Big Creek Summer Camp Season Begins

Big Creek Outdoor Education Center is filled with laughter and excitement as we welcome back campers for the summer season! From the moment they arrive, campers are surrounded by mountain peaks, lush valleys and towering forests. Our campers here have the opportunity to embark on many adventures. They can lace up their hiking boots and traverse scenic trails that wind through old-growth forests and lead to breathtaking viewpoints. They can learn the importance of water quality and the impact that glaciers have on the landscape. Each activity is not just a recreational pursuit but an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. 

Beyond its natural beauty, Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest serve as important outdoor classrooms where campers learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation. Guided by knowledgeable Outdoor Education Specialists and camp counselors, they gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s geological wonders and the animals that call the park home. Hands-on activities like wildlife tracking and geological explorations enrich their understanding of the natural world and inspire a sense of stewardship for future generations.

Our campers this week, for our annual Big Creek Boys Camp, explored the rugged terrain of Avalanche Lake within Glacier National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, they followed the trail that winds along the rushing waters of Avalanche Creek, eager for what lies ahead. As they emerged into a natural amphitheater framed by sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, their breath caught at the sight of Avalanche Lake spread out before them, its turquoise waters reflecting the pristine wilderness that surrounds it. Here, amidst the peace of Glacier National Park, the adventurers discovered not only the beauty of nature but also the thrill of exploration. 

Glacier National Park is more than just a destination for summer campers, it’s a place to challenge themselves, connect with others, and discover the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

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The Glacier Institute is proud to provide scholarships for all youth programs and has never turned away a child for their inability to pay. You can help connect kids with these opportunities by supporting our scholarship fund– there’s an option to sponsor a child at camp at checkout for all of our hikes, tours, and classes, or you can make a donation at any time. Thank you to our incredible donors and partners who support our mission and help us provide lifechanging experiences in nature to our next generation of environmental stewards. 

The photos captured for this story were taken on new Samsung phones, thanks to generous grants from fStop Foundation and the Whitefish Community Foundation. This project, supported entirely by philanthropy, upgraded the Glacier Institute’s technology and helps keep participants safe with better storage of health information, and helps expand our educational reach through visual storytelling. Thank you William and Max at fStop and all of the staff and donors at Whitefish Community Foundation. 

Founded in 1983, the Glacier Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to strengthening connections to the natural world through outdoor education. As the official education partner of Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest, the Glacier Institute is well recognized as the Flathead Valley’s leader in outdoor education with courses and camps for area youth, adults, and families. Its programs inspire connections to the natural world and create meaningful experiences that broaden understanding and cultivate critical thinking.