BackPacking 2015: On the Trail to Big Creek Lake

Hello BEAR friends!

This summer we took an excursion to Big Creek Lake! 8 local middle school youth embarked on a 5-day backpacking journey through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. 

Off we go!

Through rain, shine, and smoke, we made it through with many fun stories along the way.

Fun and games along the way. 

The first day was filled with rain, wind, and chills but we made it through!                              

Our youth learned the importance of teamwork, resiliency and hanging food.  
  

Bear claws along the trail

We had a lot fun in the creeks along the way, crossing bridges and exploring the trail.

Creekside pose

On day 2, featuring a large elevation leap and hours trudging through heavy brush we made it to our destination: Big Creek Lake! 

Day 3, was filled with hiking, swimming, and fishing. 

He caught a fish! Whoa

Some of us stayed near camp and took a dip near the lake, while others embarked on a 2 mile hike through the back country. 

On day 4, we had to leave our campsite for the journey back home. In 94 degree temperatures, we decided to cool off with a quick lake dip.  

A quick dip before leaving our site

The journey back down was faster, filled with educational stops along the way. 

The kids learning about snakes and other wildlife.

Our evenings were filled with fun, 

   games

And Laughter!

A mid-evening snack! Yummy chocolate. 

Our B.E.A.R. cubs had a great time in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, traveling 20 miles in 5 days! Give them a roar for their determination.

Time for a water break

Expect to hear more about our backpacking adventures, this fall. 

If you have a youth interested in backpacking this fall, contact us at (406) 363-5410 or visit bearmt.org

For more pictures, visit us on facebook: 

www.facebook.com/Bitterroot.BEAR

Whitewater Rafting

Greetings All!

Hope you are staying dry on this drizzly day!

The BEAR kiddos of K.O.R.E. and Venture O.U.T. took advantage of the warm weather last week, and took a trip to the Alberton Gorge with the Zoo Town Surfers.

River ready!

Safety First! Must learn the rules of  the rapids.

Thanks to our handy guides, Ashley and Kelsey,  we were able to learn the ins and outs of the Alberton Gorge, tackling  the Clark Fork River's class 3 rapids. From Davy's Locker to Fang, we navigated with no flips or topples.



Although, some of us got a little soaked. 

They learned the importance of teamwork  while steering through   Tumbleweed and Three Bridges. 

Go team, BEAR!

                                            Impressive!

We had a great time rafting the 11 miles down river,

with swim and snack breaks in between rapids. Nothing beats a snack on the river!

We would like to thank our guides for the fun time! Thank you Jason and the Zoo Town Surfers staff!

At last, we had to leave Alberton Gorge. We hope to see you soon! 

To see more pictures, check out our Facebook Page!

See you soon with more fun-filled adventures.

Earth Week Celebration-April 18, 2015

In celebration of Earth Week, B.E.A.R. partnered with the 

Ravalli County 4-H Teen Council, and Master Gardeners for 

a spring cleaning party at the Daly Mansion's Children's 

Garden!



The day started with an icebreaker activity, allowing everyone to 

get to know one another and to move around! Our K.O.R.E. 

member, Amanda (in the pink) facilitated the activity and she did 

great!

Then we weeded, pruned back unwieldy perennials and laid new 

            wood chips in paths to prepare the garden 

                           for a June planting party.

Just Another Day at B.E.A.R, enjoying the great outdoors and helping the community. 

We finished our Saturday afternoon with Pizza and a little exploration. 

        Stay tuned for more outdoor adventures with B.E.A.R. 

    and 

Don't forget to check out our facebook page for upcoming events:

www.facebook.com/Bitterroot.BEAR

MLK, Jr. Day of Service Celebration- January 19th, 2015

On January 19th, 2015, B.E.A.R. celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and National Mentoring Month!

As part of the day of service, B.E.A.R. youth helped by:

1. Picking up recycling for local non-profits
2. Sorting recycling at the Ravalli County Recycling Center
3. Cooking and serving a fabulous chili supper for Ravalli County Recycling volunteers, B.E.A.R. families, and community members

The honorary guests of the event were Ravalli County Recycling Center volunteers. Thank you RCR volunteers for working towards a healthier environment!

The B.E.A.R. youth, alongside volunteers, Greg, Carolyn, and Sarah, did a great deal of work to make this event a success and we are so thankful for them! Thank you B.E.A.R. friends!

At the event attendees were asked to respond to the following question: 

                               "What are you doing for others?"

We found out that people in the Bitterroot Valley are serving by...

            Helping a friend with dementia and caring for grandchildren
                            Listening about others' pain in life, offering support and help
                                           Bringing a smile to the faces of those not happy
                                                          Recycling

Playing as a pianist at church
                           Helping a friend who is injured
                                              Teaching kids in Corvallis, MT
                                                                  Teaching about religion
                                                                                   Being a friend in tough times                                        
                          Volunteering at the animal shelter
                                       Working to protect the environment
                                                    Helping old people with chores they can no longer do
                                                               Attending fundraisers



   Our Event Concluded with an Activity to Celebrate Mentors! 

           Thank you everyone for a great event!