DILLON, Mont. – In a continued effort to showcase Montana Western current and former student-athletes as more than just a number on a jersey, UMW Athletics continues on with its regular web series titled "Off the Leash". You can view the collections of stories as they are released by clicking here.
 
Off the Leash Series #3: Birch Creek Outdoor Education Camp
Over the course of this past summer, Bulldog basketball players Brynley Fitzgerald and Tanner Haverfield had the opportunity to serve the Dillon community in a rather unique way. The pair worked together to lead two three-week sessions of outdoor adventures through the Birch Creek Outdoor Education Center and the Montana Western School of Outreach office.

Brynley and Tanner spent their camp days leading middle school students in learning about a variety of different outdoor topics and subjects. The goal of the camp was to create a fun, exciting, and playful learning experience for kids, while also teaching them about all of the amazing things the outdoors has to offer. The program was extremely hands-on and allowed kids to explore new avenues in nature, while creating friendships and memories with their peers.
 
"I figured it would be a great opportunity for me to further my educational background as I am entering my student-teaching classes this fall." senior Brynley Fitzgerald said. "Tanner and I both had the opportunity in 5th grade to attend an overnight field trip at Birch Creek and thought it would be really cool to help kids experience all of the great things we did at that age. The camp was a great opportunity and we enjoyed every aspect of it. We created awesome bonds with all of the participants and even helped some of them reel in a few fish and catch a couple frogs. It was the best summer job and we hope to see some of the kids at some basketball games this fall and winter."

Brynley is a senior on the women's basketball team and will earn her degree in elementary education and Tanner is a senior on the men's basketball team and will be earning his degree in both ecology and mathematics upon the completion of this upcoming year.