Youth Summer Camps 2026
PAY-PER-DAY CAMP Options
During our first week of Outdoor Discovery Day camps, Nature Detectives (June 8-12), we are offering partial-week, Pay-Per-Day enrollment to support families during the end of school-year transition. Single-day registration is available Wednesday through Friday (June 10–12).
In addition, we are offering Pay-Per-Day enrollment for the week of Solar Safari, June 29. Please note that this option is available for up to four days; families wishing to attend all five days will need to register for the full week at the full price.
Daily rates: $70 for MNHC members / $75 for non-members
Our full-week camp option remains available for all sessions for those interested in the complete experience. To register for Pay-Per-Day camps, CLICK HERE. Or contact MNHC’s Museum Youth Program Coordinator, Hope Ensminger at hensminger@montananaturalist.org with questions.
 Outdoor Discovery Day Camps:
Join us for nature adventures in summer 2026.
Our camp age groups are as follows:
- Pre-K – Kindergarten*
- 1st – 2nd Grade
- 3rd – 5th Grade
*4 and up: Must be 4 years of age BEFORE May 8th. Must be able to use the restroom independently and without accidents.Â
The Montana Natural History Center will offer 11 weeks of camp this summer. Five of our themed weeks will run twice, while one special themed week will be offered as a one-time experience. We are also offering select Pay-Per-Day camp options to accommodate school calendars and the 4th of July holiday. See details below.
Camps run from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Before and aftercare is available for free for those who need it (no extra charge, no additional registration) from 8:30-9:30 a.m. & 3:30-5:30 p.m.
See camp descriptions and registration information below.
Outdoor Discovery Day Camps run all summer long between June 8th – August 21st.
Group size is limited to 13 campers and 2 counselors.
Our summer camps participate in a wide range of nature-based activities. Your child can expect to be outside every day. We take time to explore natural areas from the perspective of a naturalist: a scientist, artist, and writer. Kids can expect to learn a lot while having fun!
Depending on your preferred camp, field trips include:
Traveler’s Rest
Butterfly House
Beavertail Pond
Milltown Park
Council Grove
Greenough Park
Jocko River Trout Hatchery and MORE!
Cost: $385 for members, $405 for non-members per camp.
We have payment options! You can pay in full upon registration or choose a payment plan (with full payment due before the start of camp).
Nature & Science Adventures for Middle School Students:
We are running two week-long opportunities for middle school students this summer!
Naturalist In Training: July 6-10 (co-ed)
Get ready for a week of exploring, discovering, and becoming a Naturalist in Training! Participants will dive into hands-on field investigations, learn how to identify plants and animals, explore the outdoors, and practice real scientific observation skills. Modeled after the Master Naturalist Program at MNHC, this experience introduces participants to the skills and mindset of real naturalists. Along the way, they’ll work as a team, take on leadership roles, and solve real-world challenges while building a deeper connection to Montana’s amazing ecosystems through fun, immersive, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights include:
- Sharpen observation skills while learning to identify various tracks, bird calls, insects, and native plants
- Explore what it truly means to be a naturalist
- Build knowledge of the natural world through hands-on learning
- Design and lead their own mini project at the end of the week to showcase what they’ve learned
STEEM (Science, Technology, Environment, Engineering, Math): August 3-7 (girls/nonbinary)
Participants will dive into citizen science through hands-on experiments, data collection, and creative projects. This program encourages curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking as they investigate real-world scientific questions and explore how Montana’s natural and human-made systems work.
Highlights include:
- Investigate river health by identifying macroinvertebrates
- Search the Clark Fork for invasive mussels
- Discover native plant species and learn how to care for them
- Explore the natural world alongside citizen science professionals
- Participate in a hands-on week of discovery, data collection, and outdoor adventure
Middle School Adventures run 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $345 for members, $365 for non-members per camp. Â
We have payment options! You can pay in full upon registration or choose a payment plan (with full payment due before the start of camp).
