Groups/Organizations - Youth groups
• Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County. 617 S. Higgins Ave. 542-3116. Teen line: 721-8802. Six after-school program sites for ages 6-12. Center offers music/video recording studio, music program, media arts program, mentoring program, yoga, creative writing, computer labs, art room and recreation room. Summer Fun Day Camp and Christmas and spring break camps for ages 6-11. Off-site locations at Council Grove, University of Montana Village Housing, Lolo School, Bonner School, Joseph Residence, Target Range.
• Boy Scouts of America. Contact Pat Hossle, (406) 544-1635. Summer camps, Missouri River float trips available. Statewide fall membership kickoff begins in September. Boys may join any time during the year.
• Boy Scouts of America-Montana Council, Mullan Trail District, P.O. Box 17784, Missoula, 59808. (406) 761-6000 or (888) 761-6001. Missoula-area e-mail: Cory.Cook@scouting.org. The district encompasses scouting from Superior to Drummond, and Missoula to Seeley Lake. The 42 Cub, Boy, Varsity, Venture and Sea Scout units offer fun and adventure while instilling and developing lifetime values and ethical character, and training young people in citizenship, service and leadership in a safe environment.
• Camp Fire USA-Ponderosa Council. 2700 Clark St. 542-2129. Youth 18 months-18 years. Programs include after-school and day camps, resident camps and day child care.
• Civil Air Patrol. Capt. Peter Graff, 549-3066. Website: www.capnhq.gov. An auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Provides emergency services, aerospace education and cadet leadership training. Welcomes adults who have earned a private pilot’s license and adults who are interested in becoming trained in radio communications, emergency services, aerospace education or working with cadets. The cadet program for ages 12-18 develops leadership skills, military bearing, civic awareness and, through a promotion program, allows cadets to learn how to fly single-engine airplanes. Cadets also are trained in emergency services and practice once a month with adult members. Meets 6:30-9 p.m. Monday at the National Guard Armory.
• DeMolay. An organization dedicated to preparing young men ages 12-21 to lead successful and happy lives, develop civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills. Jason Combs, Melita Chapter presiding officer, 549-6220; Allen Schmidt, advisory board chairman, 549-4678. Builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide. Meets first and third Wednesdays of the Month, Masonic Temple, 126 E. Broadway, third floor.
• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Contact Diann Pommer, 2825 Santa Fe Court. 258-4208. Hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Evening appointments available.Targets limited-income families with children to improve nutrition, cooking and budgeting skills. A series of six nutrition lessons are available and taught at all Title Ischools for first-, third- and fifth-graders.
• Girl Scouts of the Big Sky Council. (406) 252-0488 or (800) 823-4475. E-mail: janis@gsmw.org. Website: www.gsmw.org. The premier organization for girls and women for more than 90 years, serving girls from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Greater Missoula Youth for Christ. 1515 Fairview Ave., Suite 210. 721-6533. Brent Gyuricza, executive director.
• GUTS! (Girls Using Their Strengths). Jen Euell, 543-6691. E-mail: jeuell@ywcaofmissoula.org. GUTS! is the girls leadership project of YWCA Missoula. Through after-school groups, community service projects and summer outdoor wilderness adventures, GUTS! helps girls ages 9-18 build self-esteem, discover their unique strengths and talents, and develop as leaders.
• Kids Klub, Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks St. (406) 721-5140. Website: www.shopsouthgate.com/kidsklub.html. On one Tuesday every month, Southgate Mall Kids Klub hosts a fun-filled, free craft and creative activities located at Sears Court in the shopping center. Membership is free and is a great way for parents and children to spend time together. A yearlong schedule is available on the website. The monthly craft is first come, first served and is open 4-7 p.m.
• Missoula County 4-H Program. 2825 Santa Fe Court. 258-4201. In Missoula County, 425 youth are enrolled in the 4-Hprogram. Every 4-H member belongs to a 4-H club and there are 21 clubs to choose from; new clubs can be formed. Clubs have regular meetings and are run by elected youth officers with the help of adult volunteers. At club meetings, parliamentary procedure is practiced, community service projects are organized and accomplished, fundraising skills are learned and fun social events are held. Youth must age 9 or older during the 4-H year, Oct. 1-Sept 30.
• Missoula FFA Chapter. 728-0130. Meets second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Agriculture-Education Building, 3631 South Ave. W. Elections held in May. Open to all high school students who are involved in agriculture education.
• Montana Automotive Technologies. 112 S. Garfield. W. 541-6284. Website: www.montanaautomotivetechnologies.org. Alan Ault, president; J. Nelson, vice president. Located in the building of the Missoula Transportation and Restoration Museum, Montana Automotive Technologies is a nonprofit organization that provides mentors and education to young adults through hands-on training. This training is offered afternoons and weekends and focuses on building basic skills and knowledge about general automotive mechanics and the restoration of vintage/classic automobiles. The organization is committed to teaching life skills and providing vocational education; fostering partnerships between young adults and senior adult mentors; and promoting the importance of civic participation and community involvement.
• NCBI Respect Clubs (middle schools). Heidi Wallace, 541-6891. Website: www.ncbimissoula.org. NCBI’s Respect Clubs help kids learn to celebrate diversity and build self-esteem in a safe, service-oriented setting.
• Sea Scout Ship 102, 1534 Tamarack St. Skipper Chris Roberts, 549-3090. E-mail: croberts@powwowcountry.com. Sea Scouts meet each Monday at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. Sea Scouts are a co-ed outdoor youth program founded in 1912. Activities involve boating and aquatics, but also include hiking, camping, snow sports, bicycling and more. Sea Scouts combine maritime traditions with modern technology. Sea Scout Ship 102 is the only unit in Montana and welcomes girls and boys between ages 13-21 and interested adults.
• Teen Board, Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks St. 721-5140. Website: www.shopsouthgate.com/teen.html. This youth-oriented, volunteer program provides an opportunity for college-bound high school juniors and seniors interested in leadership and self-development in the areas of public relations, business, communications or fashion. Teen Board members produce fashion shows, take part in community service projects and create special events. Past events the students have participated in include the Back to School Fashion Show, yhe University of Montana Relay for Life and the Christmas-in-a-Box program benefiting needy families in the Missoula area. Each year, the group awards a Southgate Mall Teen Board Scholarship to one of its members. New member applications are accepted until mid-September of each new school year and are available at Guest Services in Southgate Mall or on the website.
• Teen Challenge Montana Outreach Women’s Residential Center. 3815 S. Seventh St. W., 543-1912; Thrift Store, 1035 Mount Ave., 728-1171.