Montana International Scout Expo
June 16-19, 2022
Deadline alert!
Final head counts for your units and payments are due June 1st, 2022. If you need to adjust any registration past June 1, please contact Kirsten Steele directly.
camaraderie, education & Celebration
Join us on the banks of the Missouri River at Montana Expo Park as we welcome Scouts and Scouters of all ages to the Montana International Scout Expo.
Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers and the whole family are invited to participate in the many exciting activities available only in our backyard of Great Falls, Montana.
We will focus on the history and technology of the area, utilizing the vast resources available from Malmstrom Air Force Base, the Montana Air National Guard and the untamed banks of the Missouri and Sun Rivers.
Explore 12 area museums, including the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the C.M. Russell Museum and the Montana Railroad Museum.
Bike through some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the region or explore 57 miles of trail within the city.
The fun kicks off with a welcome pool party. We welcome the entire community to join us at our grand parade through downtown and to close the weekend of entertainment with a spectacular closing concert.
Food services will be consolidated so that units do not have to spend valuable program time with cooking and cleanup.
We anticipate units from the Montana Council, Scouts Canada and the surrounding states, making this a truly international Scouting experience!
June 16-19, 2022
Great Falls, MT
@ Montana Expopark
Cost:
In-Council: $100 Per Person
Out-Of-Council: $125
Pricing will increase to late pricing on Mar 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.
Additional LInks:
If you would like to register to be on our staff, please use the form linked above so we know your availability and interest. You will still need to register and pay via Tentaroo.
Questions?
Wayne T. Thares
Event Chair
wthares@gmail.com
—
Dirk Smith
Scout Executive
dirk.smith@scouting.org
406-761-6000
Agenda & Information
Agenda is subject to change.
Thursday, JUNE 16 – Sunday, june 19
Move-in time for Order of the Arrow Dirty Jobs Crew, Event Staff and Council Staff
Thursday, JUNE 16
Units Move-in: Family Camping, Scouts BSA, Venture Crews and International Scouts
- 6:30 pm – Welcoming Bar B Que, Disco Pool Party, Electric City Water Park
- 10:00 pm – Movie on the Green, Montana Expo Park Central Park
- 12:00 midnight – Lights Out
Friday, JUNE 17
- 6:00 to 8:00 am – Breakfast Served in Dining Facility, to-go lunches picked up
- 8:00 am to 4:30 pm – Activities, lunch as you want
- 5:00 pm – Dutch Oven Demonstration and Cook-Off (pre-Register)
- 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm – Dinner Served
- 7:00 pm – Evening Entertainment, Central Park
- 10:00 pm – Movie on the Green, Central Park
- 12:00 – Lights Out
Saturday, JUNE 18
- 6:00 to 8:00 am – Breakfast Served in Dining Facility, to-go lunches picked up
- 9:30 am – Grand Scout Parade down Central Ave of Great Falls, Field Uniforms Please
- 11:00 am to 4:30 pm – Activities, lunch as you want
- 4:30 pm – Religious Services (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, LDS)
Location: Central Park and TBD - 5:00 pm. to 6:30 pm – Dinner Served
- 7:00 pm – Concert, Ticket Event, Grandstands
- 10:00 pm (or Dark) Fireworks Display, Grandstands
- 10:00 pm Movie on the Green, Central Park
- 12:00 Lights Out
Sunday, JUNE 19
- 6:00 am to 9:30 am – Grab and Go Breakfasts
- 6:00 am to 12:00 (noon) – Campsite inspections and Move Out
Program/Activity Guide
Waterfront (Wadsworth Pond):
Buses will be running on a regular schedule to and from the pond every 30 minutes.
Fishing: sponsored by Walleyes Unlimited
Enjoy fishing for Brook Trout, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Sucker, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, White Sucker and Yellow Perch on this stocked 42.6-acre freshwater lake. No fishing license is needed for both in-state and out-of-state residents for catch and release only during the Expo. Open to all ages and all rods, reels and bait and tackle will be provided by Walleyes Unlimited Great Falls Chapter. Open Friday and Saturday.
Canoeing:
Enjoy the lake with your friend on a canoe in a partial area of the 42.6-acre lake. All gear and safety equipment is provided on a first-come use basis. Limited use time based on waiting times. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults and Cub Scouts when accompanied by an adult. All participants must be verified BSA Swimmers. All equipment and safety gear provided. Open Friday on the pond only and Saturday on the Missouri River only for Scouts at least 14-years-old.
