Conservation & Hunt Program: Montana's Bighorn River

The beauty of Montana, the thrill of catching rainbow trout, the soothing crackling of a campsite fire, the laughter emanating from newly formed friendships -- all these things were aspects of a very successful summer trip by the Benedictine Schools of Richmond Conservation & Hunt Program.

Del Smith ‘01, BSoR Vice-President of Mission, who founded and leads the program with BCP English teacher Michael Kaplan ’01, says, “The 2025 capstone trip was the best one yet. One of the highlights for me was having Oliver Muhlenfeld (BCP '25), who attended the trip with us in 2023, participate as a counselor with Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions. It was a full circle moment for our program." 

 

Smith adds that having both Benedictine and Saint Gertrude students attend enhanced the experience, as did having BSoR Board of Trustees member, Joe Swedish '69, join the group for the second time. 

 

"I sometimes forget how impactful these trips can be," says Smith. "Hearing our program graduates talk about how transformative their involvement has been reinforces the importance of providing unique educational experiences for our students.”

 

"I think the group we took to Montana this year was a special group," explains Kaplan. "In the past, most of our trips had been groups of students who were already well acquainted with each other, but this trip's participants spanned all four classes and social niches within both schools." Regardless, Kaplan shares that the group  galvanized quickly and immediately started to enjoy each other's company. 

 

"The outdoors is a phenomenal place to honor and praise our Lord," adds Kaplan. "I was so impressed to watch our students voluntarily come together each night under the cerulean Big Sky to pray the Rosary, thanking our Lord for the gifts we find within the natural world and for the opportunities to enjoy them. I was incredibly grateful to be invited to pray with them."  

 

Kaplan notes that, of course, the fishing was great. "It was challenging, but everyone caught a big one.”