Winter Camp collaborative project hosted for students at Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Winter Camp attendees.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS — Winter Camp at Yellowstone was a collaborative project between Yellowstone Forever and several internal Shoshone-Bannock Tribal departments, including the 477 Education Program, Tribal Health and Human Services (Waapi Kani Mental Wellness & Recovery), and the Language and Cultural Preservation Department.
Together, they organized an intergenerational event that welcomed both youth and adults to participate in activities within the park.
It marks their second year partnering with the non-profit organization Yellowstone Forever, which enabled up to 26 participants to attend. The program covered meals, mileage reimbursement, stipends, and lodging. Highlights of this year’s camp included a visit to Yellowstone Hot Springs, snowshoeing adventures, and a snow coach trip to West Yellowstone to witness the iconic Old Faithful.
Each day, students and chaperones ventured into the park to observe wildlife, explore geological features, and learn about the impacts of climate change on the environment. They hiked and snowshoed along parts of the historic Bannock Trail, experiencing breathtaking views similar to those seen by tribal ancestors. Additionally, the group visited the Heritage & Research Center in Gardiner, Montana, where they examined artifacts such as arrowheads, rock bowls, and other significant items.
After returning from their outdoor excursions, participants engaged in cultural sessions that fostered mental wellness and celebrated traditional practices. These sessions included cultural ceremonies, Bannock language lessons, and hands-on workshops where attendees crafted their own lip butter, porcupine quill earrings, quill sewing projects, beaded earrings, and cedar bags. The enriching experience combined outdoor exploration with cultural education, strengthening connections to the land and heritage.