Kayaking:
Enjoy the lake in an open kayak. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults. All participants must be verified BSA Swimmers. All equipment and safety gear provided. Open Friday on the pond only and Saturday on the Missouri River only for Scouts at least 14-years-old.
Paddleboarding:
Come try your luck at stand-up paddleboarding. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults. All participants must be verified BSA Swimmers. All equipment and safety gear provided. Open Friday on the pond only and Saturday on the Missouri River only for Scouts at least 14-years-old.
Mountain Biking:
Enjoy biking around Wadsworth Pond on a 1.3 miles trail that encircles the pond. Enjoy the scenery of wildlife, including deer, beavers, numerous waterfowl and you may even catch a glance at a Bald Eagle nesting in the area. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults without restrictions. All equipment and safety gear provided. Open Friday and Saturday.
Shooting Sports (Missouri River Shooters Association Indoor Range):
Buses will be running on a regular schedule to and from the range every 30 minutes.
.22 rifle:
Come experience your skill at shooting .22 rifles in the indoor shooting range belonging to the Missouri River Shooters Association. This indoor range will allow you the opportunity to shoot at targets in a controlled range environment. The range is open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults without restrictions. All equipment and safety gear is provided. Open Friday and Saturday.
Shooting Sports (Montana Expo Park Grounds):
Open Friday and Saturday.
Slingshot:
Come try your skills at the indoor slingshot range located on the expo park grounds. Assorted targets will be available for you to hone your skills on. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions. Open Friday and Saturday.
BB Guns:
Enjoy a day at the range on the BB gun range located on the Expo Park grounds. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions. Open Friday and Saturday. Special Cub Scout Day Camp with reserved lanes on Saturday.
Archery:
Be like Robin Hood as you try your luck at Archery located on the Expo Park grounds. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions. Open Friday and Saturday. Special Cub Scouts Day Camp with reserved lanes on Saturday.
Throwing Knives:
Come try a unique experience of trying your luck at throwing knives on one of our many lanes. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults without restrictions. Open Friday and Saturday.
Lumber Jack station:
Open Friday and Saturday.
Wood cutting:
Pair up with a friend and compete against other scouts in a true Lumberjack contest of cutting through a log with a two-person crosscut saw to see who is fastest. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions.
Branding:
Use your cut piece of wood and brand a design into the wood for a keepsake to bring home. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions.
Firem’n chit:
Earn your Firem’n chit card and be certified to work with fire after being taught the correct BSA method. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions.
Totin’ Chip:
Earn your Totin’ Chip card and be allowed to carry a pocketknife after learning the correct and safe way to handle wood tools. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults without restrictions.
Climbing:
Come try to climb a wall of rock, or the closest thing to it, on a safety wall provided by the Montana Air National Guard. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults within weight restrictions.
Scout Craft:
Open Friday and Saturday
Art Station:
Show your artistic abilities by painting and drawing and other assorted art projects. You can also paint a rock and deposit it around the Expo grounds or in the community while out on a tour or hike. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Leather Works:
Work with leather and make a neat trinket or stamp some leather for a personalized gift or project. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Art Show Exhibit:
Bring your artwork to the Expo to put on display in our own Scout Art Exhibit. Or as you work on a piece while at the Expo. enter it to be put on display. Show off your artistic side. Awards will be presented Saturday evening in various categories by age and rank by our art judges. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Scout Museum:
Come see a large collection of Scout memorabilia and articles from all over the country and world. This collection will bring back memories to Scout Masters and Scouters alike. Have you ever wondered what Scouts used to wear or carry? If you have items you would like to have displayed, you can contact our museum curator or bring your item to be logged and put on display for all to see. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Vintage Scout Camp:
Come experience what a 1950s Scout Camp looked like with vintage gear, tent and equipment set up for you to view. Your Cub Master or Scout Master may have used a similar setup. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Photography:
Smile! As our roving photographer may just get your better side. Photographs will be on display for transfer and displayed on our constant running reader boards. Will you make the shot?
Woggle Station:
Who needs a new woggle? The Silver Beavers will be hosting a neckerchief slide and woggle station for all to participate in. They have a special slide designed just for the Expo as well as a favorite Turks Head woggle. You will be taught how to make them and be provided all the rope to make your own. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
First Aid:
Have you ever wondered how to make “victims” look real when teaching first aid? Wilderness first aid instructors will be teaching assorted Moulage Stations throughout the day Friday and Saturday for you to learn how to make real-life victims when teaching first aid. These classes will include:
- Moulage basics plush shock and bruising
- The bones of it: Secrets of staging, logistics and the ick factor
- Guts and Glory: latex techniques for cuts, burns and open fractures
- Zombie Camporee and Mayhem Moulage: building gruesome application injuries.
