fun ways to share their stories with the world.

Options - Monday through Friday

346 Gallatin Park Drive, Bozeman (406) 579-7692

www.creativeartspreschool.org

GirlSing Music Camp (Singing, Songwriting, Art & Outdoor Fun with Music Kate)

Ç katebryan2000@gmail.com

Ç (406) 570-2839

Ç www.GirlSing.com

The GirlSing Music Camp is a five-day, MondayFriday camp, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for girls ages 7 to 11. This camp empowers girls to explore their creative spirits through music, singing, songwriting, journaling and self-expressive art projects. Staff embrace the beauty in every personality (introvert, extrovert, in-between, etc.) and celebrate the gifts that make each girl unique. This indoor and outdoor camp offers engaging activities including daily hikes/outdoor play, picnics, drumming, rhythm-making and creative art projects. A Thursday night program offers girls a chance to share songs and art with family and friends.

Photo: Z. Johaneson

Heart and Hand Summer Day Camps and Retreats

Heart and Hand Center

Ç support@heartandhandcenter.com

Ç (406) 587-4036

Ç www.heartandhandcenter.com

Ç www.heartandhandcenter@facebook. com

Ç www.heartandhandcentermt@ instagram.com

Find horses, art, yoga, drumming and hiking at Heart and Hand Center’s 285-acre ranch high above the distractions and stress of life in the beautiful mountains just 14 miles east of Bozeman. Your kids will gain insight and experience incredible personal growth during these weeklong day camps; and parents: Heart and Hand Center’s retreats are tailor-made to give you the rest and renewal you long for.

HEART AND HAND CENTER

invites you to join us at our Mountaintop Ranch for another season of fun and learning in our Summer Day Camps and Adult Week-end Retreats & Workshops

Horses, Hiking, Art, Drumming, Yoga

All for you at the K-J Ranch just East of Bozeman!

Our Summer Day Camps offer your kids a week of fun-filled learning with Horsemanship, Art, Yoga, Meditation, Hiking, Drumming and more Parents

Lone Mountain Summer Camps & Classes

Ç admin@lonemountain.biz

Ç (406) 587-1180

Ç www.lonemountain.biz

Ç www.facebook.com/Lone-MountainGymnastics-and-Swim-School

Lone Mountain offers a fun variety of summer camp options. Everything from KidVentures camp for little ones to Campapalooza (an allaround fun day camp with swimming in the

afternoon sessions). They have Trampoline Camp and Combo Camp (highlighting gymnastics and overall sports agility) and don’t forget about swimming lessons. The second location also offers Ninja camp and Tiny Dancers camp for little ones. Lone Mountain keeps your kids active, engaged and having fun this summer. Camp offerings vary by week, so visit the website or call for details.

MBC’s Inaugural Adult Intensive

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/summerprograms

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

MBC’s Dancing Under the Big Sky

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/ summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

Montana Ballet Company’s annual Dancing Under the Big Sky (DUBS) two-week Summer Dance Intensive is an enriching educational program featuring exceptional guest teachers from across the country. This year, MBC is delighted to welcome Leslie Rausch from the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Samantha Shelton from American Ballet Theatre. The DUBS Intensive, with a full and thoughtful curriculum, exemplifies MBC’s belief in nurturing the “whole dancer,” mind, body and spirit.

This new program is designed for adult dancers who wish to immerse themselves in the art and discipline of dance. Each day is specifically designed to help optimize training and take your technique to the next level. Classes may include ballet technique, character dance, variations, contemporary, body conditioning, Pilates, yoga, lectures, photo sessions, repertoire and a final performance.

and perform in a final in-studio showing and may return to perform again at Sweet Pea Festival held on August 5, 2023. This two-week intensive allows dancers to explore a variety of dance forms focusing on technique, artistry, musicality and expression. Along with ballet technique, dancers may study modern, character, mime, injury prevention, nutrition and body conditioning.

MBC's Open Ballet Classes

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/ academy/summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/ montanaballetco

MBC’s Mini-DUBS Program

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/summerprograms

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

This “mini” version of Dancing Under the Big Sky is designed for dancers ages 7-10 who are ready to commit to an intensive. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in classes

Ç www.instagram.com/ montanaballet

Montana Ballet Company's Open Classes are a wonderful opportunity for students to continue their classical ballet training during the summer. All summer programs are open to current Academy students and new students alike. Held May 30-July 22, 2023* and August 14-19, 2023 (*No classes the week of July 4).

MBC’s The Little Mermaid

Summer Workshops

Montana Ballet Company

Ç info@montanaballet.org

Ç (406) 582-8702

Ç www.montanaballet.org/academy/summer-programs

Ç www.facebook.com/montanaballetco

Ç www.instagram.com/montanaballet

Based on Montana Ballet Company’s production of an original The Little Mermaid, this program offers dancers ages 4 to 6 the opportunity to take part in themed classes, choreography, arts and crafts, and an in-studio performance. Come join them under the sea!

