MWS CONTRACT COURSES
MWS designs customized Montana backcountry contract courses for schools, nonprofits, clubs, and other organizations serving youth ages 12 through 18. These fully immersive wilderness experiences are designed to support your specific group’s objectives and educational goals, and/or can be structured similar to an MWS open enrollment course. Either way, your students will come together over this powerful shared experience.
Course particulars
Each course ranges from 5 to 10 days
Costs are dependent on course structure but range from $300-$325/day/participant
Curriculum (other than the course basics listed below) can be chosen from our extensive list of lessons, or we can leave the lessons to your chaperones. We’re also happy to teach alongside your leadership team.
MWS provides
Highly trained staff, with a minimum staff-to-participant ratio of 1:5. At least two MWS staff members will accompany each course.
All gear, permits, and transportation from Bozeman, MT, to and from the course location
All meals, packed pantry-style, so your team learns to cook in the backcountry (one of the many essential and fun skills they will learn on course)
Training/oversight of risk management, campcraft, and technical aspects
Lessons on Leave No Trace ethics and public land management
Sample Contract Courses
Missouri River Canoe Adventure
7-10 Days | May-September
Create a stronger community within your group on one of Montana’s most iconic rivers. Experience a western prairie ecosystem in a unique way, canoeing the wild and scenic Missouri River and exploring remote areas of the Missouri Breaks on foot. This expedition provides an opportunity to learn and practice MWS core curriculum and outdoor skills while on land and water. As your group explores this historical corridor, you will also learn about prairie restoration, wildlife management, and the essential role of public and private lands in northcentral Montana.
Alpine Backpacking Adventure
5-10 Days | July-September
Give your group a taste of the alpine as you backpack through remote Montana wilderness developing outdoor skills such as navigation, camping, backcountry cooking, and teamwork. On this expedition, your group will learn about the natural world and develop a greater understanding of Montana’s wild places while challenging yourselves and setting new personal goals. This expedition is an excellent introduction to group backpacking in alpine environments and provides ample time to tailor the curriculum for your group’s specific educational learning objectives.
Yellowstone Whitewater Canoe Adventure
5-7 days | July-September
Provide your group with the trip of a lifetime while canoeing the legendary Yellowstone River! During this dynamic water expedition, students will learn and practice skills in navigation, canoeing, camping, backcountry cooking, and teamwork. The group will progress down the river learning to paddle canoes through Class II whitewater. The Yellowstone course is specifically designed for students looking to challenge themselves on the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Students must be at least 16 years old for this course.
We are happy to explore course options and ideas with you!
Please email MWS Program Director, Josh Olsen, to discuss details and availability.
