Montana Alpine Backpack

A 1-week summer adventure camp in Montana for pre-teens aged 11 & 12. Outgoing and energetic, the Montana Discovery campers are excited to find their inner adventuress!

This camp is a one-week introduction to all things Alpengirl, including outdoor camp cooking, campfire building, daily yoga, Alpenolympic games, road-side dance parties, camp skills and beads, and, of course, making lots of new friends.

During this camp, Alpengirls will have a blast hiking, swimming, and backpacking, while embracing their independence away from home, many for the very first time. The goal of these 8 days is to get comfortable being at an overnight adventure camp, while packing the days full of tons of fun activities!

This introductory camp is offered to our youngest campers who want to try it out and come back for more next year! Want to learn more about what it’s like to be a discovery camper? Check out our blog on all things Discovery Camps!

Trip Highlights

Welcome to Alpengirl!

Arriving at Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, your Alpenguides will be decked out in their most stylish Alpenwear to greet you. Icebreakers and name games abound as you get to know your fellow Alpengirls and guides. We’ll hop into the van and drive a short distance to our campsite, where we’ll learn how to set up our tents and enjoy a delicious and fresh camp dinner. As the sun sinks below the horizon, you’ll feel calm as the sound of the wind rustling through the tall grass soothes you to sleep.

To the caverns!

Rise and shine, Alpengirls! After a soothing yoga session, we’ll break out our Alpengirl Camp Cookbook and whip up a yummy breakfast – perhaps Strawberry Stuffed French Toast or Apples and Oats Pancakes (YUM!). We’ll put on our hiking boots and set out on a 2-mile hike through the Lewis & Clark Caverns with park guides to explore the wonders of the nearby caves that are situated right behind our campsite.

Tonight, your Alpenguides will show you the basics of safe fire building, and give Alpengirls the opportunity to build a campfire on their own to cook a meal over. And what campfire is complete without our favorite Alpentreat – s’mores!

Backpacking time!

Lace up your hiking boots and roll up your sleeping pads, because today is the day that we start our backpacking expedition! Before we leave, Alpenguides will walk campers through proper packing procedures and give a lesson on how to adjust and carry our backpacks. Lightening our loads and taking only the essentials, we’ll leave the van behind, grab our cameras, and begin our 12-mile round-trip backpack adventure.

On the first day, Alpengirls will begin by hiking one mile to get used to their packs and comfortable on the trail. Reaching a pristine high mountain lake on the second day, we’ll set up camp here for two nights, giving us the chance to day-hike to an abandoned mine, a high ridge, or another lake hidden amongst the peaks. Our last night in the backcountry is the perfect time for our classic Alpenolympic Talent Show, so get creative and be ready to have fun!

On the final day of backpacking, we’ll enjoy a downhill hike out to the trailhead and camp along the banks of a nearby river.

Splash time!

After a deluxe hot breakfast and leisurely start to the day, Alpengirls head for a swim in the river and a soak in a mineral hot springs pool. Then, we’ll enjoy pizzas or calzones, have an opportunity to buy Alpengirl items from the camp store, and participate in our traditional End of Session Awards ceremony in which Alpenguides present each camper with a unique award celebrating their contribution to our group! Skill beads and necklaces will be awarded as beautiful keepsakes to recognize the hard work each camper has done to commit to learning new outdoor living skills, all while sharing laughter, hugs, tears, and talk of when we’ll see each other next.

It’s time to go home!

Exchanging hugs with your friends, you’ll depart from Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport knowing that you are now an official Alpengirl and will be a part of our fantastic community for life. See you next summer!

PLEASE NOTE: Alpengirl reserves the right to cancel or alter any aspect of a program, before or during the session, including program itinerary, activities, or location for reasons including but not limited to weather, environment, logistics, or health hazards. If itinerary changes occur, we will substitute comparable alternatives, if possible. If there are significant itinerary changes, participants will be notified by email.

Campsite Amenities

Four nights in “Front country” Campgrounds:

Four nights are spent at a private “front country” pre-assigned campsites with running potable water, and a private outhouse or flushing toilet.

Three nights “Backcountry” Camping:

Three nights are spent in tents in wilderness “backcountry” areas where we will pack in our water and pack out our waste and learn and practice basic Leave No Trace camping skills such as how to select a campsite, how to go to the bathroom, and how to keep clean outdoors.

Happy girls at summer camp in the mountains

Why Choose This Trip

Our Montana Discovery camp sessions are just for rising 6th and 7th graders!

Attending this camp is a great way to introduce pre-teens to the experience of outdoor living and backpacking during a week of action-packed fun. Campers will be challenged to experience new things while having the time of their lives with a great group of girls and guides. Limited to 12 campers in the group.

Trying to figure out if a Discovery Adventure is right for you? Read more here!

Dates, Rates, and Eligibility

Ages: 11-12

Open

Montana Alpine Backpack - Discovery Adventure A

Arrival and Departure Airport: Bozeman, MT
Dates: June 19 - June 26, 2027
Length: 8 Days
Ages: 11-12 (rising 6^th-7^th grade)
Tuition: $2310^*

Apply Now

^* airfare not included

Ages: 11-12

Open

Montana Alpine Backpack - Discovery Adventure B

Arrival and Departure Airport: Bozeman, MT
Dates: July 30 - August 6, 2027
Length: 8 Days
Ages: 11-12 (rising 6^th-7^th grade)
Tuition: $2310^*

Apply Now

^* airfare not included

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I’ve changed dramatically during my time at Alpengirl. I’ve become more outgoing, not so quiet, and a lot less shy. It’s easier for me to loosen up, have fun, and meet new people. I have definitely come out from behind my mom’s skirt. Finally.

—Adara

Georgia

I really can’t say enough positive things about the Alpengirl experience from a parent’s perspective! My daughter started with Alpengirl at age 12, flying across the country to get to Montana. She experienced the beautiful outdoors for two solid weeks, gaining an appreciation for nature and adventure that we couldn’t have given her. She made great friendships, learned leadership, gained tremendous self-confidence and self-esteem. She was more active than ever before in her life, and to this day continues to be both active and a healthy eater. I would highly encourage any parent to send their daughter to Alpengirl!

—Marlene

Boston, Massachusetts

Three of my favorite summers were spent hiking, kayaking, and canoeing with Alpengirl! I can’t think of three experiences which impacted me as much as Alpengirl where I found my love for the outdoors, for travel, and for new experiences. I owe a big thanks to my counselors, my fellow Alpengirls, and the outdoors for these trips. I would recommend Alpengirl with more stars than five if it were possible!

—Cassie

London, UK

Teen Adventures

Adult Adventures

Teen Adventures

Adult Adventures

Montana Alpine Backpack

Trip Highlights

Activities include

Campsite Amenities

Four nights in “Front country” Campgrounds:

Three nights “Backcountry” Camping:

Why Choose This Trip

Dates, Rates, and Eligibility

Montana Alpine Backpack - Discovery Adventure A

Montana Alpine Backpack - Discovery Adventure B

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