Montana Regional Dance Intensive

Yellowstone Ballet Academy

Ç yellowstoneballet@gmail.com

Ç (406) 222-0430

Ç yellowstoneballet.info/

Ç www.facebook.com/yellowstoneballet

Ç www.instagram.com/yellowstoneballet

A regional dance intensive for serious dancers age 12 to adult, June 19-30. Join YBC for two weeks of training with Fiona Lee of the world-renowned Royal Danish Ballet; Tricia Sundbeck, former principal dancer Sacramento Ballet/Cincinnati Ballet; Thomas Bell, former principal dancer Eugene Ballet and current ballet master University of Cincinnati and other preeminent instructors. Daily classes include ballet, pointe, pas de deux, contemporary, conditioning, yoga, Pilates and/or international dance. Private lessons and coaching are also available for all ages.

Montana Outdoor Science School

Ç camps@outdoorscience.org

Ç (406) 219-3899

Ç www.outdoorscience.org

Ç www.facebook.com/MontanaOutdoorScienceSchool

Ç www.instagram.com/mt_moss

MOSS Summer Programs offer FUN, ENGAGING and EDUCATIONAL explorations of the natural world in and around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. MOSS believes that inspiring a love for nature helps children become aware of, and want to care for, the unique environment in which we live. Camps fill quickly; early registration is recommended.

Montana Surf World Cup Soccer Camp

Ç programdirector@montanasurf.org

Ç (406) 600-8146

Ç www.montanasurf.org/programs/camps

Ç www.instagram.com/montana_surf_/?hl=en

Montana Surf Soccer Club is bringing the recent excitement of the World Cup tournament to the Bozeman area with the inaugural Montana Surf World Cup Camp. Players of all levels ages 4-14 will have the opportunity to train with Surf’s “best of the best” coaching staff during a weeklong camp session that will culminate with the Montana Surf World Cup tournament.

Pet Pals Summer Camp Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

Ç volunteer@heartofthevalleyshelter.org

Ç (406) 404-3068

Ç www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org

Ç www.facebook.com/bozemanhov

Ç www.instagram.com/heartofthevalleyanimalshelter

Pet Pals Summer Camp offers seven weekly sessions for children (6-12 years old) who love animals. Campers learn the importance of compassionate animal care through time with animals, games, crafts, humane education lessons and a wide variety of guest speakers. Each week children will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals. The camp is Monday-Friday with drop-off between 8:30 and 9 a.m. and pickup between 3 and 3:30 p.m. The weekly cost of camp tuition is $250. Need-based scholarships are available.

Ridge Kids Summer Camp Ridge Athletic Clubs

Ç camps@ridgeathetic.com

Ç (406) 582-4452

Ç www.Ridgeathletic.com

Join the Ridge for a summer of fun! Their camps offer a different theme each week (from Sports and Sparklers, Artistic Exploration, Into the Wild and more) and give kids an opportunity to swim, make crafts, take instructor-led fitness classes, watch educational videos, do STEM play and play games. Ridge Kids Camps help your child build a foundation for a healthy and active life. They offer half-day camps from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 3 to 5 and full-day camps from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 12. $260 a week for members and $335 a week for nonmembers. Registration is open from now through May15. Scan QR code to enroll.

Rockhaven UnCamp

Rockhaven Camp and Retreat Center

Rhythm World Drum Camp

Ç Chet@rhythmdrums.com

Ç (406) 580.8229

Ç Rhythmdrums.com

Rhythm World Drum Camps are held in Bozeman at the Emerson. Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to join Chet Leach (aka Mr. Chet) for weeklong drum camps that include drumming from Africa, Brazil, Cuba and Egypt. Your child will learn about world culture through storytelling, games and, of course, lots of DRUMMING!

Ç scott@rockhavencamp.org

Ç (406) 600-1891

Ç www.rockhavencamp.org

Ç www.facebook.com/rockhavencamp

Ç www.instagram.com/rockhavencamp

Rockhaven UnCamp is an innovative summer camping program where free-play, nature-play and child-led independent play is front and center. They create a safe environment where creativity and imagination can flourish and kids can just be kids, get a little (or maybe a lot) dirty and play like kids are meant to play. UnCamp at Rockhaven takes the schedules, the expectations and the rules out of summer and replaces them with genuine play, natural curiosity, epic messes, muddy faces, sticky fingers and awesome memories that will last a lifetime.

Science Summer Camp Montana Science Center

Ç (406) 522-9087

Ç www.montanasciencecenter.org/learn/summer-camps-1

Ç www.facebook.com/MontanaScienceCenter

Ç www.instagram.com/MontanaScienceCenter

It’s a summer of science at Montana Science Center. Join in for hands-on STEM challenges, science experiments, high-tech learning opportunities and more. Summer camp is scientifically more fun at MSC! Camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m., five days a week; before- and after-care options are available upon request.

