COLUMBIA FALLS HIKING FIELD GUIDE
A Day of Hands-On Discovery on Glacier Institute’s Doorstep
A 6-hour Nature Exploration Day Camp in Columbia Falls that pairs games, art and journaling with a short interpretive hike so young students can learn wildlife safety and Leave No Trace on-site.
A Day of Hands-On Discovery on Glacier Institute’s Doorstep.
This full-day outdoor school experience brings children into the field with a focused nature theme, using hands-on activities, games and art projects to build curiosity before moving into guided exploration and a short interpretive hike. Instructors lead introductions that cover wildlife safety and Leave No Trace principles, adapt activities to the group’s pace and end the day with nature journaling and reflective time.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Theme-Based, Immersive Outdoor Lessons
The camp centers each day on a single nature theme delivered through interactive lessons that give students tangible skills—wildlife safety and Leave No Trace—so lessons translate directly to time spent outdoors.
Hands-On Activities and Art
From games tied to habitat concepts to an art project that asks students to design a home for local species, the program uses creative practice to deepen observation and curiosity.
Short Interpretive Hike and Journaling
A short, guided hike on varied terrain ties classroom activities to the landscape, followed by sit-spot journaling so children process what they saw and remember the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves at a child-centered rhythm: a brief check-in and introductory activity, structured lessons on habitats and wildlife, playful games and an art project, then lunch and a short interpretive hike to put lessons into context. The afternoon closes with nature journaling and a sit-spot where students reflect on observations and memories before pickup.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day camp suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs for approximately 6 hours.
Participants should bring their own lunch for the midday break.
Meet at Glacier Institute — 7450 Highway 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 (check-in occurs at the Institute address).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the program hours and when is pickup?
The sample schedule runs from a morning drop-off and check-in through a 3:00 pm pickup, with the full program lasting about 6 hours.
Where do I drop off and pick up my child?
Drop-off and pickup happen at the Glacier Institute, 7450 Highway 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT.
How far will children hike and what’s the terrain like?
Participants will hike less than two miles round trip on and off trail, moving through brush and over rocks with about 100 feet of elevation gain and loss.
What should my child bring to camp?
Children should bring their own lunch for the midday break as noted in the itinerary.
What activities fill the day besides hiking?
The day includes an introductory activity, lessons on habitats, a themed game, an art project designing a habitat, and nature journaling in addition to the short hike.
Is this program adaptable to different group paces and interests?
Instructors adapt activities to the group’s pace and interests to build curiosity and positive outdoor memories.