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Classes

Community Programs
programs for individuals
Spring 2010!
Winter 2009
Group Programs
(scouts, church groups, etc.)
 
Elementary School Programs
 
Programs for Preschool Businesses
 
Programs for Middle School Teams Programs for Teachers

Registration Page

When does our next class brochure come out and
when can I register?
(click here)

Other Class links:
Permanent Orienteering Course On-Site
DDN Courses for K-2 Students .pdf chart

Join our e-mail newsletter to get the latest class information!  (click here)


 

 

Spring 2010

Registration opens February 16th at 7 AM for March, April and May programs.

Preschool Programs

Nature Story Time 2-4 year olds with an adult partner
Class size:
15 (Pre-registration required)
Miss Sandy will explore our nature library as she reads stories about nature, animals and activities in the outdoors.
Monday, March 8th, Monday, April 19th, Monday, May 17th
Class time:
10-11 a.m.

Sprouts (3-4 yr olds)
Start young! Sprouts classes help expose preschoolers to the natural world through a variety of age-appropriate activities.Remember to dress in clothing that can get dirty and for the weather! Choose ONE
date each month.
Class Size: 15 (with an adult partner)

“D” is for Deer
Join us for the opportunity to touch a deer pelt, handle an antler and check out what a deer’s foot really looks like. We will create a deer craft as well as explore one of the state’s most common critters.
Class dates:
(pick one of the following)

  • Wednesday, March 3 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, March 6 from 10 to 10:45 OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, March 20 from 10 to 10:45 OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, March 24 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

“E” is for Eagle
South Dakota is home to two different eagles, the golden eagle and our national symbol the bald eagle. We’ll dive into the lives of South Dakota’s eagles. There will be a nifty craft and the opportunity to see just how you would measure up in the bird world.

Class dates:
(pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, April 10 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, April 14 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, April 24 from 10 to 10:45 OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, April 28 from 10 to 10:45 OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

“F” is for Frog
Come meet our resident leopard frog and American toads, create a craft and listen to what some of South Dakota’s other frogs have to say in the spring!
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Wednesday, May 5 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, May 8 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, May 15 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45 a.m.

Young Naturalist Programs

Young Naturalist Programs (5-7 yr olds)
This fun program can introduce your little naturalist to South Dakota’s unique wildlife. Programs include a craft, outdoor hike, activities and games. Please dress in clothes that can get dirty and for the weather! Choose ONE
date each month.

Bison Bonanza
South Dakota is one of the few places left on earth that the bison, the giant of the prairie, can still be found roaming free. We invite you to learn about the life and history of bodacious bison. So hurry on down, just don’t start a stampede as you rush to The Outdoor Campus.
Class size: 15 Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, March 6 from 10 to 10:45 OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, March 20 from 10 to 10:45 OR 11 to 11:45 a.m.

A Gaggle of Geese
What on earth is a gaggle of geese? We will cover that and more as we explore the world of the Canada goose with hands on activities, as well as the possibility of seeing a Canada goose and maybe getting a good look at a nest.
Class size: 15 Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, April 10 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, April 24 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45 a.m.

Beaver Basics
Experience a working beaver lodge, feel fresh beaver chews and explore the home of North  America’s busiest little engineer. Be prepared to go outdoors. This will be an amazing experience.
Class size: 15 Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, May 8 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, May 15 from 10-10:45 a.m. OR 11-11:45

Young Angler: Fishing Basics
What better way to spend a day than fishing our well-stocked pond? Learn the basics of fishing, including equipment, safety and ethics before dropping your hook. Youth should bring a hat and sunglasses. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Class size: 20
Class dates:
Sat, May 22nd from 10-noon

Junior Naturalist Programs (8-12 yr olds
We’ll look at South Dakota’s diverse wildlife and habitats through fun crafts, games and outdoor exploration. Please dress in clothes that can get dirty and for the weather, as we’ll spend part of our time outside!