State of Play Summer Art Camp Series

Ç info@stateofplay.co

Ç (509) 939-5383

Ç www.stateofplay.co

State of Play Summer Camp for 3- to 9-year-olds is offered three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), with half- or full-day options (9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Each week your child will explore a different art material, engaging in offerings and invitations connected to an artistic concept or theme. Through group activities and projects within their art studio and play space, children will learn about different artists and how the materials connect to our everyday world. Daily outdoor lunch and art making will be held in one of the many Cannery green spaces.

Snapology Camps

Ç Steph.scott@snapology.com

Ç (406) 438-7241

Ç www.snapology.com/location/helena

Ç www.facebook.com./snapologyhelena

Ç www.instagram.com/helena_snapology/

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) camps with LEGO® Bricks

At Snapology summer camps, students have a blast engaging in a variety of STEM activities. Using mostly LEGO® bricks in their programs, they also incorporate other hands-on learning activities using a variety of engaging materials. This summer, Snapology is thrilled to bring their camps to Bozeman and Helena! If your child is a hands-on learner and you would like them to keep those STEAM brains working this summer, these camps are sure to be a ton of fun and educational for all ages! Safety is the priority, and all instructors pass federal background checks.

Summer Climbing Camps Spire Climbing + Fitness

Ç kids@spireclimbingcenter.com

Ç (406) 586-0706

Ç www.spireclimbingcenter.com/summer-camps

Ç www.facebook.com/SpireClimbingCenter

Ç www.instagram.com/spireclimbing

Spire summer camps are a great way for children ages 5–16 to enjoy rock climbing in a fun, structured environment! Beginners learn the essentials of the sport while kids with prior climbing experience take their skills to the next level. Spire summer camps are half-day, weeklong camps, with tons of climbing time in their south Bozeman facility, as well as plenty of fun and games for your child. A mid-day snack keeps your child energized and ready to climb their best throughout the week.

MONTANA REGIONAL BALLET INTENSIVE

• JUNE 19 - 30

Wheat Ridge Outdoor Education Summer Camp

Ç charity@wheatridgeoutdooreducation.com

Ç (410) 246-5544

AGE 9-12

6/19-6/23

AGE 12-21

6/19-6/30

YELLOWSTONEBALLET.INFO

Pilgrim Preschool

Ç www.wheatridgeoutdooreducation.com/ summercamp

Ç www.facebook.com/wroebozeman

Ç www.instagram.com/ wheatridgeoutdooreducation

The true Montana farm camp experience! Located just three miles west of Four Corners on more than 1,000 sprawling acres of Wheat Ridge Farm, Wheat Ridge Outdoor Education Summer Camp offers students the opportunity to enjoy gardening, hiking, baking, farming, choring, farm equipment, farm animals and much more.

Enrolling Now

For Fall 2023-24

Classes

For over 50 years Pilgrim Preschool has been helping children grow and develop socially, physically, emotionally, and academically through creative play, art, music, science, language, and math.

Visit our website or call to enroll your child.

www.pilgrimpreschoolmt.org

406.586.6060

Windhorse Equine Learning Beginner Summer Camp

Ç programs@windhorseeqiunelearning.org

Ç (406) 522-3906

Ç www.windhorseequinelearning.org

Ç www.facebook.com/ windhorseequinelearning

Ç www.instagram.com/ windhorseequinelearning

Windhorse Equine Learning offers a unique camp experience where kids learn horsemanship and riding skills while also learning how to be good leaders and fair partners to their horses and each other. The relationship they develop with the horses and the skills they learn to handle them safely and to communicate with them effectively gives kids confidence, builds selfawareness and teaches valuable lessons about respect, trust, empathy and communication. Windhorse also offers classes in six-week sessions in the spring and fall. Camps are halfday, from 9 a.m. to noon, and are for beginner riders.

World Language & Culture Camps 2023

Ç info@wlimt.org

Ç (406) 414-6419

Ç www.wlimt.orgwww.facebook. com/worldlanguagemt

WLI offers three, weeklong sessions of dynamic and engaging Language & Culture Camps for kids ages 5-15 in a variety of languages that will leave your child dreaming of traveling the globe! Camps are filled with fun games, traditional art and cooking activities, storytelling, songs and more, all led by experienced Language Coaches. Camps are held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Headwaters Academy, with activities both indoors and outdoors. Language camp offerings vary each year, so please check the website for more details!

Yellowstone Alliance Adventures

Ç cbultena@yaacamp.org

Ç (406) 763-4727

Ç www.yaacamp.org/summer

YAA runs a variety of youth camps for first- through 12th-graders. Whether this is your camper’s first time or they are a “seasoned summer camp pro,” there is bound to be something amazing for them at YAA. Registration includes a YAA-exclusive summer camp T-shirt. What better way for your kids to remember one of the best weeks of their summer than with YAA swag?

Great Falls

Summit for Youth in Foster Care

@ University of Providence, Great Falls

Ç rsafford@reachhighermontana.org

Ç (406) 495-7354

Ç www.reachhighermontana.org/plan-your-future/youth-in-foster-care

Reach Higher Montana holds an annual Summit for Youth in Foster Care every year in June. The purpose of the summit is to help youth in foster care experience life on a college campus, learn about available resources to achieve education and career goals, and connect to peers across Montana. There is no charge for foster youth to attend. Ages 16-19. Every participant will receive a laptop or life skills package.

