McCallie in Montana
Lewis and Clark passed through Southwest Montana in the summer of 1805. Two centuries later, this majestic landscape still offers significant learning and discovery in environmental studies and ecology, transformational leadership and community building, and in self-reliance, resiliency, and reflection. We will spend our days in the field exploring the area's history, learning geology, wildlife and fisheries biology, and practicing no trace backcountry travel and fly fishing. A culminating backpacking trip will immerse our students in the high country of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, giving them a taste of the wild American West experienced by Lewis and Clark.
McCallie in Montana will give McCallie students and faculty the opportunity to grow and to reflect in life-changing ways.
Field Institute Activities
Learning activities will include two- and three-day field studies on leadership, Lewis and Clark, stream biology and fisheries, ecology and land conservations, and other place-based topics. In the evenings we will host local and regional speakers to learn from their expertise and experiences in the area.
Our final expedition will take us to the Snowcrest Range of SW Montana.
We will put our learning into action with the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. They will provide us hands-on experience in environmental stewardship of public land as well as trail construction and maintenance.
Montana with its vastness and beauty provides an awe-inspiring place to fly fish, paddle, hike, and do some backcountry camping. By separating ourselves from city life, technology, and our everyday routines, we open ourselves to discovering new aspects of ourselves, forge new friendships, and contemplate our futures with new insights created by our time in Montana.
Program Goals
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Meaningful Group Work | defined by skill, teamwork, courage and the US Army Corp of Discovery values Lewis and Clark followed on their expedition
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Place-Based Learning | integrating historical research, observation, and field experience
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Awe and Inspiration | the vastness and beauty of the landscape will awe us into contemplation and inspire us into action
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Connection | with self and others, away from the constant distraction of interruptive technology
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Leadership | with Lewis and Clark’s expedition as a model, we will learn about mission and purpose, discovery, dedication, discipline, and leadership
Guiding Questions
How do we as young men grapple with four big ideas:
- Who am I now and who do I want to become?
- How do I interact with, steward, and care for the communities I inhabit, both human and ecological?
- How do I intentionally think about and practice leadership?
- What has my attention, wonder, and awe? How has it changed and how do I respond moving forward?
Travel Details
Details
June 24 - July 10, 2026
Based at University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana
Cost: $3,250 (airport transportation costs not included)
* limited travel scholarships available; talk to Bart Wallin/Duke Richey if interested
Trip is limited to 36 boys in rising 10th, 11th, & 12th grades.