PAY-PER-DAY CAMP Options
During our first week of Outdoor Discovery Day camps, Nature Detectives (June 8-12), we are offering partial-week, Pay-Per-Day enrollment to support families during the end of school-year transition. Single-day registration is available Wednesday through Friday (June 10–12).
In addition, we are offering Pay-Per-Day enrollment for the week of Solar Safari, June 29. Please note that this option is available for up to four days; families wishing to attend all five days will need to register for the full week at the full price.
Daily rates: $70 for MNHC members / $75 for non-members
Our full-week camp option remains available for all sessions for those interested in the complete experience. To register for Pay-Per-Day camps, CLICK HERE. Or contact MNHC’s Museum Youth Program Coordinator, Hope Ensminger at hensminger@montananaturalist.org with questions.
Our Outdoor Discovery Day Camps are now American Camp Association Accredited!
As camp professionals, we understand that your biggest concern is for the safety of your child. We also know you have goals for your child’s development related to the powerful lessons the camp experience provides in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living. We share those same goals, which is why we have taken the added step of becoming an accredited camp through the American Camp Association (ACA).
ACA accreditation serves as an assurance to families that our camp cares enough to submit to a transparent, thorough review of our entire operation. Our goal is to provide parents with as much information about our camp, to reassure you about your camp choice. Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your child with the best possible camp experience.
Summer 2026 Dates and Themes - Click on the bar to expand
Nature Detectives
DATES: June 8-12 & July 20-24
Step into a week of discovery as campers become Nature Detectives, uncovering the hidden stories of the outdoors. Through explorations, hands-on investigations, and creative activities, young adventurers will build their curiosity, deepen their understanding of local ecosystems, and connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.
Water Wonders
DATES: June 15 – 19 & July 27 – 31
Make a splash in Water Wonders, a week dedicated to the science and wonder of all things aquatic! Campers will explore rivers, ponds, and wetlands as they experiment, investigate water habitats, and discover the creatures and forces that shape them. Perfect for curious kids who love to get their feet wet.
Ancient Adventures
DATES: June 22 – 26 & August 3 – 7
Travel back in time to uncover Montana’s prehistoric past! Campers will dig into the era of Ice Age mammals, enormous glaciers, and dramatic floods. Through outdoor activities and hands-on exploration, they’ll reveal the ancient forces and creatures that once shaped our landscape.
Solar Safari
DATES: June 29 – July 3 & August 10 – 14
Blast off for a cosmic journey on the Solar Safari! Campers will investigate the power of the sun, explore planets and stars, and learn the cultural stories behind the constellations. With experiments, crafts, games, and sky-watching, this week brings space science down to Earth in a playful, imaginative way.
Bugs, Birds, & Beasts
DATES: July 6 – 10 & August 17 – 21
From insects to raptors to mammals on the move, this camp dives into the incredible diversity of Montana’s wildlife. Campers will track animals, explore habitats, listen for birds, and discover how different species survive in the wild. Outdoor adventures, games, and nature crafting make it a lively week of close-up wildlife encounters.
11th Week Special: Montana Mythbusters
DATES: July 13 – 17
Do bears really love honey? Can plants move on their own? Can birds really predict storms? Are these tall tales or true facts? Campers will put common nature myths to the test as they experiment, explore, and investigate the strange and surprising claims found in the natural world. From weather lore to animal behavior, this camp blends curiosity, creativity, and science to find out what’s real, and what’s just a good story.
Click on the links below to read more about the 2026 summer camp season!
Apply for a 2026 Summer Camp Scholarship
The 2026 scholarship window has closed.
Scholarship Timeline
MNHC 2026 Scholarship Schedule
January 5th: Scholarship applications open up.
February 5th: Scholarship application window closes.
January 16th: Early scholarship beneficiaries will be informed of their scholarship.
January 19th @ 9 AM: Early registration for scholarship beneficiaries opens. During this week, scholarship families have the ability to register for camps before registration is open to the general public.
February 2nd @ 9 AM: Registration opens to members. Scholarship families can still register, and each camp will reserve limited spaces for scholarship beneficiaries for another week.