Squirrels of The Outdoor Campus Squirrels are everywhere in Sioux Falls and all over South Dakota during this time of year, however they are even more rambunctious than usual. Join us to learn why!
Class size:
20
Class date:

  • Sat, March 6 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

  • Sat, March 20 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Bunnies of South Dakota South Dakota is home to two different kinds of bunnies. Take one big step or one giant leap on your way on over to The Outdoor Campus and we will explore the lives and abilities of these outstanding athletes.
Class size:
20
Class date:

  • Saturday, April 10 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, April 24 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Spring Snakes
Snakes have been sleeping for the entire winter and now is the time for them to venture back out into the wild where we can enjoy their presence. During this program you will have the opportunity to visit with our resident snakes, learn about the lives of these spring snakes and try your luck at finding some of these scaly cold blooded critters in the wild.
Class size: 20
Class date:

  • Sat, May 8 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

  • Sat, May 15 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Jr. Angler: Ice Fishing Basics Get a short introduction to ice fishing, and then go fishing on our pond. We provide the equipment, but please dress for the weather, including waterproof boots. Program cancels if there’s less than 8” of good quality ice.
Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, March 13 from 10:30 to noon

Jr. Explorer: Orienteering Learn the basics behind using a compass. After participants have a general understanding of how to use a compass we will turn them loose on The Outdoor Campus orienteering course to see just how many of our markers they can find using their map and compass. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, March 27 from 10:00 to noon OR 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Jr. Hunter: Turkey Hunting Basics Come join us for an action-packed afternoon as we learn all about the tricks of the trade in hunting the wild turkey. Improve your shot with BB guns at the range, and practice using several types of calls. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Class size:
20
Class date: Saturday, April 17 from 10:00 to noon OR 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Jr. Angler: Fishing Basics
What better way to spend a day than fishing our well-stocked pond? Learn the basics of fishing, including equipment, safety and ethics before dropping your hook. Individual signed
waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Class size:
20
Class date: Saturday, May 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Adventure Camp
The Outdoor Campus is pleased to offer an adventure camp over this year’s spring break. We will be offering the opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor activities during this unpredictable yet beautiful time of year. Due to the unpredictability of the weather during South Dakota springs activities will be dependent on the weather. Possible activities include, ice fishing, archery, orienteering, paddling etc… Can’t wait to see you here!

Class size:
20
Class date: Thursday, April 1 from 9:00 to noon OR Friday, April 2 from 9:00 to noon

Family Programs (all ages unless otherwise listed)

Evening Owl Prowl
Join us on an evening prowl as we search for some of South Dakota’s outstanding owl species. Come learn about amazing adaptations that these birds have developed to survive in the moonlit night, and go for a nice evening walk around The Outdoor Campus. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly!

Age:
Families; Minors if accompanied by an adult Class size: 20
Class date: Thursday, March 4 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Nifty Nature Walks
If you love the outdoors, or are interested in doing more activities outdoors, join us on an informal walk around campus. We will discuss and explore what ever happens to come our way. The great thing about nature is that you never know what you are going to see! Bring sun screen, a hat and shades, we will be outdoors for the entire program.

Age:
All ages; minors if accompanied by an adult Class size: 20
Class dates:

  • Saturday, March 6th 8:00-9:00 a.m. Raptors of SD

  • Saturday, April 10th 8:00-9:00 a.m. Waterfowl

  • Saturday May 8th 8:00-9:00 a.m. Reptiles and Amphibians

Family Ice Fishing Get a short introduction to ice fishing, and then go fishing on our pond. We provide the equipment, but please dress for the weather, including waterproof boots. Program cancels if there’s less than 8” of good quality ice. All attending family members must be registered! Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class.
Age: Families; Age 5 and up Class size: 25
Class date: Saturday, March 13th 1:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Basics of Snow Goose Cooking
Sky Carp! Flying Rats! Nasty nicknames for the abundant snow goose. Join us as we explore the world of the snow goose through tasty recipes and find out how you can help with conservation efforts.