Sign-ups will need to be done the prior night as classes will be limited. Instructors will also be teaching “stop the bleed” training. Plus, there will be a Wilderness first aid rope activity. Stations will be open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults only.
Computer/Virtual reality:
Come experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance at meeting a game designer for X-box and PlayStation. Josh Hughes with Add-A-Tudez (Attitudes) Entertainment Company will be hosting a teaching studio for gamers. You can learn how to make games and maybe take the plunge into a virtual reality shark tank. More information can be found at their webpage https://teamkaizengames.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/addatudez/
Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Cub Scout Day Camp:
This year’s theme is Wild Wild West. Enjoy a wide variety of games and activities for every age Cub Scout to participate in all day Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Scouts will make crafts, participate in skits, play games and most of all have fun. On Saturday Day Camp participants will have special access to the BB gun, archery and slingshot range located on the Expo grounds. Open to all Cub Scouts. Participants will receive a shirt for attending.
Montana Reptile Rescue:
Meet real-life Snake Wrangler, Jeremy Allestad, of Great Falls. He will have almost all native snakes to Montana present with the ability to touch and handle – if you dare. Jeremy owns and operates Montana Reptile Rescue and has been helping people capture and relocate snakes and animals most of his life. This will be a fun and educational opportunity to experience. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Aquatic Invasive Species:
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will be explaining what Aquatic Invasive Species are and how to defend against them while recreating out on the water. A boat-cleaning station will be available to help you understand the process to keep Montana waterways safe. This is an interactive educational exhibit open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Tip Mont Trailer:
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will be showcasing their TIPMONT trailer. The trailer is an educational traveling trailer with information on safe hunting. Displays of wildlife mounts seized by FWP will be on display. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Bear Aware:
Do you know the difference between a black bear and a Grizzley Bear? The comparison is not as easy as you think. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will be teaching bear identification and will have interactive displays showcasing the Montana State Animal. This is an educational exhibit open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Fish Identification:
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will have a station set up for you to learn about both native and non-native fish of Montana. There will be a fish identification class to help you learn about what you catch. This is a very educational exhibit open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Aviation Flight Simulator:
Learn how to take flight in the cockpit of your airplane. Computer flight simulators will be available for you to experience flight without the risks. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Geocaching:
Enjoy some time wandering the Expo grounds trying to locate some unique geocaches just for the Expo. There will even be a first to find Montana Coin souvenir for a harder than normal cache.
Entertainment/Displays:
Chris Casamassa:
Have you ever wanted to meet a real-life superhero or villain? How about the original Scorpion from the motion Picture Mortal Kombat? Chris will be on-site signing autographs and taking pictures with a green screen. Chris will also be performing on stage Friday and Saturday with an hour show and positive message program. A few lucky scouts may even get an up-close and personal experience. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults. More information can be found at https://www.chriscasamassa.com/
Nightly Movie on the Green:
Come watch a Scout-themed movie picked out just for you each night in Central Park on a large screen. Grab your chair or blanket and pop some popcorn for a true movie experience under the stars. Thursday will be “Mister Scoutmaster” followed on Friday with “Follow me, boys!”
Fireworks:
Who does not like fireworks? We will conclude the festivities Saturday night with a huge fireworks presentation as you watch from the grandstands following the concert festival. The event is open to all participants.
Closing Concert:
Sit back or stand up and jump around as we bring you three great music acts in a music festival during the closing night activities on Saturday. Enjoy some classic rock, country, and modern Top 40 and pop hits from well-known regional bands. The event will take place in the grandstands and is open to all.
Patch Trading:
Friday (7-9 pm) Saturday (6-7 pm)
Every evening Scouts can come together to show off their patch collections and maybe pick up a new patch or two from trading. Scouts will be expected to follow all fair and ethical patch trading rules. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Council Pinewood Derby:
Saturday starting at noon is the Montana Council Pinewood Derby open to all participants with a newly-built car for 2022. Registration ends Friday night for the Saturday race. Races are open to all Cub Scout ranks and a Master Division for all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts and adults. Awards will be given out to the top three finishers in each category. Awards will be awarded after the event. Rules and information are listed on the Pinewood Derby page of our website.
