Bob Marshall Wilderness
Expedition Overview
The third largest wilderness area in the lower 48, the Bob Marshall Wilderness consists of 1.5 million acres of mountains, rivers, and lakes just south of its much more trafficked neighbor, Glacier National Park. Students on this trip will work with local trail masters and guides to restore and maintain trails, remove invasive plant species, and participate in wildfire mitigation projects. When not working to help preserve this pristine area, students will engage in team building and leadership skills activities, fishing, hiking, and enjoying breathtaking scenery. All meals are provided, trip members are required to bring their own camping equipment including a tent, sleeping bag, pack etc. After six nights and seven days in the wilderness, the Glacier Institute will lead a daylong workshop where students will learn about Glacier Park and go on a guided hike, or afternoon fishing trip. The last group activity will be a visit to some local hot springs to help restore our bodies and experience a bit of true Montana lifestyle.
TRIP TUITION: $1850 (Airfare and transportation to Montana not included. Group rates available).
TRIP DATES: Late June-August
TRIP TUITION: $1850 (Airfare and transportation to Montana not included. Group rates available).
TRIP DATES: Late June-August
Trip Highlights
• Backpack and camp deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness
• Work on projects to preserve and maintain the wilderness
• Education before and during the trip about modern forestry and conservation practices
• Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park
• Leadership skills and team building activities
• Enjoy the “Big Sky Country” of northwest Montana
• Work on projects to preserve and maintain the wilderness
• Education before and during the trip about modern forestry and conservation practices
• Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park
• Leadership skills and team building activities
• Enjoy the “Big Sky Country” of northwest Montana
Flathead Indian reservationThe first and last nights of this trip are spent on the lands of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Home to the Bitterroot Salash, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreilles Nations, our first night in Montana will be in the Jocko Valley, a traditional central site of various spiritual rituals, gatherings, and rites of the Sailash People. In addition to learning about wilderness and conservation topics, we will learn about the history of the indigenous inhabitants, efforts to maintain and promote their unique culture and language, and the legislation, attacks, and processes involved in the transformation and loss of their lands.
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Bob Marshall wildernessOne of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48, “The Bob” as it’s known, is over a million acres of rugged western Montana beauty. It hosts glaciated peaks, forested mountains, grand valleys, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, all in a roadless massive expanse of pristine nature. Managed by the US Forest Service, the limited number of annual visitors enter the wilderness by foot or horseback with no motorized vehicles permitted in the area. To assist the forest service, there has been a recent push to organize and increase the number of volunteer crews to help with trail maintenance, removal of invasive plant species, fire mitigation, and animal research and monitoring. One of the last truly wild places in America, The Bob leaves an indelible impression on all who enter it.
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Glacier National Park
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Missoula, Montana
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Wilderness ConservationEver since the movement to protect public lands and wild places beginning in the early 20th century, there have been efforts and various philosophies on how to conserve and preserve these lands. On this trip, students engage in projects to both promote responsible and sustainable human interactions in the wilderness, and mitigating negative impacts caused by invasive species and climate change.
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Backpacking & Camping Experience
While every trip Padma organizes includes elements of leadership training and team building activities, it is the wilderness, through education and engagement in backpacking deep into nature, that tends to be the best teacher. Preparing a pack with everything you need for trip into the woods, and learning to get by with little more than what you can handle on your back nurtures a sense of independence and resiliency unique to those daring enough to venture into unknown mountains.
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Trip Tuition
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General Trip Info
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Sample Trip Itinerary
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Medical Info
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Cancellation/Refund Policy
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Water Safety/Minimum Eligibility
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Trip Tuition:
$1850 (GROUP RATES AVAILABLE)
Trip Dates:
JUNE - AUGUST
TRIP TUITION COVERS:
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• MOST MEALS (WE OCCASIONALLY ENCOURAGE TRIP MEMBERS TO EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS)
• LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
• PROJECT PLANNING, MATERIALS, AND MANAGEMENT
• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• TRAVELLERS MEDICAL, EMERGENCY, AND EVACUATION INSURANCE
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRIP LEADERS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
$1850 (GROUP RATES AVAILABLE)
Trip Dates:
JUNE - AUGUST
TRIP TUITION COVERS:
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• MOST MEALS (WE OCCASIONALLY ENCOURAGE TRIP MEMBERS TO EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS)
• LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
• PROJECT PLANNING, MATERIALS, AND MANAGEMENT
• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• TRAVELLERS MEDICAL, EMERGENCY, AND EVACUATION INSURANCE
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRIP LEADERS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
Trip Capacity
10-12 trip members
Trip Date Availability
Trips into The Bob begin the second week of June through August.