Age:
Families; Minors if accompanied by an adult Class size: 100
Class date: Thursday, April 1 from 6:00—7:30 p.m.

Family Egg Hunt Extravaganza
Hop on down to The Outdoor Campus and use a compass and map to orienteer yourself to some egg treats hidden throughout The Outdoor Campus grounds. There will be snacks and super prizes for all ages. Good hunting!
Age: Families; 3 years old and up with an adult
Class size: 25 Class date: Saturday, April 3 with 2 start times to choose from 1:00 or 1:30 PM

Family Movie Day
Come relax with us for two Sunday afternoons, one in Marchand one in April. We’ll watch a family-friendly nature themed movie in the theater on our big screen!! Call the Campus at 362-2777 or email toc@state.sd.us to find out what’s showing when. All attending family member must be registered.
Age: Families; All minors must be accompanied by an adult
Class size: 125
Class dates: Sunday, March 14th from 1:30 to approximately 3:15 p.m. and Sunday, April 18th from 1:30 to approximately 3:15 p.m.

Geocaching 101
Learn the basics of Global Positioning Systems and how it got started. We’ll get outside and use a GPS
receiver to navigate a GPS course as we search for hidden caches! Program participants will use the Campus’ Garmin GPS receivers. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; Age 8 and up Class size: 25
Class date: Thursday, May 6th from 6-7:30 p.m.

Family Fishing Basics
Fishing is a great outdoor activity for the whole family. Learn what equipment you will need, ractice your casting and test your fishing skills at our pond. We'll provide all of the equipment; you should bring a hat and sunglasses.
Individually signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All family members attending need to be pre-registered.
Age: All ages; minors if accompanied by an adult
Class size: 25 Class date: Choose one of the following

  • Saturday, May 15 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

  • Tuesday, May 25 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Fireside Food Join us to learn some fun ways to cook your meals using Dutch ovens, sticks, foil and more. Improve your fire building skills, too. We will also discuss Leave No Trace camping ethics. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered! Please wear closed toe shoes.
Age: Families; Age 5 and up
Class size: 20 Class date: Saturday, May 1st 1:00 – 3:00 p.m OR Sunday, May 16th 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Archery 101 Deer, turkey, bear and bulls’-eyes await your arrows on the lawn of The Outdoor Campus. This class will teach you and your family the basics of archery in a fun and safe environment. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; Age 10 and up Class size: 20
Class date: Thursday, May 20th 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Gardening with the Masters- Vegetable Gardening 101
This series of three workshops focuses on training new to somewhat experienced gardeners how to enjoy and be successful at vegetable gardening. Gardening has become more popular than ever as the interest in locally grown food has increased and the cost of produce has gone up. We welcome individuals or families to the program which will walk through the planning, producing and harvesting stages of gardening.
Session 1:
Thursday, March 25, 6:00-8:00pm
Site selection, soil basics, understanding planting, starting trans plants and garden planning

Session 2: Thursday, May 20, 6:00-8:00pm
Planting, garden maintenance, tools, vegetable pests and diseases

Session 3: Thursday, June 3, 6:00-8:00pm
Weed control, harvesting and storage basics, fall garden clean-up and composting, current garden concerns

The cost is $2 per workshop. Registration required for each workshop. Program provided by the Minnehaha Master Gardeners in association with the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service.

