This Destination is full and no longer accepting applications. Check site for trips that still have space, or come back August 1, 2025 for new 2026/2027 Destinations listings.

Adventure and Forestry in the Wild West: June 20 - June 27, 2025

Bring your adventurous spirit to Montana and Wyoming’s beautiful Yellowstone National Park region. Discover how climate change and human impacts are affecting the forests and wildlife of these pristine natural places and how you can make a difference, while also having some western adventures, like horseback riding and whitewater rafting.

About the Trip  

Head into the Wild West over the course of eight days for an adventure that honors your commitment to make the world a better place. You’ll learn how to take action now to help climate change and experience the beauty and culture of this region through adrenaline-pumping activities and good ‘ole western fun. 

This Destination includes a horseback ride in the Beartooth Mountains and rock climbing in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Participants will experience a tour of a wildlife sanctuary that cares for bears, wolves, bison, and other regional wildlife.  We’ll also venture over the most scenic highway in America, Beartooth Pass, and into Yellowstone National Park, where you’ll meet an inspirational crew of foresters and national park rangers who will guide you through the mountains and forests - as well as past the famous geysers and hot pots of the park. 

Along the way, we will embrace the challenge by collecting data to save our country’s prized high alpine tree, the Whitebark Pine, an important but threatened species at the center of a web of life that supports dozens of plants and animals. The plight of these trees signifies just the beginning of climate change’s effects on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

Travelers will enjoy a stay in the truly wild western town of Cody, Wyoming touring the Western and Native American exhibits of the Buffalo Bill and Plains Indian Museums followed by an evening delighting in the splendor and excitement of the Cody Nite Rodeo in the Rodeo Capital of the World. In Red Lodge, Montana, our adventure takes us along the wild whitewater of the Stillwater River. 

This Destination will illuminate your role in protecting the animals, forests, and geological features - not only in Yellowstone, but around the world. Throughout this Destination, you and your Girl Scout sisters will dive deeper into Girl Scout’s commitment to the Tree Promise and our obligation to make the world a better place.

Who Should Apply?

• Age: Girl Scouts entering grades 9–12. 
• Interests: Adventure, outdoors, wildlife, environment
• Requirements: You must have a sense of adventure and an ability to lean into new experiences and  to work as part of a team. You must have the fitness level to hike distances at high elevations, off trail, on uneven surfaces.  Participants will climb rock walls, roped-in, with a harness.
• Equipment: A packing list will be provided after acceptance. This is NOT a backpacking trip.  You will need closed-toe river shoes and horseback riding boots with a 1” heel.
• Ignite Your Passion! This trip is great for Girl Scouts who want to embrace the challenge of fighting climate change and enjoy high outdoor adventure. 

The Cost

Program fee: TBD (approx. $1,600)

The program fee does not include airfare. You will be responsible for the cost of round-trip transportation to Billings, Montana.

Deposit due upon acceptance: (This deposit is already included in your trip program fee). $250

Cancellation policy: Refunds available only before May 1, 2025

Financial aid may be available. Check with your local council. 

Host and Contact Info

Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, www.gsmw.org

Sarah Megyesi, sarahm@gsmw.org