Accommodations:
All accommodations on Padma trips are clean yet modest. Before and after entering the Bob Marshall Wilderness students will stay in a large Bed & Breakfast in the Jocko Valley outside the town of Arlee. While in the mountains each trip member must bring their own camping gear. There is a limited supply of gear for any students that want to borrow something. More than one trip member may stay in a tent upon parent/guardian permission. Roommates will be arranged based on preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
We will have little time for playing on phones and computers. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. Do not expect wifi for most of our trip. There will be a secure space to leave any items including laptops etc before entering Bob Marshall.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug or alcohol use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
10-12 trip members
Trip Date Availability
Trips into The Bob begin the second week of June through August.
Accommodations:
All accommodations on Padma trips are clean yet modest. Before and after entering the Bob Marshall Wilderness students will stay in a large Bed & Breakfast in the Jocko Valley outside the town of Arlee. While in the mountains each trip member must bring their own camping gear. There is a limited supply of gear for any students that want to borrow something. More than one trip member may stay in a tent upon parent/guardian permission. Roommates will be arranged based on preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
We will have little time for playing on phones and computers. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. Do not expect wifi for most of our trip. There will be a secure space to leave any items including laptops etc before entering Bob Marshall.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug or alcohol use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
Itineraries vary slightly based on project location. Trips begin in the city nearest the trailhead leading to our campsite including the towns of: Missoula, Kalispell, Great Falls or Helena Montana.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1- Fly to Missoula, Montana. The group will stay in Arlee or Seely Lake for their first night and be led in team building exercises, and discussion of local history of the area.
Day 2- Hike 5-7 hours into the wilderness to our first basecamp.
Day 3-5- Work on trail maintenance, and invasive plant species removal projects.
Day 5- Hike to basecamp two.
Day 6- Spend the morning exploring rivers, lakes, and fishing for those inclined, or just relax in nature.
Day 6-7- Work on projects around our second basecamp.
Day 8- Hike out of the wilderness and back to Montana’s version of civilization. In the evening we will go out for dinner and share stories about our adventure in The Bob.
Day 9- Learn about Glacier National Park and go on a guided hike or fishing trip in the park. Spend the evening soaking in hot springs.
Day 10- After a few hours hanging out in Missoula, fly home.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1- Fly to Missoula, Montana. The group will stay in Arlee or Seely Lake for their first night and be led in team building exercises, and discussion of local history of the area.
Day 2- Hike 5-7 hours into the wilderness to our first basecamp.
Day 3-5- Work on trail maintenance, and invasive plant species removal projects.
Day 5- Hike to basecamp two.
Day 6- Spend the morning exploring rivers, lakes, and fishing for those inclined, or just relax in nature.
Day 6-7- Work on projects around our second basecamp.
Day 8- Hike out of the wilderness and back to Montana’s version of civilization. In the evening we will go out for dinner and share stories about our adventure in The Bob.
Day 9- Learn about Glacier National Park and go on a guided hike or fishing trip in the park. Spend the evening soaking in hot springs.
Day 10- After a few hours hanging out in Missoula, fly home.
Medical Considerations
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips.
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips.
Trip members can cancel for any reason up to sixty (60) days before their trip, and receive a 50% refund of all paid tuition, less the $200 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the trip cannot be guaranteed a refund. In case trip members are unable to join a trip due to medical or emergency related reasons, a full refund may be considered at the discretion of Padma staff. If trips must be canceled due to unexpected travel restrictions, or for any reason such as a natural disaster, social unrest, etc., full refunds will be offered, pending refunds from trip partner companies and organizations, contractors, and third party vendors.
Water Safety:
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, rapids, and stings and bites (on land more than in water) are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’s Montana Wilderness Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such as swimming, hiking, carrying large and/or heavy equipment over long distances, and manual labor. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, rapids, and stings and bites (on land more than in water) are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’s Montana Wilderness Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such as swimming, hiking, carrying large and/or heavy equipment over long distances, and manual labor. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.