February 9th @ 9 AM: Registration opens to the general public. Scholarship beneficiaries can still register, but scholarship spots will no longer be reserved, and there is a chance your preferred camp might be filled.
**We will be offering a camp t-shirt with registration, if you would like to purchase one for $25.00.
Registration Information
Quick tips for an easier registration:
Navigate to the “Summer Camp Dates & Descriptions” tab above to plan your camp schedule.
Some camp themes are repeated; we don’t recommend signing up for two sessions of the same camp theme.
Renew your membership! MNHC members receive a discount on each camp. Click here to become a member today!
MNHC members also receive early access camp registration. Registration for members open February 2nd at 9:00 a.m. Registration for general public opens February 9th.
We have payment options! You can pay in full upon registration or choose a payment plan (with full payment due before the start of camp).
Give us a call if you have any questions or need help setting up your account: 406.327.0405.
More details about 2026 Summer Camps:
Our registration system requires you to create an account for your family and you’ll need to add each child individually. Add each of the campers you plan to register to your account in advance so you will be ready to sign them up on registration day. You may also want to set up your payment method to speed up the registration process. You will use the same link on our website to register for camps at 9:00 AM on February 9th.
Camps can fill quickly on registration day. If you don’t get a spot in the camp you want, you should add yourself to our online waitlist. We highly recommend adding yourself to the waitlist if the camp you want is full. Camp spots often open up.
Camp Notes
Parents are saying great things about MNHC summer camps!
“She came home happy every single day and enjoyed being outside. She enjoyed learning about insects and their environments and got very excited about the “Save the bees” project.”
“[My child]Â had lots of information at the end of the day and was excited to tell me what she learned. She was also tired, so I know she was busy and engaged.”
“This is our first one but I’m going to try and book as many as I can for next summer- she had such an amazing time, and was itching to go to camp every day”
“He had such a good time, and we loved seeing and hearing about what he was up to. Definitely our favorite of the camps he’s done this summer.”
“Both kids had a wonderful time. The staff was friendly and kind, the flexibility with before and after care is so nice. Field trips are the best!”
“He always has fun adventuring and playing games and doing crafts. The staff is so terrific and engaging with the kids, and make him feel safe and comfortable.”
Field Trips and Activities:Â Our summer camps participate in a wide range of nature-based activities. Your child can expect to be outside every day. We take time to explore natural areas from the perspective of a naturalist: a scientist, artist, and writer. Each camp will also include games and time for play in the outdoors, which research shows is important for children. Kids can expect to learn a lot while having fun!
All summer camp groups will take field trips using our activity buses. Preschool camps can expect to stay in town for field trips but 1st-5th grade camps may travel as far as the National Bison Range, Seeley Lake, or Rock Creek. All buses are equipped with safety belts, and staff are trained, have passed required certification tests, and are evaluated for safe driving. One of our buses has a lift to accommodate wheelchair users. Specific field trip and activity information will be provided for you on your first day of camp but you may contact us with questions.
A parent or guardian will be asked to sign a release form and provide emergency contact information before camp starts. Participants are responsible for following camp safety rules and procedures.
Refunds:Â Program fee is refundable ONLY if a cancellation is made 30 days before the start of camp, minus a non-refundable administrative fee of 25% the program fee per camp. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. Membership fees are non-refundable.
Montana Natural History Center trips are permitted on the Lolo National Forest (Clause VII.B).
Montana Natural History Center is an equal opportunity service provider.
MEET THE SEASONAL NATURALISTS
Kelsey Miller (she/her)
Seasonal Naturalist
A lifelong nature lover, Kelsey grew up on the Chattahoochee River in Appalachia, Georgia. As a child, she spent as much time as possible running around in the woods and catching critters. Kelsey moved to Missoula in 2020 to attend the University of Montana and graduated in 2024 with a degree in wildlife biology. Since graduating, they have worked as a writer and editor for scientific papers, a field technician for ornithology research, and as an outdoor educator helping to connect youth with nature. Kelsey has been volunteering at the UM Zoological Lab for the last five years, where she has built skeleton articulations for museum displays and educational outreach. She has articulated birds and mammals, large and small, from a great blue heron to a parakeet, and mammals from a grey wolf to a pine squirrel. Kelsey continues to spend as much time outdoors as possible, hiking, biking, climbing, and swimming in rivers. When they aren’t outside or in the lab, Kelsey’s favorite hobbies are reading, drawing, and knitting.
