Welcome! We are so excited for the opportunity to work with your child/student for our upcoming three-day, two-night outdoor education experience, and thrilled to welcome them to Camp Paxson and the incredible ecosystem of the convergence of Seeley Lake and the Clearwater River. Below is information regarding what to expect, what to have your child/student bring. Please reach out with any questions you may have!
What to Expect
Larch Outdoor Education’s home, Camp Paxson, sits on the shores of Seeley Lake and the Clearwater River, a 15-acre peninsula of land that Salish, Blackfeet and Crow tribes stewarded for centuries upon centuries. While the history of the land reaches centuries back, the buildings on this Forest Service landmark are just 80 years old. Beneath an old growth western larch forest canopy sit 15 log sleeping cabins, two bath houses, a caretaker’s cabin and an iconic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 and 1940.
The cabins have electricity and eight twin size beds with mattresses. We will sleep between 4 and 6 students to a cabin. The two bath houses have private toilet stalls, common hand washing stations and curtained off private showers. The Lodge has a full commercial kitchen and full meals and snacks will be provided for all students, teachers, chaperones and staff. The lodge has 12 8-foot tables allowing for plenty of space but maintaining coziness for our students. Most of our activities will be taking place outdoors, regardless of the weather (barring torrential downpours).
We have a lifeguard on staff as we are near water and some learning activities will be on the shore, or in canoes, although we don’t anticipate much swimming. We also have a wilderness first aid certified staff member, as well as a staff member who will oversee documenting and administering medications as dictated by guardians for any students for whom it will be required.
We are looking forward to providing opportunities for the students to connect with and learn from the land, plants and animals of the Seeley Lake ecosystem while also expanding their abilities to collaborate, engage in multiple ways of knowing, and develop their sense of self, empathy, confidence and creativity.
What to Bring
Each student will need the following:
- One sleeping bag (preferably rated at or below 10 degrees F) and pillow
- Toothbrush/toothpaste, brush, and other necessary toiletries
- Towel and toiletries for showers if student decides to use shower facilities during their stay
- Rain jacket and warm coat
Hat or sunscreen
Sturdy hiking/walking boots/shoes that can withstand brush and moisture (our longest journey is less than a mile) - Extra pair of boots/shoes and multiple pairs of socks are advised
- Warm sleeping clothes
Layered clothing for variable weather - Reusable water bottle
Medication if needed and instructions for administering that medication - Mask if the current times call for them
*Please contact your teacher if you cannot supply something on the list above. We will be able to accommodate your student’s needs! It is of the upmost importance to us that your student has the opportunity to participate comfortably and fully.