Model Train Display:
Come see one of the largest model train displays in the country and the largest in the Northwest. The Montana Museum of Railroad History is located on the Expo Park grounds and is open for all to view. The 7500 square foot building contains a museum of railroad memorabilia and artifacts as well as a model set that contains over 5,400 feet of track. You can spend hours inside the display looking at all the small details that went into the design of this display. Members of the MMRH will be on hand to show demonstrations and answer questions. They are also available for merit badge assistance with model design and building and Railroading. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults. More information and videos can be seen at http://mmrh.org.
Wood Badge:
On Friday Afternoon starting at 4:00 pm, we will be having one of, if not the largest beading ceremonies performed with over a dozen Wood Badge participants receiving their beads. If you are pending your beads and would like to participate, please contact us for details on how to be involved. Every Scout deserves a well-trained leader. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Dutch oven Demonstration & Cook-off:
Thanks to the Montana Lamb Board for sponsoring this tasty event. Participants will receive an educational, Dutch oven demonstration on how to cook with a Dutch oven and pointers for those who already are experienced. The Montana Lamb Board will supply cuts of meat for our very own Dutch oven cook-off competition. Bring your Dutch oven to participate. The demonstration is open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults. The cook-off is open to all adults.
International Scout Parade:
Help us showcase what Scouting is all about. Imagine over 1000 Scouts and Scouters marching down Central Avenue in Great Falls for a truly remarkable scene. Units will march carrying unit flags in Field Dress Uniforms starting at 7th Street and concluding in front of the Civic Center at Park Drive. Units will march to the parade staging area with busing available for assistance. The Parade will start on Saturday at 9:00 am and units will be back on Expo grounds by 10:00 am.
Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Religious Services:
A scout is reverent. Saturday from 4:30-5:00 pm we will be conducting religious services for Protestant/Christian services, Catholic Services, Jewish Services and LDS services at various locations around the Expo grounds.
Fun Run/walk:
Friday and Saturday at 5:30 am, Scouts and adults can brave the early morning chill and participate in a Fun Run around the Expo Park grounds to get the blood pumping. The short ½ mile walk/run/jog course is a good way to start your morning before breakfast. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Disc Golf tournament:
Enjoy your hand, literally, at some disc Golf or FOLF. We have a great linear nine-hole course adjacent to the Expo grounds along the Missouri River in West Bank Park that is perfect for the tournament. Scouts and adults can sign up for the tournament in advance after arriving at the Expo in teams of four. The tournaments will take place Friday and Saturday at 1:00 pm. Awards will be given out to the top three teams in assorted categories by age. If you have never tried disc golf here is your chance. You can also enjoy the great scenery along the Missouri River.
Order of the Arrow:
The Apoxky Aio Lodge will be hosting an OA get-together on Friday at 9:00 pm. All OA members are invited to attend a social event of Fellowship.
Silver Beaver:
The Silver Beavers will be meeting on Saturday at 3:00 pm for a gathering of all Silver Beavers for a social event of fellowship.
Game Zone:
Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Ga-Ga Ball:
A scout original and favorite. No further explanation is required. The pit will be open all day and night and Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Human Foosball:
The original arcade game comes to life as you become the players in this larger-than-life sized version of the game. Try to score on the opposing team before they score on you. You will never look at Foosball the same again. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Water Pong:
Try your luck at a classic game of pong. Throw your football into the opposing team’s buckets of water before they do the same. Losing teams “usually” get wet. A good game on a hot day. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Bowling:
I twist on the American past time game in an outdoor setting. See if you have what it takes to make a strike. Open to all Scouts BSA/Ventures/Sea Scouts/Cub Scouts and adults.
Download The Tour Schedule For Arrival & Departure Times
Giant Springs, Fish Hatchery Tour & Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Giant Springs Trout Hatchery, a production facility constructed in 1928, houses egg incubators and forty interior raceways and can be seen from the visitor center. Giant Springs, the hatchery’s water supply, was discovered by Lewis & Clark in 1805. Giant Springs is one of the largest springs in the country and is the headwaters of one of the world’s shortest rivers, the Roe River. You will get the opportunity to see how fish are bred from egg to mature fish, where they are released into the wild. You will even get a chance to feed the fish.
https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail.action?lmsId=39753638
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center conveys President Thomas Jefferson’s vision of America’s expansion West. The center tracks the challenges faced by the expedition as they explored unknown territory and portaged the great falls of the Missouri River. It sheds light on the life and daily experiences of the expedition, the environment and its peoples. The tour will include an educational movie and a self-guided tour of the facility. Interactive displays and demonstrations will also be taking place.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hlcnf/recarea/?recid=61458
CM Russell Museum and Log House Studio Tour:
Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926) is one of America’s greatest artists. He lived the life he captured on canvas, creating a breathtaking historical record of the transforming Western cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Though Charlie was an internationally acclaimed “original cowboy artist,” he humbly valued friendship more than fame. His infectious humor, gifted storytelling, advocacy, and illustrated “paper talk” letters continue to elevate a treasured legacy. The tour includes an in-depth look at original Russell oils, watercolors, sculptures, and letters, with a visit to the artist’s log studio. Be inspired by his masterful works and experience the West as it was.
