Program Components

BUILDING A COMMUNITY AT THE CROSS RANCH

Established in 1860, the Cross Ranch has been a working cattle operation for over eighty years - Together with the Staudenmeyer family, the group will participate in a broad range of ranching activities. During your stay you will feast on some of the best ranch cooking available. Delicious meals feature homemade breads, homegrown beef, salads and desserts of every kind.

HORSE PACKING

As the sun rises the group will set out across 15 miles of landscape to the Cross Ranch cow camp. After turning your horse out, you will help prepare a gourmet meal over an open fire. In the evening, the group will gather to hear some of the tails of the best cowboys in the business.

After a quiet night under the stars, the group will get an early start and head out for a cattle round-up. After gathering and sorting the herds, the group will drive the cattle back to the Cross Ranch, where they will enjoy a pitch fork fondue dinner.

RANCH WORK

Some of the projects for this program could include, branding bulls, corral work, fixing fence, roping calves. and sorting / herding cattle.

LIFE OUTSIDE THE RANCH

The group can leave the Cross Ranch and head out to explore the Landscape of South West Montana. Each day brings a new adventure; walk the streets and boardwalks of a deserted ghost town called Bannack, established in 1862 at the height of the gold rush; explore the Gallatin National Forest where the group can go whitewater rafting, rock-climb or hike; enjoy a day soaking in the natural hot-springs of Elk Horn.

When it's all said and done the group will head to Bozeman Montana for a final Banquet, where they will share stories of their adventures in Montana's True West.

WHO SHOULD GO ON THIS TRIP?

If you have an open mind towards new adventures and love horses here is your opportunity. You will feed, groom and saddle for yourself. If you are finishing 9th through 11th grade and are an experienced rider and want an active adventure, give us a call so we can discuss the details. It could be a good match!! LEADERS Rob and Bri have designed a unique out west adventure that combines natural horsemanship and ranch work. For the past 15 years they have created programs for kids that focus on experiential learning - self-reliance, discovery and personal growth. At the heart of the program are our talented leaders who bring their extensive teaching and teen leadership experience. All leaders are at least 24 years of age and are CPR, WRF and lifeguard certified. In June our leaders participate in an intensive training program that has been developed over years of experience.

A Natural Horsemanship Program in Montana’s Gold West Country

2007 Dates:

July 10th - July 20th

Tuition: 2,545* per session

Group Size: 12 students and 4 professional leaders

Recommended Grades: Finishing grades – 9th thru 11th

Starting / Ending Point: Bozeman, Montana

Accommodations: The Cross Ranch and some camping

Major Equipment Needs: Sleeping bag, day pack, good walking shoes, hiking boots, water bottle and a riding helmet.
(a detailed equipment list will be mailed to you upon enrollment)

*To reserve your space for either session, a $700 deposit is required. Reservations cancelled prior to March 1st will be fully refunded. Tuition for this program is due in full April 1st. Travel expenses to and from Driftwood Ranch Camp are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in the tuition. Program components are subject to change. Please contact us for more information about this exciting program.