 

Adult Programs  (18 and up unless otherwise listed)
 

Custom Rod Building
Join Volunteer Instructors John Hagerman and Kenny Bratzel as they lead students through the process of building a custom fishing rod. You may take the class whether you are new to rod building or have a little experience under your belt. Please thoroughly read the following information about this class! Individually signed
waivers are required for all participants in this class. During the orientation, class participants will learn about the rod building process, rods that can be built (including spinning, spin casting and fly rods), elements of a rod, and associated costs. At the end of the orientation, John will guide you through deciding what to buy. You will be responsible for ordering your rod components and covering the cost of the components! A complete component set starts at approximately $50. The building sessions will take you step-by-step through the process of building your rod. You will need to schedule an additional 1-1.5 hour session with John to use his equipment after the finish is applied to rotate the rod. You must attend all 5 dates below for this class!
Age:
16 and up
Class size:
10
Class dates: Orientation: Wed., March 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Building class 1: Wed., March 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Building class 2: Wed., March 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Building class 3: Wed., March 31 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Building class 4: April., April 7 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Adult Fly Fishing Basics Always wanted to fish like Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It? Practice fly fishing at The Outdoor Campus and soon you will master the art of fly casting. We will also discuss flies, equipment, clothing, knots and fly fishing strategies. Pre-registration and individual waivers are required
Age: 16 and up Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, May 1 from 10:00-noon

Rock Climbing Come join us at Palisades State Park for a day of learning, climbing and testing your personal limits! In a relaxed and safe environment, you will learn the basics of climbing, including knots, belaying and back-up belaying. Basic climbing techniques are also discussed.Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age:
16 and up; Minors MUST be with an adult
Class size: 15
Class date: Sunday, May 23 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Adult Paddling Skills Kayaking and canoeing are great outdoor activities but it’s best to learn how to use them before you take them  out on the open water. This class will allow you to test drive many watercraft models around the pond while under the supervision of a trained naturalist. Learn techniques that keep you safe and having fun. Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age:
18 and up Class size: 12
Class date: Thursday, May 27 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Coming Events

Outdoor Expo
South Dakota's heritage is rooted in our outdoors. What better way to bask in the glory of this heritage than to join us as we plan the 3rd annual statewide South Dakota Outdoor Expo scheduled for June 12-13, 2010, in Huron.

Age:
All ages
Location: Huron State Fairgrounds

“There’s No Place Like Homestead” Geocaching Event
Join The Outdoor Campus “caching” crew for a day of geocaching at Adam’s Homestead, North Sioux City, SD. This event will include some fun games for experienced cachers and helpful staff for beginners. If you plan on staying all day please bring a sack lunch.

Age:
All ages
Location: Adam’s Homestead, North Sioux City, SD
Date:
Saturday, May 1st 11:00 a.m.-2:00

The Outdoor Campus Biennial Kayak Poker Run
Join us for our 2nd poker run down the Big Sioux River! Teams will travel down the river collecting cards, best hand wins. More details to come in the summer community booklet.
Date:
Saturday, June 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter 2009-2010

Registration opens November  17th at 7 a.m. for programs.

Snow and Go! - New December & January Addition!
Don’t let the snow and cold keep you inside! Join The Outdoor Campus staff on your lunch break anytime between 11 and 1 p.m. on weekdays and 1-3p.m. on weekends for cross country skiing or snow shoeing on our trails! We’ll provide the equipment and brief intro if you need it. You come dressed and ready for some heart pumping fun outside! Dates listed below. Come as often as you like! As long as we have at least 4 inches of good snow you can GO!

Age: all ages, minors with adults, recommended ages 5 and up

Individually signed waivers are required

Dates: January 23, 24, 26, 29 and 31. February 2,3,5,7,9,10,13,16,17,18,20,21,23,24,25,26 and 28.

Time: 11-1 p.m. weekdays, 1-3 p.m. weekends

 
 

 

Paul Horsted presenting photos from 'Exploring with Custer' and 'Crossing the Plains with Custer'
Photographer/historian Paul Horsted will speak on the history of the Black Hills and the 1874 Black Hills “Custer” Expedition. He will present a fascinating look into the past through images taken by pioneering photographers, which he matches with his modern photos taken from the same locations.
 