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art Tour and Art Project:
Paris Gibson Square, one of Great Falls’ oldest and most beloved landmarks, has served as a center for learning and growth for more than 100 years. The building, named after the founder of Great Falls, is a magnificent sandstone structure completed in 1896. In 1977, community volunteers renovated and reopened the historic building as Paris Gibson Square, a 45,000 square foot building designed to nurture the region’s creative spirit. The museum maintains a permanent collection of 800+ pieces, including Northwest regional contemporary art, American Indian contemporary art, and American self-taught art. Join us for a guided tour that will include a hands-on art project.
Water Treatment Plant and Waste Water Treatment Plant Tours:
The City of Great Falls was founded in 1884. At that time, water was delivered by horse and wagon to front porches in water barrels. In 1889 – after failing to raise sufficient funds a year earlier – the city granted a 20-year franchise to the Great Falls Water Company. The original system consisted of one steam-driven pump capable of 2 million gallons per day and 9 miles of pipe. In 1898, a special City purchased the water system from the Great Falls Water Company.
The Missouri River has remained the supply source for the water utility since 1889. The tour will provide an in-depth look at the entire filtration process, pure water, pump station and the filtration gallery.
In 1960, the City of Great Falls constructed a primary treatment plant, which included sedimentation, chlorine disinfection and anaerobic digestion for solids processing. After upgrades over the decades, the City now has over 256 miles of gravity sewer collection mains, ranging in age from over 100 years old to newly installed. On the tour, participants will be exposed to the whole plant and learn the entire treatment process from intake to output.
https://greatfallsmt.net/publicworks/wastewater-treatment-plant
https://greatfallsmt.net/publicworks/water-treatment-plant
Dam and Waterfall Tours:
The City of Great Falls consists of Morony Dam, the Great Falls at Ryan Dam, Cochrane Dam, Crooked Falls, Rainbow Falls at Rainbow Dam, Colter Falls and Black Eagle Falls at Black Eagle Dam.
In 1804, The Corps of Discovery, a specialized Military Unit, set out under orders from President Thomas Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition arrived in present-day Montana on April 27, 1805, and on June 13, 1805, Captain Meriwether Lewis wrote, “The grandest sight I ever beheld.”
The Dam Tour will consist of an up-close and personal tour of Black Eagle Falls and Dam, first dammed in 1890, from Black eagle Memorial Island.
You will then visit Rainbow Falls and Rainbow Dam. Recorded by Captain Lewis as “Beautifull Cascade” in his journal. Rainbow Falls’ “cascade of about fifty feet perpendicular” was untouched when the dam was first constructed in 1910. Crooked Falls can also be seen from the viewing platform just downriver from the Dam.
The tour will conclude with a visit to The Great Falls and Ryan Dam. You will cross a pedestrian suspension bridge onto Ryan Island Park and witness a true miracle of nature. The canyon walls show the arduous task of portaging around the Falls that laid ahead of the Expedition in 1805.
https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/about-great-falls/the-falls/
The Great Falls, Ryan Dam & Sacajawea Sulphur Springs Hike:
The tour will begin with a visit to The Great Falls and Ryan Dam. You will cross a pedestrian suspension bridge onto Ryan Island Park and witness a true miracle of nature. The canyon walls show the arduous task of portaging around the falls that lay ahead of the expedition in 1805.
After a 30 minute visit at the falls, you travel to Morony Dam and the trailhead for the hike. This 3.6 miles (round trip) graveled footpath, for hikers only, is along a relatively remote stretch of river and takes the adventurer to Sulphur Springs. Water from Sulphur Springs proved vital in treating Sacajawea’s illness during the 1805 portage at Great Falls. The interpretive signs along the trail offer information regarding Lewis and Clark expedition and the later hydroelectric developments. You will experience the landscape along the hike and see what the Corp of Discovery saw over 200 years ago. You will know when you arrive as the Sulphur smell will welcome you. A bottle will be provided for you to “take home a piece of Montana” and the water that cured Sacajawea. Be sure to bring a camera and binoculars.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hlcnf/recarea/?recid=62772
I need to Know……
Q – What is the cost and what does it include?
