Summer 2008 Community Programs

Registration opens Friday, May 2nd at 8:00 AM

for June, July, and August programs.

• Youth programs are free, but some adult classes have a materials fee.

• Pre-registration is required for all classes and programs.

• Some classes require all class participants to sign a

• waiver.

There are 3 ways to pre-register for classes at The Outdoor Campus:

1. 1. Surf to our website at www.outdoorcampus.org

2. 2. Sign up at The Outdoor Campus. We have a computer available for your use Monday throughFriday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

3. 3. Call us at 362-2777.

Cancellations: Many programs fill quickly. PLEASE call us or cancel on the website as soon as possible if you cannot attend a class.

Registration Information

Preschool Programs

Sprouts (3-4 yr olds)

“F” is for Fox

It's a dog! It's a cat! No, it's a fox! Red, grey, black and silver, this furry fellow comes in many colors. Now's your chance to get to know and touch this prairie phantom.
Age: Preschoolers age 3-4 plus adult partner
Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, June 11, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, June 14, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Wednesday, June 25, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, June 28, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

“G” is for Goose
Fly in to The Outdoor Campus and take a gander at the geese - South Dakota's formation flyers.
Age: Preschoolers age 3-4 plus adult partner
Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, July 16, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Wednesday, July 30, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, July 19, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, July 26, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Nature awareness programs for preschoolers and their adult partner held Wednesday and Saturday mornings! The goal of the Sprouts program is to introduce young children to the outdoors in a fun, active and non-threatening environment.

“H” is for Hawk
Soar in to The Outdoor Campus to learn more about this ravenous raptor.
Age: Preschoolers age 3-4 plus adult partner
Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, August 6, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

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

Patch Program:

Earn patches this summer by participating in our patch program! You can earn a patch in the following programs: Young Angler, Young Naturalists, Junior Angler, Junior Naturalist, Junior Explorer, and Junior Hunter! Go above and beyond the call of duty by participating in these classes, and then doing some independent activities like fishing, or other nature skills. Then, you'll earn a TOC patch and be entered in a drawing to win some awesome outdoor gear! If you earned a patch in previous years, you can still participate and earn stars to decorate your patch! For questions regarding The Outdoor Campus patch program please see a TOC naturalist.

Young Nats
(5-7 yr olds)

Nature awareness programs for 5-7 year olds held Wednesday and Saturday mornings! Parents are welcome to stay or go during the program. The goal of the Young Naturalist program is to teach youth about South Dakota’s natural environment and resources.

Wonder of Ladybugs
Sick of those stinky, spotted ladybugs? It's a case of
mistaken identity! Come to The Outdoor Campus and learn
about these beautiful, beneficial insects.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, June 11, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, June 14, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Wednesday, June 25, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, June 28, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Turtle Tales

Don't sit around all day with your head in your shell! Join us as we learn more about one of South Dakota's most fascinating reptiles using hands-on activities and a visit from one of our resident turtles.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, July 16, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, July 19, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Saturday, July 26, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

• Wednesday, July 30, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Life in the Forest

Prairies and ponds are fun to explore, but we're here to learn some forest lore! Explore shady forest habitats in search of cool critters.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, August 6, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

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

Young Angler
(5-7 yr olds)

Fishing education program for 5 to 7 year olds. Closed-toed shoes are required of all participants in Young Angler programs! The goal of the Young Angler program is to teach youth about fishing skills and ethics. Under the supervision of our trained staff, youth will learn fishing skills first in the classroom and then on the water.

Fishing Basics
Learn the basics of what it takes to fish in SD and how to do it safely. We’ll talk about basic equipment, safety and ethics before heading out to the pond and throwing in a line. Youth should bring a hat and sunglasses. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Tuesday, June 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Thursday, June 12, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Thursday, June 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

What’s for Lunch?
We eat fish, but what do fish eat? Come and find out what’s on the lunch menu for these finned
creatures and lure them to your hook as you fish on the pond. Youth should bring a hat and
sunglasses. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Tuesday, July 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Thursday, July 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, July 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Thursday, July 31, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fish ID
Do you know the difference between a bass and a blue gill? This class will teach basic fish identification of some of South Dakota’s most popular fish. Practice your skills on the fish we’ll pull from the pond! Youth should bring a hat and sunglasses. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Tuesday, August 5, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

• Thursday, August 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Junior Nats.
(8-12 yr olds)

Nature adventure program for 8-12 year olds held Wednesday and Saturday afternoons!

The goal of the Junior Naturalist program is to teach students about South Dakota’s natural environment and its inhabitants through interactive games and activities as well as outdoor expeditions.

