Wilderness Adventures has expanded their offerings through the acquisition of Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures (MOLA). After celebrating the company’s 50th season of youth travel adventures, owners Tom and Catherine Holland announced the program addition which will seek to build off MOLA’s strong day camp program in Missoula, Montana. “MOLA has been a successful day camp in the Missoula area for over 20 years. Like many of our programs, it introduces outdoor adventures to children and helps them to grow in new and exciting ways through day camp programming,” says WA owner and director Tom Holland.
Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures has been a critical part of the summer camp landscape in Missoula since its founding in 2000 by J. Porter Hammitt. The program runs week-long sessions throughout the summer. Campers spend their days hiking, biking, rafting, canoeing, rock climbing and adventuring in the Missoula area. Ages of participants in the program are 6-14 years old. Founder and former director Porter Hammitt commented, “It’s always been the goal of MOLA to get kids outside and active. I am confident that Wilderness Adventures will continue that important work in our community.” Says Holland, “This summer, we plan to operate MOLA as Porter has for 23 years. He has left his mark on this great program, and we have enjoyed working with him throughout this transition to continue to offer exceptional camp programming to the families of Western Montana.”
Wilderness Adventures has already sought to continue the legacy of MOLA by making a critical hire for this upcoming season. MOLA will be led by longtime MOLA staff member, former MOLA assistant director and Missoula local, Cass Stoltzfus. Holland says, “With the great history of this program in the community, Cass’s leadership as camp director, and the support of our whole team at WA, we are excited to see where MOLA can go in the future.” Says MOLA Director Cass Stoltfuz, “I look forward to continuing my work with MOLA and I am excited for the opportunities we can continue to give Missoula’s youth.”
To enroll your child in MOLA (enrollment open on 1/17/2023) or learn about summer employment opportunities please visit wildernessadventures.com/mola. Wilderness Adventures was founded in 1973 and offers overnight, outdoor adventure programs on four continents to 4th – 12th graders. More recently, program has grown to include day camp programs through Wilderness Adventures’ Base Camp which serves campers kindergarten through eighth grade.