Paul has been photographing South Dakota’s people and places for more than 25 years. Besides his books, "Crossing the Plains with Custer," "Exploring with Custer" and "The Black Hills Yesterday and Today," his pictures have appeared in publications such as LIFE, Reader’s Digest and USA Today, as well as in books, calendars, and advertising. He is featured regularly in South Dakota Magazine. His books will be available for purchase after the presentation. Pre-registration is required. FREE.
Age: Families, children must attend with an adult
Class size: 120
Class date: Saturday, December 19, 2 -3:30 p.m.

Register here.

Raptor Rendezvous
A unique opportunity for families!

What is Raptor Rendezvous? Raptor Rendezvous is a celebration of Bald Eagle Awareness Day. Participants will rotate through stations, learning about the habitats of raptors, their adaptations and much more.

When is Raptor Rendezvous?  Raptor Rendezvous will be held Open House style on Thursday, February 25th, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Who can come to Raptor Rendezvous?  Raptor Rendezvous stations are geared for all ages.   

What will we learn at Raptor Rendezvous?  Through hands-on activities, games and crafts, we will explore the world of the raptors of South Dakota. 

How do I register?   You do not need to register for the open house, you do need to register for the Wildlife Experiences shows going on at 4:00pm and 7:00 pm


Bald Eagle Awareness Day

Help us celebrate Bald Eagle Awareness Days with Wildlife Experiences!

If you’ve never seen a Wildlife Experiences presentation, you are in for a real treat! They will bring live birds to The Outdoor Campus for an entertaining and  educational show. All attending family members must be registered!

Date of presentation: Thursday, February 25 from 4 to 5:30 or 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Class size: 120                      

Age: Families; Minors if accompanied by adult

Register here.

 

Preschool Programs

Sprouts (3-4 yr olds)
Nature awareness programs for preschoolers and their adult partner held Wednesday and Saturday mornings!

B is for Beaver
Beaver are one of the hardest working animals in South Dakota.  These busy little critters not only create homes for themselves, but also for countless other creatures through out the state.  Join us as we learn about, play like and enjoy the fun, busy, building, beaver.
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, Jan. 9 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 13 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m. 

  • Saturday, Jan. 23 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 27 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m. 

Class size: 15

 

C is for Crayfish
Crawfish, crawdad or mudbug, whatever you call them they are the tiny little lobster looking things that are found in bodies of water all across the world.  We’ll learn about our little crustacean friends, we will meet live crawdads, create a nifty craft and maybe even behave like a crawly crawdad!

Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, Feb. 6 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.;

  • Wednesday, Feb. 10 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.;

  • Saturday, Feb. 20 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 24 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Class size: 15 

Nature Story Time
(1-4 year olds with an adult partner)   Class size: 15 Pre-registration required. Join Miss Sandy on reading adventures as we explore our nature library. Sandy will read stories each month about animals, nature, kids in the outdoors and lots more!

  • Monday, Janurary 11th, 10:00 a.m.

  • Monday, February 8th       10:00 a.m.     

Register here.

 

Young Nats. Programs
(5-7 yr olds) Our staff and volunteers can introduce your young naturalist to the wonder of South Dakota's amazing wildlife. Programs consist of age-appropriate activities.

Winter Homes -How Animals Stay Snug in the Snow
Most South Dakota animals do not hibernate for the winter!  If they don’t     hibernate, where do they go and what do they do?  In this class we will explore the amazing winter homes of some of SD’s crafty critters and learn how they stay snug in the snow.

Age:
5-7 years                        Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, January 9, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, Janurary 23, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Winter Food – Nuts, berries and bark oh my!!!!!
Many animals have it tough in the winter, food is scarce and the weather is harsh.  Join us at The Outdoor Campus to learn about how some of our wild neighbors survive the winter, where they find food and what kinds of food see them through the severe South Dakota winters!
Age: 5-7 years                        Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, February 6, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, February 20, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Register here.

