Kid for the Wild Scholarship In Celebration of the Life of Walkin’ Jim Stoltz The Kid for the Wild Scholarship is a tribute to the memory and vision of Walkin’ Jim Stoltz and his "kid for the wild" spirit.  Jim was a singer songwriter, poet, photographer, painter and long distance hiker from Big Sky and Helena, Montana . Jim hiked over 28,000 miles through the wilderness of North America – a true mountain man who experienced the wonder and wisdom of natural world with the heart of a child.  Jim performed at many schools throughout the United States for children of all ages; 2 to 92!    Forever Wild!  Walkin’ Jim Stoltz 1953 - 2010 The goal of this scholarship is to provide an opporunity for youth to experience the outdoors in ways that may change their lives.  The scholarship supports opportunities that open minds, build self-confidence, develop understanding, appreciation and further stewardship for the natural world.   Up to $750 is awarded annually to two young people, ages 12-17 who best demonstrate their desire and need to pursue experiences that encourage their connections with the natural world. Scholarships will be awarded for summer experiences that emphasize nature exploration, environmental science, wilderness adventures, and leadership in the outdoors. These experiences can include summer camps, trips, and travel.   To be considered, submit the scholarship application by February 15, 2012.  Since most of the programs currently envisioned are in Montana, Montana residents are given preference.  We hope to expand the opportunity in upcoming years.    Kid for the Wild Scholarship Detail Two scholarship recipients will be chosen per year. Each will receive up to $750 to help support an adventurous and educational experience in the outdoors. Application submissions must be received by February 15, 2012. Award recipients will be contacted and announced on March 30, 2012. The scholarship must be used during the year which it is awarded. Scholarship recipients must make one public presentation about their experience (to their school, church, local library, etc.) following their return. Scholarships are awarded to the applicants who best demonstrate both a commitment to and interest in the natural world, and who can articulate why this scholarship will make a difference in their lives. Listed below are examples of the kinds of camps and programs the scholarship will support. We also want to encourage proposals for other potential life changing outdoor adventures an applicant has dreamed of endeavoring in their lives.  Encouraging connections with the natural world is our ultimate hope for applicants.  Camp Examples and Programs: Alpengirls, A travelling camp experience for girls 11-17, Bozeman, Montana, www.alpengirlcamp.com  Colvig Silver Camps, Boys and girls grades 5-11 outdoor adventure camp near Durango, Colorado, www.colvigsilvercamps.com  National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Lander, Wyoming, Boys and Girls 14-17, A leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership for people and the environment, www.Nols.edu  Sanborn Western Camps, Florissant, CO, Residential traditional summer camp with riding and backpacking boys and girls, 12-17, www.sanbornwesterncamps.com  Teton Valley Ranch Camp, Dubois, Wyoming, A residential traditional Western camp with riding and backpacking; boys and girls 11-16, www.tvrcamp.com  Wilderness Ventures, Jackson, Wyoming, Travelling adventure camps for sixth grade and up in US and international, www.wildernessventures.com   A few more opportunities to use scholarship:   Under Western Skies (UWS) offers a summer adventure camp for teenage boys age 13-16 that offers 2 weeks of teen wilderness adventure travel in SW Montana near Bozeman, MT and Yellowstone National Park, www.uwsadventures.com Glacier Institute offers a variety youth opportunities throughout each summer.  Explore and adventure in the Crown of the Continent, www.glacierinstitute.org/index.htm NwC was initiated and is staffed by local community members. As an organization they believe that local knowledge adds depth and breadth to our scientific and educational work. They are attempting to pioneer a 'new' way of looking at ecosystems: one that recognizes and appreciates the variability in nature and therefore the importance of information which is site specific and which is collected over an ample period of time. www.northwestconnections.org Apply Here!   Send completed application packet to: Kid for the Wild Scholarship c/o Leslie Stoltz PO Box 160477 Big Sky, MT 59716

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