BEAR was established in 1993 under the umbrella of the Down Home Project (DHP) as an all volunteer organization. Other projects of DHP include M.U.D.D. and Garden City Seeds. Initially, the programs focused on providing volunteer presenters to schools on environmental education topics. A few years later, three staff members made it all work. Between 1998 and 2000 summer outdoor programs were added and BEAR established its 501(c)3 status.
Over time, more robust experiential, outdoor services were developed. The program Bitterroot Venture became a year-round program in 2008, with 125 youth being served annually. In 2010, Bitterroot Venture was enhanced with one-on-one and group mentoring elements. Community summer camps were added to provide for summer enrichment and child care needs in the valley. Currently through Venture Out, Summer Camps, and the Venture Ed, each year over 300 youth experience strengths-based support and outdoor connection.
With waiting lists for BEAR mentoring programs and a lack of all season summer programming in the community, BEAR hopes to continue to build resources for meeting these community needs.
Over time, more robust experiential, outdoor services were developed. The program Bitterroot Venture became a year-round program in 2008, with 125 youth being served annually. In 2010, Bitterroot Venture was enhanced with one-on-one and group mentoring elements. Community summer camps were added to provide for summer enrichment and child care needs in the valley. Currently through Venture Out, Summer Camps, and the Venture Ed, each year over 300 youth experience strengths-based support and outdoor connection.
With waiting lists for BEAR mentoring programs and a lack of all season summer programming in the community, BEAR hopes to continue to build resources for meeting these community needs.