 

Junior Nats. Programs
(8-12 yr olds) Discover South Dakota’s diverse wildlife and habitats through age-appropriate activities.

Cold Weather Survivors
How many of you look forward to the winter months?  Here at The Outdoor Campus we adore these frigid few weeks every year.  Join us for a fantastically fun afternoon of exploring the habits, homes, behaviors and adaptations of some of our wild South Dakota winter loving animals.\
Age: 8-12 years                      Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, Jan. 9 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.; OR Saturday, Jan. 23 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Hibernating Heroes
What exactly is hibernation?  Is it more than simply sleeping through the winter?  Hurry on over to The Outdoor Campus to learn about what exactly is involved in hibernation, and which of South Dakota’s animals have adapted this amazing winter survival strategy. 

Age:
8-12 years                      Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, Feb. 6 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.;  OR Saturday, February 20 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Junior Explorer: X-Country Skiing
Get hands-on instruction in cross-country skiing and related equipment and head outdoors for guided practice on our trails. All equipment is provided, but please dress for the weather. Program cancels if there is less than 3” of good skiing snow.
Age: 8-12 years                      Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, Jan. 16 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. OR Sunday, Feb. 14 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Junior Angler: Ice Fishing 101
Get a short introduction to ice fishing, and then go fishing on our pond. We provide the equipment, but please dress for the weather, including waterproof boots. Each person age 16 and older must have a valid SD fishing license. Program cancels if there’s less than 8” of good quality ice.
Age: 8-12 years                      Class size: 20
Class date: Sunday, Jan. 10 1:30-3:00 p.m. OR Saturday, Feb. 13 10:30-noon

Junior Hunter: Winter Hunting Basics
Come join us for an action packed afternoon as we learn all about the tricks of the trade in hunting in cold weather.  We will be going over some tricks and tips on how to have a safe, successful, warm and dry hunt.
Age: 8-12 years                     
Class size: 20
Class date: Sunday, Feb. 28 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Register here.

 

Family Programs
(all ages unless otherwise listed) 

Nifty Nature Walks
If you love the outdoors, or are interested in doing more activities outdoors, join us on an informal walk around campus.  We will     discuss and explore whatever happens to come our way.  The great thing about nature is that you never know what you are going to see! 
Age: All ages; minors if accompanied by an adult
Class size: 20 
Class dates: Saturday, January 9, 8-9 am

Theme: Winter Persistent Berries

Saturday, February 13, 8-9 am

Theme: Winter Wildlife

Family Movies
Come relax with us for two Saturday afternoons in December! We’ll watch a family-friendly    nature themed movie in the theater on our big screen! Call the Campus at 362-2777 or email toc@state.sd.us to find out what’s showing when. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: All ages; minors if accompanied by an adult     
Class size: 125
Class date: Sunday, January 24th, Sunday, February 21st,  All movies are from 1:30 to approximately 3:00 p.m.

Family Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fun and easy way to explore the outdoors in winter – and get    exercise too! Wear hiking boots or “non-slippery” winter boots. Please dress for the weather! Program cancels if there is less than 3” of snow. All attending family members must be registered! Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class. Choose one date only.
Age: Families; Age 5 and up minors must attend with an adult=
Class size: 25
Class date:  Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  or Saturday, January 30th  from 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. or Saturday, February 27th  from 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

NEW! Nature Adventures: LIVE!!!
Terri Lawrenz and Todd Magnuson, hosts of "Nature Adventures" on South Dakota Public Broadcasting, want to take you on an adventure! Join us for this fun, 'hands-on' class in which you will get you up close and personal with several of South Dakota's reptiles! You will learn, you will laugh, you will cringe, most of all, you will LOVE it!
 Age:  Families: all ages       
Class size:
  100
Class Date:   Saturday, January 23rd  2:00-3:00 PM

Register here.