Helena

Montana Learning Center

@ Canyon Ferry Lake

Ç (406) 475-3638

Ç MontanaLearningCenter@gmail.com

Ç Montanalearning.org/student-programs/

Ç www.facebook.com/MontanaLearningCenter

ExplorationWorks

Summer Camps

Ç info@explorationworks.org

Ç (406) 457-1800

Ç www.explorationworks.org/summercamps

Ç www.facebook.com/ExplorationWorks

Ç www.instagram.com/explorationworks

Kids get to spend the summer as scientists and explore the world around them. Camps begin the week of June 12 and run through the week of August 21. ExplorationWorks offers camps for kids ages 4 and above. All-day camp combos allow you to pick a morning and an afternoon camp to create your personalized all-day learning adventure. Your scientist will experience one exciting morning camp, break for a supervised lunch, then start the science fun again with an afternoon camp. (Lunch not provided.) There’s sure to be a combo for your budding scientist.

The Montana Learning Center is Montana’s science camp for kids, a place for students to come together, create and be empowered. Daily camp life includes STEM immersion experiences, friendship-building and recreation at Canyon Ferry Lake. Evening options include a traditional campfire or learning about the night sky at their world-class observatory. This is a small and personal camp with a staff composed of verified teachers, many of whom are awardwinning. Staff to camper ratio is 1:6 or better and each of the instructors and counselors are CPR and First Aid-certified.

Snapology Camps

Ç Steph.scott@snapology.com

Ç (406) 438-7241

Ç www.snapology.com/location/helena

Ç www.facebook.com./snapologyhelena

Ç www.instagram.com/helena_snapology

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) camps with LEGO® Bricks

At Snapology summer camps, students have a blast engaging in a variety of STEM activities. Using mostly LEGO® bricks in their programs, they also incorporate other hands-on learning activities using a variety of engaging materials. This summer Snapology is thrilled to bring their camps to Bozeman and Helena! If your child is a hands-on learner and you would like them to keep those STEAM brains working this summer, these camps are sure to be a ton of fun and educational for all ages! Safety is the priority, and all instructors pass federal background checks.

Storytime in the Parks!

Lewis & Clark Library

Ç BBrumm@lclibrary.org

Ç (406) 447-1690 x131

Ç www.lclibrary.org

Ç www.facebook.com/LclBookmobile

Ç www.instagram.com/ lewisandclarklibrary

Storytime in the Parks returns for summer 2023. Join the Lewis & Clark Library at a different Helena city park every Thursday at 10 a.m. for story time. This year, the program is traveling to East Helena, Augusta and Lincoln too. Enjoy 30 minutes of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Library services will be offered at the Lewis & Clark Library Bookmobile after the story time program. Geared toward children between the ages of 3 and 8, but everyone is welcome.

Summer Climbing Camp @ Stonetree Climbing Center

Ç youthprograms@stonetreeclimbing.com

Ç (406) 534-0325

Ç www.stonetreeclimbing.com/camps

Ç www.facebook.com/stonetreeclimbing

Ç www.instagram.com/stonetree_climbing

Join Stonetree all summer long for the best day camp in Helena. Their weeklong camps encourage kids to be active, build confidence, play creatively and foster new friendships. Campers spend the day climbing, challenging their comfort zones, playing games on and off the climbing walls, doing arts and crafts and having a blast. Experienced instructors make sure that every climber leaves having learned something new and with a smile on their face. Camps also include outdoor excursions and daily snacks. Instructor ratio is 1:7 and camps are for ages 6-13. Register early; camps sell out!

Teen Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Lewis & Clark Library

Ç SSchlundt@lclibrary.org

Ç (406) 447-1690

Ç www.lclibrary.org

Begin at the library by picking up your Scavenger Hunt kit and then head downtown in search of clues. Solve the clues and win prizes! Open to the first 50 participants, no registration required. Last clue given at 4:30 p.m.

Summer Library Program & Reading Challenge

Lewis & Clark Library

Ç mhudson@lclibrary.org

Ç (406) 447-1690

Ç www.lclibrary.org

Create, read and imagine at your library this summer! All branches of the Lewis & Clark Library will be hosting programs, events and reading challenges for all ages along the theme of All Together Now, focused on kindness, friendship and community.

Every evening. Every weekend. Right from home.

Whether your kiddo has a stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, tummy ache, rash, ear infection, headache, bump, bruise, or other kind of owie, we’re here for you at montanapediatrics.org

BOZEMAN SPORTS CAMP

Bridgercare

Puberty Workshops

Are you struggling to talk to your loved ones about puberty? Do you hope to have “the talk” with your little ones but don’t know where to start? Bridgercare can help!