Gabe Regelbrugge (he/him)
Seasonal Naturalist
Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Gabe loves to spend his free time outdoors. Studying History Education at the University of Montana, he has a deep passion for the history of the land we share today. He aspires to become a high school history teacher and make his classroom a safe and welcoming place where students feel they can do anything. Growing up in Washington he developed a unique love for the way Mt. Rainier looks on a clear day in spring and the distinct ecosystem of the Puget Sound. Currently, his favorite type of history is the time period before and after World War I. Recently, he has developed an interest in the importance of insect education. If he’s not actively exploring the outdoors, you can find Gabe in a hammock by the river reading a book and laughing with friends.
Jack Smart (he/him)
Seasonal Naturalist
Jack was born and raised in Missoula, Montana, where a lifelong connection to the outdoors took root early. From the time he could walk, he was out exploring on hikes, camping trips, and adventures both big and small. Growing up in Montana helped foster a deep appreciation for the natural world that continues to shape his work today. His passion for nature first led him to work with the Missoula County Weed District while he was still in high school and later inspired him to study Wildlife Biology in college. Along the way, he discovered a strong interest in history and preservation, eventually combining those passions through a focus in Public Natural History. After recently completing an internship with MNHC, Jack is excited to return for his third summer working in the world of summer camps. He loves creating opportunities for young people to connect with nature, explore their curiosity, and build confidence outdoors. Jack is excited for another summer of giving back to the community that helped spark his own love of the natural world, and he hopes to inspire that same sense of wonder in the next generation.
Elisa Spencer (she/her)
Seasonal Naturalist
Elisa is originally from Kentucky but moved to Montana for the Wildlife Biology program at the University of Montana. She spent the majority of her childhood in the Appalachian woods and loved to watch wildlife. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in wildlife when she became a zookeeper at the Louisville Zoo where she worked with marine mammals. Now she is listed on the President’s and Dean’s list and is currently doing research on grizzly bear skulls. She spends the majority of her time in nature but when she’s inside, she loves to read books and keep cozy next to her black cat, Appa.
Lexi Tauberman (she/her)
Seasonal Naturalist
Lexi grew up on the East Coast, where she spent her free time catching crayfish and minnows in the local creek. Running around in the woods, she found her passion for all of nature’s critters and learning how they connect to each other. During college, her job supervising younger volunteers at a farm animal rescue taught her how big of an impact hands-on experiences with animals and plants can have on a community. Lexi got a B.S. in Natural Resource Management from the University of Maryland in 2019, then an M.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in 2023, where her thesis explored how horse grazing impacts butterfly populations. She reconnected with her love of wading in rivers working for the Västerbotten County government, surveying macroinvertebrate and fish populations. A family outreach day, where she got to encourage kids’ curiosity about the natural world, and a visit to Missoula in winter 2025 motivated her to move back to the U.S. and pursue the Seasonal Naturalist position here at MNHC. Now in her first year in Montana, Lexi can be found reading, hiking, looking for butterflies, or knee-deep in a river.
Kyann Zeigler (they/them)
Seasonal Naturalist
Kyann grew up in Washington, but spent the majority of their summers exploring the forests around their family’s lake cabin in northwestern Montana. These summers and all of the incredible science teachers from throughout their life inspired them to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, which they recently completed. Their experience at the university has provided them with an array of technical skills as well as a deeper understanding of the world and mechanisms around them. Kyann draws inspiration from the healing and forgiving properties that a relationship with the outdoors can build, and hopes to inspire the same feelings in others who are working on building their connection with nature. During their indoor free time, Kyann enjoys immersing themself in other worlds through books, games, and movies, listening to their record collection, and practicing their banjo!