Snowshoeing Orienteering Adventure
Orienteering is a fun activity for all ages. Come join us as we learn the basics behind orienteering with a little twist as we trek around the orienteering course wearing snowshoes!  Individually signed waivers are required of each participant in this program.
Age: Families; Age 5 and up, minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 25
Class date:  Saturday, January 30th, from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

 

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
Explore the wonderful night life as a naturalist leads you on an fun, interactive, educational night hike.  Learn about nocturnal critters that are still active    during the winter months.  Bundle up because we will be outside for the majority of the event.
Age: Families; Age 6 and up, must attend with an adult
Class size: 25
Class date:  Thursday, January 28th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. or Thursday, February 25th from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Register here.

Family Cross Country Skiing
Get hands-on instruction in cross-country skiing and related equipment and head outdoors for guided practice on our trails. All equipment is provided, but please dress for the weather. Program cancels if there is less than 3” of good skiing snow. All attending family members must be registered!  Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class. Choose one date only.
Age: Families; Age 8 and up minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 20
Class date:  

  • Saturday, January 16, 10:30-12:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, January 30, 10:30-12:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, February 27, 10:30-12:00 p.m.

Wild Game Cooking
Join our volunteers and staff as they prepare some of their favorite wild game recipes. Come for a fun and tasty experience; leave with a recipe booklet!   Rattlesnake, antelope, elk, wild turkey, pheasant, plus many more wild game entrées will be available for sampling.  Come hungry.  All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; All ages, minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 100
Class date: Thursday, January 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Family Ice Fishing
Get a short introduction to ice fishing, and then go fishing on our pond. We provide the equipment, but please dress for the weather, including waterproof boots. Each person age 16 and older must have a valid SD fishing license. Program cancels if there’s less than 8” of good quality ice.  All attending family members must be registered! Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class. Choose ONE of the following times:
Class date: Sunday, January 17, 1:30-3:00 pm

                     Saturday, February 13, 1:30-3:00 pm

Age: Families; Age 5 and up, minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 25

Cross Country Skiing Poker Run
Slip and slide on down to The Outdoor Campus and join us as we play a game of poker.  Join The Outdoor Campus staff and try your hand at cross country skiing, we provide everything you will need from boots, to poles and of course skies.  While exploring our trails you will have the opportunity to participate in a little friendly competition.  Spread out around the campus trails.  You will find five stops. At each stop you will collect one    playing card.  At the end of your adventure you will make the best poker hand you can with the five cards you’ve collected.  Best hand will win an assortment of outdoor winter  goodies!  
Age: Families; Age 8 and up minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 30
Class date:   Saturday, February 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

 

Register here.

Basics of Photography
Volunteer Instructor Keith Andersen will teach us about his favorite hobby! In this class we will focus on digital photography.  He will discuss equipment and will introduce the concepts of exposure and composition.  There will be time for questions.
Class date: Sunday, January 10, 1:00-3:00 pm
Age: Families; Age 12 and up, minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 50

 

Adult Programs
 (18 and up unless otherwise listed)

Cross Country Skiing by Moonlight
Get basic instruction on cross-country skiing, dressing for the sport and choosing equipment. Forget the flashlights, the full moon will light the way.  Join our naturalist as we practice skiing on some our 2+ miles of trails. Skis, ski boots and poles are provided, but please dress for the weather! Program cancels if there is less than 3” of good skiing snow. Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class.
Age: 18 and up                       Class size: 15
Class date:  Thursday, January 28 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

 

Adult Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fun and easy way to explore the outdoors in winter – and get exercise too! Wear hiking boots or “non-slippery” winter boots. Please dress for the weather! Program cancels if there is less than 3” of snow. Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class.
Age: Adults only, 18 and up
Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, February 20th from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Treats for Tweets
Join us again this winter to help attract beautiful winter birds to your backyard.
Age: Adults only, 18 and up
Class date: Sunday, Jan. 31st from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Class size:
15
 

Register here.