Hello 4-H campers (and parents and guardians),
We’re thrilled that you are joining us for camp this summer! Some of you have been to camp before, and for others, this will be their first time—either way, get ready for a fun and unforgettable 4-H experience! This year’s camp theme is “Hollywood Lights and Campfire Nights,” and your camp counselors have been working hard at planning activities, challenges, games and more to celebrate 4-H at the movies. Following is some info about camp, our policies, and a packing list for what and what not to bring.
We’re pleased to be returning to Loon Lake 4-H camp near Bigfork this year. This is a dedicated 4-H camp set in the trees, with beautiful Loon Lake providing opportunities for canoeing, swimming and water games. Campers will be paired with at least two camp counselors in each cabin (cabins hold eight people). The camp has a main lodge where we will eat, hold workshops and craft activities. There is a large open field in the middle of the camp where we will play traditional 4-H camp group games. As long as Flathead County remains clear of fire restrictions, we’ll hold nightly campfires and enjoy skits, snacks, and songs. Rest assured, teen camp counselors will accompany your kids every step of the way. In addition to camp counselors, we will be joined by several adult chaperones: volunteers Gretchen Mundinger and Danyel Bauer, nurse Jen McKay, Lewis & Clark Extension Agent Jane Wolery, and Luke Duran, camp coordinator. Volunteer Ben Rude will also be joining us for a day for some archery workshops. Meals will be prepared by Loon Lake camp staff. We are grateful to Loon Lake Camp Director Jill Kahanek who maintains excellent facilities and provides a fantastic camp experience.
Check-in
You are responsible for your transportation to Loon Lake. We strongly encourage carpooling to help each other out, and to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. We will be checking in campers at Loon Lake 4-H Camp on Monday, August 3 at 12:00 noon. Please arrive on time, and DO NOT arrive early. All medications must be checked in at registration with our camp nurse, Jen. Breakfast and lunch are not provided this day, so please make sure you have had something to eat to start your day. We’ll have an afternoon snack available, and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. that first day.
Location
Loon Lake 4-H Camp is located near Ferndale, Montana. The address is 29906 Loon Lake Road, Bigfork, MT 59911. The camp is approximately 175 miles from Helena, about a 3-hour drive. The most direct route is through Avon, up to Seely Lake, and then up the Swan River Valley on Highway 83. Turn left at Highway 209 to Ferndale, look for the sign to Loon Lake 4-H Camp. The camp emergency-only phone number is (406) 298-2267.
Carpooling
If you have extra seats and can transport other campers, please let other camper families know. Conversely, if you need a ride to camp, let others know. We have set up a BAND group for 2026 4-H Camp where you can post a message, coordinate, and offer a ride to others. Scan the QR code or join the BAND group here:
https://band.us/n/a6a1b4Dd13oaT
Food
Do not bring food, gum or snacks to camp. This is grizzly country—food is not allowed in the cabins. If you have a health reason to bring your own food, let us know prior to arriving so we can make arrangements to store your food in the camp kitchen. Important: the kitchen staff cannot accommodate serious food allergies like nuts. They will provide some lactose-intolerant and gluten-free choices.
Teen counselors will host a concession stand with some candy and snacks available for purchase during two afternoons of camp. This is a fundraiser for our teen camp counselors to celebrate after camp is over. We are not responsible for lost money, and we don’t want you to get sick from eating a bunch of sugar, so please just bring a small amount to purchase a few snacks. We suggest no more than $5 to 10.
During camp, the kitchen staff has notified us that in order to conserve water and reduce dish-washing, they will not be providing water cups throughout the day. You must bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. There is a water-bottle filling station at camp.
The kitchen staff prepare healthy, delicious kid-friendly meals. Please respect their efforts—just like you would at home, practice good table manners, and let’s work hard to avoid waste—take only what you are going to eat. We don’t want to see a bunch of food going in to the trash.
Schedule
Our days are packed, but we allow down-time for rest, reading, crafts and recharging. Campers, you can expect long, active days—we’re out of bed at 7:00 a.m., and lights go out in the cabins around 10:00 to 10:30 p.m. You will be exhausted and ready for bedtime each night! We’ve built in rest time if you want to take a nap in the afternoon, and down time during our swimming hours if you just want to sit by the water, read a book, do a puzzle, or hang out.
Phone/electronic devices policy
We strive to make 4-H camp an immersive “off-the-grid” experience, free from the distractions of phone calls, social media and mobile games. Phones will be collected at camper check-in. This policy applies to all campers and teen counselors. We will allow campers to use their phones on the last night so that they can take selfies and photos of the friends they have made at camp. Rest assured, adults at camp will be taking photos to capture the moments, and will share those photos after camp. Other than a cell phone, no other electronic devices are permitted at camp, including smart watches and other wearable devices. We will confiscate all devices until camp ends. Counselors will wake campers each morning.
4-H Camp rules and policies
When you registered for camp, you signed an agreement to abide by our camper rules. We will go over these rules again with you at the beginning of camp so we can avoid potential issues, to respect the camp facilities, and to make sure we support each other and have a great time.
Some older campers may be the same age as our youngest teen counselors—despite the age similarity, it’s important that you afford our camp counselors the courtesy and respect they deserve, and recognize their authority in the cabins and during activities. Parents, we do not honor special placements in cabins, pairing with friends, etc. Please don’t ask. The goal is for our campers to make new friends, and become part of our “camp village.” We recognize that for some campers, this may be their first overnight away from home, and we take great care to make sure every camper is included and recognized. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to practice self-awareness and independence.
Water safety
We permit campers to enjoy supervised play along a designated shore area of Loon Lake, on the dock, and in canoes. Canoes must have an adult or teen counselor accompanying. In all areas, life jackets are mandatory for all campers and counselors, no exceptions. The camp has lots of life jackets in all sizes, but you may bring your own. No diving is allowed. All swim time is monitored by adult chaperones and teen counselors.
Lewis & Clark County 4-H Camp is a youth-driven experience. Your teen counselors have been planning camp activities and training to be excellent leaders for the past six months. They have created an exciting agenda filled with games, adventure, learning, creativity and exploration. We intend to have a fun-filled, inclusive, memorable and drama-free experience. We expect your full participation and engagement in all the fun, games and activities your counselors have planned. See you at 4-H Summer Camp!
Adult leaders: Danyel Bauer, Luke Duran, Jennifer McKay, Gretchen Mundinger, Ben Rude, and Jane Wolery
Teen camp counselors: Ayla, Ben, Cammie, Ella, Gabe, Greta, Hahn, Hailey, Kenlei, Kortney, Lexi, Liam, Lily, Luke, Macey, Maya, Nara, Trevor
In case of emergency, you can reach Loon Lake 4-H camp at 406.758.5553