A – The cost is $100.00 per Montana Council Scout and Scouter BEFORE April 1, 2022. The goes up to $125 AFTER April 1, 2022, for all registrants. This price includes a campsite, eight meals (three dinners, two Lunches and three Breakfasts). The registration fee also includes all activities and a Special Event Patch.
Anyone under 5-years-old will be free at the event, so we encourage parents to bring their “Pre Cub” children to see what big sister or brother is doing.
The cost for out-of-council youth and adults is $125. This includes meals, camp site, pool party, programming, and closing concert.
Q – Are there activities for Cub Scouts?
A – We are including EVERY age Scout into our event. Yes, there will be activities for your Cub Scout. We will be conducting Cub Scout Day Camp with the theme being “Wild Wild West”. Additionally, there will be the Montana Council Pinewood Derby Finals, a Bike Rodeo plus plenty of other entertainment for your Cub Scout and family.
Q – Do I have to Register with a unit?
A – No, obviously we would like all Scouts to be part of a unit, but individual Scouts are encouraged to attend.
Q – What do I need to Bring?
A – You will need to bring all items as you would for a normal camp out (minus FOOD). That would include Field Uniforms, Class B Uniforms, Sleeping Gear and Tents.
Q – How will meals be provided? I know lunch will be grab-and-go, but what about the other two?
A – Meals will be provided by several means, Catered, Boxed Lunches, and Service Club provided. All safety standards per NCAP and Cascade County Health Department will be met.
Q – Will the RV camping for families be far from the tent camping?
A – RVs will not be parked near the actual tent campsite, although it will be within a reasonable distance (400 yards or so), this is to ensure no vehicular traffic near campers.
- RV spots pricing is based on your needs, full hook up, electric-only, and no services. They can be reserved on Tentaroo through your unit or individually. There is a limited number, so register early for the best selection. We will be strictly adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Q – Will there be easy access to running water?
A – Yes!
Q – What kind of commodity will we have for bathrooms/showers?
A – Plenty of both fixed toilet facilities and porta Johns will be available. Showers will not be available to campers. (Staff only)
Q – WCan sister Troops camp near their brother troop? We have a boy Troop and girl troop who share leadership
A – Please request this on Tentaroo in the comments. We will work to ensure close proximity, based on Guide to Safe Scouting and NCAP, that your request is met.
The Main Event and Central Area for the Expo will be at the Montana Expo Park. This 133-acre space, including 35 architecturally significant buildings will provide all of the Greenspace, Activity Area and Event facilities to accommodate even the most discerning camper.
With all of the Major Events, Campsites, and Activities located here. The ExpoPark will be a popular place to spend most of the days, and evenings.
Family Camping, to include RV sites will be available (additional cost for RV sites)
Secondary Activity areas will include the Electric City Water Park, Wadsworth Pond, Electric City Shooting Sports Complex, as well as the 50+ mile Rivers Edge Trail, West Bank Park, Elks Riverside Park and the Riverside Railyard Skate Park. All an easy trip for our Scouts and Scouters, with transportation provided for areas outside walking distance.
We are excited to be hosting the 2022 Montana Council State Pinewood Derby at the Expo.
Please visit our Pinewood Derby page for details and information.
Thursday, June 16
Move-in Day & Welcome Pool Party
Electric City Water Park
Friday, June 17
Outdoor Mercantile
Tours of Malmstrom Air Force Base
Montana Air National Guard C-130 Flights for Youth
Mountain Bike Tours
Hike the Rivers Edge Trail
Visits to Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and C.M. Russell Museum
Shooting Sports at Great Falls Shooting Sports Complex
Kayaking
Canoeing and Windsurfing on Broadwater Bay of the Missouri River
Friday Evening Entertainment (TBA).
Saturday, June 18
Grand Parade through Downtown Great Falls
Outdoor Mercantile
Tours of Malmstrom Air Force Base
Montana Air National Guard C-130 Flights for Youth
Mountain Bike Tours
Hike the Rivers Edge Trail
Visits to Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and C.M. Russell Museum
Shooting Sports at Great Falls Shooting Sports Complex Kayaking
Canoeing and Windsurfing on Broadwater Bay of the Missouri River
Saturday Evening – Closing Ceremony and Concert (Open to Public).
Sunday, June 19
Religious Service
Clean-up Day and Departure