Story

Mill Splash Pad Project Forward

The City of Bozeman and Trust for Public Land are collaborating once again on Story Mill Park. In late January the Bozeman City Commissioners signed a MOU for the Trust for Public Land to provide $155,000 toward the construction of a new splash pad. The city anticipates providing $350,000 toward construction and aims to break ground on the project in the spring and wrap up by the fall.

“The creation of a splash pad has been in the master plan for Story Mill Park for years but was not able to be built due to funding,” Addi Jadin, Park Planning and Development Manager, stated. “We’re excited to be able to partner with the Trust for Public Land again and implement this fun feature of the park.”

The splash pad will be built near the rest rooms and will include a river scene with sun-bleached trees and reed water sprayers, similar to what residents may see at the edges of Quake Lake, the Madison or the East Gallatin River. Tactile features allow kids to control the water flow of jets and bubblers. A beaver den shade feature is planned for the lawn nearby, and a mural will be mounted on the restroom building to further enhance the scene.

A parking lot on the property is also being built this year as staff expects the splash pad to attract more visitors.

“Story Mill Park is the culmination of the ideas and passion of hundreds of Bozeman residents, bringing miles of trails, climbing features, space for outdoor learning and now a new splash pad close to home for so many,” said Dick Dolan, Associate Vice President, Northern Rockies Director for Trust for Public Land. “Trust for Public Land is thrilled to have partnered with the City of Bozeman to bring the community this unique feature and hopes to see it create more opportunities for the next generation to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.”

Those seeking more information on the project can contact Addi Jadin at ajadin@Bozeman.net.

Bridgercare adult and peer educators partner with community organizations, Haven and the Help Center, to host workshops about these tough topics to help youth and families receive medically accurate and empowering sexual health education.

TWO DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS WILL BE OFFERED:

» Beyond the Birds and the Bees for ages 12-14 (March 23)

» Beyond the Talk for adults to feel prepared to have these conversations (April 12)

Visit bridgercare.org/education for more information and to sign up for the workshops.

Bozeman Winter Farmers Market

What began more than 10 years ago as a small group of farmers selling veggies, the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market is now a large community of local farmers, ranchers, artisans, bakers and community members selling their winter produce and home-baked and homemade goods. The market is held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Exhibit Building 1 .

BOZEMAN WINTER FARMERS MARKET DATES:

March 18 & 25, 2023

April 15 & 29, 2023

May 13 & 27, 2023

406 Consignary Bozeman

Kids' PopUp Consignment Boutique

March 24-26, 2023

Mark your calendars and clean out your closets! Bozeman’s 406 Consignary Children’s Boutique Consignment Event will be held at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Come shop and sell items for mom, children, teen and maternity. For more information visit www.406consignary.com.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

» Friday Exclusive PreSale: Consignor PreSale, 5:30-7 p.m.

» Saturday Public Shopping: Free Entry, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

» Sunday Public Shopping: Free Entry Discount Day! 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

*(get in early Sat at 9 a.m. with a $3 charity donation)

Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week

Monday through Sunday, April 24-30, 2023

The Downtown Bozeman Association and participating downtown restaurants, pubs and cafes are excited to bring you Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week. This seven-day event will be filled with good eats and drinks, off-menu specials, exclusive dining experiences and chances to win some amazing prizes from local sponsors.

helena

Made in Montana TraDeshow

March 11, 2023

Discover authentic Made in Montana products at the Made in Montana Tradeshow, located at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds. The tradeshow will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public. Shop for the latest in Made in Montana food, home, gifts and more. www. madeinmontanausa.com/TRADESHOW

Little Yogis

March 11, 2023

Join Eclipse Community Yoga in this parent and child yoga class. Geared toward children ages 6-10, this 30-minute yoga class will practice several individual and partner poses and try various breathing/meditation exercises. Little Yogis is held two Saturdays a month from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $20 (purchase a ticket, good for both parent and child) or use one Class Pass (for both parent and child) if you have a 5 or 10 Class Pass or Monthly/Yearly Unlimited Membership. www.eclipsecommunityyoga.com/eventsworkshops

Story

Time in the Parks

Story time in the parks returns for summer 2023 ~ Join the Lewis & Clark Library at a different Helena city park every Thursday at 10 a.m. for story time. In addition to story time in the Helena city parks, this program is traveling to East Helena, Augusta and Lincoln too. Enjoy 30 minutes of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Library services will be offered at the Lewis & Clark Library Bookmobile after the story time program. These programs are geared toward children between the ages of 3 to 8 years old but everyone is welcome. Cancellations due to weather will be posted by 9:30 a.m. the day of the event on the library website, www.lclibrary.org, and social media accounts @LewisandClarkLibraryHelena and @LCLBookmobile. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a blanket to sit on!

» Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m. in Cherry Hill Park, Helena

» Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. in Cherry Hill Park, Helena

» Monday, June 26 at 11 a.m. outside at the baseball field on Broadway Street, Augusta

» Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m. in Skelton Park, Helena

» Thursday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in Skelton Park, Helena

» Thursday, July 13 at 10 a.m. in Skelton Park, Helena

» Monday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Main Street Park, East Helena

» Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m. in Lockey Park, Helena

» Monday, July 24 at 11 a.m. outside at the Lincoln Library, Lincoln

» Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m. in Lockey Park, Helena

Winter Fun EVENTS 2022/2023

Kids ‘N’ Snow

march 4, 2023

The Kids ‘N’ Snow Program in West Yellowstone takes the fear out of first-ever winter experiences. Kids and their families can get outdoors in the winter and try a new activity, like ice-skating, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in a safe environment.

Since its inception seven years ago, the program has expanded to more than 1,000 participants, spanning more than 10 states and several countries over four weekends each winter. West Yellowstone Kids ‘N’ Snow final weekend will be held March 4, 2023.

KIDS ‘N’ SNOW MARCH 4, 2023 SCHEDULE:

» 9 a.m.-noon: Kids Ice Fishing Camp

» 9-10 a.m.: Snowcoach Sampler

» 10:30 a.m.: Pack Chat Program at the GWDC

» 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Snowshoe Walk

» Noon–1 p.m.: Learn to Ski Basics

» 1:30 p.m.: Pack Chat Program at the GWDC

» 2:45 p.m.: Keeper Kids Program at the GWDC

» 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Snow Art

» 6-8 p.m.: M120 Kids Snowmobile Rides

» 6-8 p.m.: S'mores & Sleddin'

More activities are always being added. For updates, questions and more information visit www.kidsnsnow.org, follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/KidsNSnow, email kidsnsnow@gmail.com or call 406-646-7701.

An exclusive look at Broad Comedy’s new film short

A FILM BY KATIE GOODMAN

DIRECTED BY KATIE GOODMAN

WRITTEN BY SOREN KISIEL

DIRECTOR

OF PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM HENRIQUES

“Welcome to the support group for people named

Believe it or not, there are some people out there named Karen. That’s their actual name. People who must walk through their days knowing the very name their parents gave them is now an insult. This film is for them.

We’ve all seen angry and entitled “Karens” throwing tantrums on the internet, threatening to call the police on bird-watchers of color, yelling at fast-food workers, making a scene in a Walmart. Many of us have wondered if, in a time of frustration, we were being too much of a Karen.

This film takes us to your local community center where women named Karen come together to support each other through this cruel twist of fate. Take a seat, Karen. We’re here for you.

My husband, Soren Kisiel, wrote this piece for Broad Comedy, the internationally touring, award-winning, all-women sketch comedy and political satire troupe that started its crazy little journey 20 years ago in Bozeman. Since then, Broad Comedy has run Off-Broadway, toured internationally and has raised over $2,000,000 for Planned Parenthood and other progressive feminist causes through its comedy shows.

This piece started as a live scene first performed in Bozeman at The Emerson last April. Soren had created a modern adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan‘s The Mikado for Intermountain Opera Bozeman, and had named a pushy and entitled character Karen. The joke landed well in the performances of the opera, but Soren felt guilty about it at each performance because the opera’s choreographer was named Karen! He wrote the sketch for Broad Comedy to, you might say, humorously make up for it.

Surprisingly, we didn’t change a single word from stage to screen. Back in Brooklyn, we hunted down the perfect church that donated their space for the eight-hour shoot. With Emmy-Award-Winning Cinematographer Sam Henriques we were able to knock this puppy out in one day, complete with the challenges of shooting one scene over the course of eight hours as the sunlight changed in a space that had windows on three sides.

As any director will tell you, getting all the shots done in a limited amount of time is one of the biggest challenges of filmmaking. By the time we got to filming the shots of our main character, played by Danielle Cohn, we were running low on time. Luckily Danielle was so familiar with the scene and character, and such a pro, she nailed the shot in two takes.

The concept of a “Karen” has come to carry so much cultural complexity. The idea, of course, began as an important label for recognizing a very specific brand of weaponized entitlement and racial bullying. It made sense that it was a woman’s name, as it was specifically the “You’re threatening me” imagined-victimhood that was being called out: A white woman calls the police on a black man, saying she’s being threatened and knowing that authorities will “protect” her. But over time – and many, many memes later – this idea morphed into a more general calling out of the “Let me speak to your manager” tantrums. And so, as an ordinary woman’s name has become a generalized insult for obnoxious privilege, it’s also evolved into being uncomfortably anti-woman. Do white men not need to also examine their wielding of entitlement, racial or otherwise? Are we really going to call them maleKarens?

But through it all… we can’t help but feel sorry for our friend Karen. That’s her name. She’s a very nice person. You’d like her.

This award-winning eight-minute film, The Karens, can be viewed on Vimeoat https://vimeo.com/ katiegoodman/thekarens while it is on the international festival circuit. Other Broad Comedy videos can be found on their YouTube channel and at BroadComedy.com.

Karen.”

FEATURING DANIELLE COHN, KATIE GOODMAN, MOLLY KELLEHER, TANA SIROIS, AND AUBREY LACE TAYLOR

Three Steps to an Easier Spring Forward

WRITTEN BY MYRA HARTZHEIM

It’s time to enjoy spring…just as soon as we get past the dreaded daylight saving time change. Nobody likes losing an entire hour of sleep; it’s hard on everyone, especially a growing child. Here is an approach to daylight saving time that will help your family transition with ease.

The three-step process in a nutshell:

» STEP 1: Choose the time frame and increments of time you want to use with your child leading up to the time change.

» STEP 2: Begin by waking your child up earlier each day according to the increments you chose leading up to the time change.

» STEP 3: Put your child down earlier for naps and bedtime in tandem with the earlier rising time.

Let’s discuss the three steps more in-depth:

» STEP 1: Choosing an increment of time. Instead of changing by a full hour cold turkey, you can choose 30-, 20-, 15- or 10-minute increments depending upon how sensitive your child is and how long you want the shifting process to take. For example: If you want the process to take about a week, 10-minute daily increments would work well. If you want the process to happen after the school week, 30- or 20-minute increments over the weekend would work well.

*Note: If your child’s bedtime is irregular, and your child is experiencing early rising (waking for the day earlier than 6 a.m.), daylight saving is an excellent opportunity to begin creating a consistent sleep time for your child. I encourage you to start putting your child to sleep earlier. You may begin noticing your child sleeping later. If so, stick to the earlier bedtime – your child needs it!

» STEP 2: For families with consistent bedtimes and desirable rising times: Wake your child up earlier each day according to the increment of time (30, 20, or 10 minutes) you want to shift leading up to the time change.

» STEP 3: In tandem with the earlier rising, put your child down earlier for naps (if your child is napping) and move bedtime earlier with the time shift you chose. Move meal times and any set active or social times along with the time shift you chose.

For example: If you’ve woken your child up 10 minutes earlier in the morning, you would put your child down for a nap 10 minutes earlier as well. Bedtime routine and lights out would be 10 minutes earlier as well.

Unfortunately, changing your child’s sleep times by an hour will cause dysregulation and make them feel a bit off. A child who feels dysregulated will also often show this in his behavior as well. It’s OK!

It is normal and healthy to feel off while adjusting to a new rhythm. Daylight saving time is essentially causing jet-lag for us all, and it takes time for our bodies to readjust. Give your child and yourself grace during this time. Everyone should begin to feel normal again, a week or two after the time change.

Myra Hartzheim is a Pediatric Sleep Specialist and a Certified Infant Mental Health Professional. Myra’s passion is to help families “get the sleep and lose the tears” she uses Holistic, Gentle and Proven Methods.

Ask Flora

WRITTEN BY FLORA MCCORMICK

Q. Any time I ask my 8-year-old daughter to do something, she rolls her eyes at me and says something like, “I KNOW!” It’s infuriating. How do I get her to respond more respectfully?

A. Excellent question. This comes up for so many families, from ages 2 to 18! Here are two options to consider.

1. I’m curious if she is responding that way BUT…still doing what you asked? If so, this may be an opportunity to not react to her reaction. It may seem counter-intuitive, but this is the thing: You may be able to change this behavior by simply giving attention to the part you want to see MORE of. Focus on the positive part of her behavior, saying something like, “Thank you for getting the dishes put away. I really appreciate it.” This technique is based on the principle I learned from Psychology professor John Sommers Flanagan: “What gets noticed, gets repeated.”

2. Look for opportunities outside of the moment to ask her to manage her reactions differently. Often parents get into long lectures on these sorts of topics. I find that conversations that are short and super intentional tend to have a bigger impact. Here’s the key recipe:

1. Name it to tame it. Name what you think she is thinking or feeling in those moments that she is resistant: “It seems like you get frustrated when I ask you to do something.” Note: This is the hardest part. To stop and talk about our child’s feelings, instead of jumping in with lectures or facts that prove our point.

2. Express your boundary in 10 words or less: I don’t roll my eyes at you, or yell “I know!” when you talk to me. So, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t act that way towards me. In our family we choose to treat each other with respect.

(P.S. Side note here. If you’d like a tangible tool in your home to help build up character values like respect, kindness, leadership and more - check out the ChooseIntentionally.com. It’s my new favorite tool for building great character discussions into the everyday flow of our busy lives. Bonus! It’s created by a local mama!)

ASK for a solution (instead of telling the solution) - and use steps one and two: Reach back to step one and two and bring both of those factors into asking for a solution. In this example, that would sound like, “In the future, how else could you let me know you are frustrated, in a more respectful way?”

In this column, you can ask your questions about parenting kids from ages 2 to 10 to Flora McCormick, Licensed Counselor & Parenting Coach. "TWO

Finally, explain a clear boundary with your child that shows the possibility of what I call “two roads.” Essentially, it illustrates that when they choose happy choices, it leads to happy results, and when they choose sad choices, it leads to sad results.

ROADS"

“I just want to be clear. If you are able to use kinder words in the future, I’ll really be able to listen and talk through the problem. If you start shouting or making faces, I’m going to walk away.” If you’d like more help with how this can work most effectively, I’d be happy to help you more directly.

Q.My 5-year-old daughter got in trouble at school for horsing around and screaming in the bathroom, and I was told I really need to talk to her about it. My daughter said she didn’t yell; it was the other girls. What should I do?”

A:This kind of scenario can happen from the neighbor tattling, to a report from a teacher. So, I know it’s a situation many parents may encounter. Here are the three steps I recommend:

1. That may be: When she says reactive/defensive statements like “I didn’t do anything!” a simple and effective response is, “That may be.” Resist the urge to argue whether her position is the TRUTH or not. These truth investigations often just lead us down a rabbit trail and ramp up the argument, rather than keeping it solution-focused and emotionally calm.

2. The problem remains: Rename the GENERAL version of the problem: “Well, no matter the details, the teacher said something happened in the bathroom that wasn’t OK.”

3. Ask her to brainstorm a solution: “What could you do differently next time you are in the bathroom, so the teacher won’t be concerned?”

The younger the child, the more help they will need in creating one or two solutions for the future. However, I find this gives you great information to be able to share with the teacher. Instead of just an apology, you are helping your child to return to the teacher and share that “plan.”

To get more sanity-saving strategies for parenting young kids, go to Flora's website SustainableParenting.com. Questions for the next issue or wins/questions from this issue can be submitted to contactflora@gmail.com. A special thank you to those who submit monthly questions.

Keeping it Real

WRITTEN BY BLAIR FJESETH

I squinted at the snow-covered hill, which now resembled a frozen white sea littered with kids in neon-colored snowsuits akin to tropical fish. I watched my 7-year-old make his way down, zigzagging between orange traffic cones. My heart skipped a beat as it recalled our journey to get here. I stumbled in thought; I had counted him out in this particular life skill and hadn’t give him enough credit to grow into it at his own pace. Shame on me.

Four years ago, I brought my two toddler children up to the slopes, set on them both being ski fanatics despite my husband and me not being skiers.

At 4 and 3, my boys went down half the bunny hill once and then spent the rest of their group lesson face down in ski helmets crying, begging to go home. I can still hear the, “Mama, my wegs hurt,” echoing in the depths of my memory.

The following year I was the one in tears. Convinced it was the right time, I paid for a series of private lessons and, despite my efforts, became overwhelmed entirely one weekend by the mounting needs of each of my now three children. They all needed me for something right NOW. I burst into tears because it was all too much. Luckily an older gentleman, a seasoned ski instructor, came to my rescue. He saved me that day, and in the time it took to drive home, I realized my secondhand FOMO for my children was too much. I vowed then and there to let them grow into things at their own pace (or not at all)—an extremely hard vow keep.

Over the course of the next ski season, one of my children grasped the technicalities (pizza and hot dog) required for basic skiing. More importantly, he found the pure joy of being on the slopes.

My other son hated it. He proclaimed he was “more of the sit in the lodge with cheese fries kind of guy.” I respected that and kept my vow during that ski season and well into this one. His brother skied, and he and I ate cheese fries and played board games in the lodge.

But here I am…at the tail end of the season, watching the child who did not want to ski, ski beautifully and with a permanent smile.

Just today, after the fries and a rousing game of Blokus, he said, “I think I’d like to give skiing a go.”

And giving it a go he is.

He is cruising up and down this bunny hill; the chair lift is next, I have no doubt. Overshadowing my pride are the moms around me begging their kids to pay attention to the instructors or pose for the camera, just like I was doing four years ago. They’re lifting their kids off the snow as they completely melt down, and I want to shout, “Your nine-minute-old baby does NOT need to be a pro skier. You are still a great mom if your kid doesn’t ski by the time they are 3. Let her do things in time. Her time. Not yours.”

Learn from me: If a kid doesn’t do something with joy and determination by age 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 16 – it’s OK. Let’s commit to less secondhand FOMO and more sitting in the backseat as our children pave their way to what brings them joy.

They will be just fine and, maybe, we will all have fewer stress wrinkles.

Blair Fjeseth is a working professional and proud Montana mom. You can reach her at blairparker. inc@gmail.com. Follow her Instagram @blair_mt for more adventures.

MARch 2023

How to enter:

Look for this post on the Montana Parent Facebook and Instagram page starting March 1.

1. Like the post and Tag one friend

2. Follow Montana Parent magazine on Facebook and Instagram (if you don’t already!)

3. Follow Rockhaven on Facebook and Instagram too!

Other info:

Enter for a chance to win a camp session to Rockhaven UnCamp!

Rockhaven UnCamp is an innovative summer camping program where free-play, nature-play and child-led independent play is front and center. They create a safe environment where creativity and imagination can flourish and kids can just be kids, get a little (or maybe a lot) dirty and play like kids are meant to play.

Winner will be chosen at random and announced April 1. Must be 18 years of age to enter.

For more information about Rockhaven Camp, visit:

www.rockhavencamp.org

Bozeman’s longest accredited ultrasound facility by the American College of Radiology