Where Butterflies Grow
Why couldn’t the butterfly come to the dance? It was a moth ball! Learn the difference between butterflies and moths as you meet monarchs in various stages of development.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wed., June 11, 1:30-3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

• Wed., June 25, 1:30-3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

A Frog’s Life
What kind of pole has a small tail? A tadpole! We’ll follow the transformation of this web-footed amphibian as it grows from egg to frog.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wed, July 16, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

• Saturday, July 26, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

• Wed, July 30, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Better To Eat You With
You can tell a lot about an animal by looking at its teeth. Whether pointy or flat, an animal’s teeth determine what kind of food they eat. From carnivores to herbivores, we’ll look at what teeth do for an animal’s food plan.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, August 6, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

• Saturday, August 9, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Outdoor Adventure Camp
Hang out at the Campus all week long and learn about some of your favorite outdoor activities! Catch some fish, go paddling, hit a bulls-eye, pitch a tent and much more! The camp will run Monday through Thursday with an option of morning or afternoon sessions.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class date: July 7-10th, 9 a.m.-noon OR July 7-10th, 1:00– 4:00 p.m.

Junior Angler
(8-12 yr olds)

Fishing education program for 8 to 12 year olds. Closed-toed shoes are required of all participants in Junior Angler programs! The goal of the Junior Angler program is to teach youth about fishing skills and ethics. Under the supervision of our trained staff, youth will learn fishing skills first in the classroom and then on the water.

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.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, June 20 10 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Bait and Tackle
While night crawlers make great hook accessories there are other ways to entice fish to bite. This class will demonstrate different types of bait and tackle used to attract fish before heading to the pond to test them out. Youth should bring a hat and sunglasses. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, July 18, 10:00-Noon OR1:00-3:00 p.m.

Let’s Go Fishing!
Summer’s nearly over but the fish are still hungry! Join us for a fun-filled class as we try our luck to reel in some of the pond’s trophy fish. Who knows? We may even catch Bob the Bass, legend of the TOC pond. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, August 8th, 10:00-Noon OR1:00-3:00 p.m.

Junior Explorer
(8-12 yr olds)

The goal of the Junior Explorer program is to introduce youth to fun outdoor activities under the supervision of trained staff members.

Outdoor Photography
Say “Cheese!” Bring your camera and we’ll hike around the campus taking great pictures and learning the basics of outdoor photography. Whether you’re interested in landscapes, plants, or animals, you’re sure to snap some great photos!
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, June 27, 10 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Paddling
Stroke, stroke, stroke, hut! Learn the basic techniques of paddling a canoe or kayak as you cruise the pond looking for frogs, dodging turtles, and trying to stay dry! Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet. Individual signed aivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

• Wednesday, July 23, 10:00 a.m.-Noon

• Friday, July 25, 10:00 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.

GPS-Geocaching
Learn to use a GPS system before heading out on the trails for a geocaching scavenger hunt! We’ll give you an overview of this increasingly popular activity; not to mention some real geocaching fun! Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, August 1, 10:00 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Junior Hunter
(8-12 yr olds)

Hunting awareness programs for 8-12 year olds. The goal of the Junior Hunter program is to teach youth about hunting skills and ethics. Programs involve lots of fun, hands-on activities supervised by our trained staff.

Archery Basics
Ever dream of hunting turkey, deer or bear with a bow and arrow? Draw back the string on the Campus’ compound bows and practice your marksmanship on our 3-D animal targets. Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, June 13, 10:00 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Home on the Range
Join us on The Outdoor Campus BB gun range as we learn basic safety, shooting positions and techniques. Improve your accuracy with every shot and take home a target riddled with holes.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Wednesday, June 18, 10:00 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Talking Turkey II
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. Members of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation will be leading stations, so you can learn from the experts! Individual signed waivers are required of all participants in this program.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 30
Class dates: (pick one of the following)
Friday, July 11 10:00 a.m.-Noon OR 1:00-3:00 p.m.

2nd Saturday Birdwalks
Join a naturalist for a morning stroll through Sertoma Park in search of birds! Beginners are welcome! Sharpen your visual and auditory birding skills as we learn birding tricks and how to choose binoculars and field guides. The Outdoor Campus has field guides and binoculars; however, you are welcome to bring your own. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: All ages; minors if accompanied by an adult
Class size: 20
Class date:

• Saturday, June 7, from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Theme: songbirds

• Saturday, July 12, from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Theme: birds of prey

• Saturday, August 9, from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Theme: waterfowl
   

Naturalist Special Event!

On Saturday, August 2nd, the summer naturalists will present a special event. Details will be released by mid-June, so keep an eye out on our website and in the building! You won't want to miss this! Last year's event was so much fun we had to try it again!

Family Programs
(all ages unless otherwise listed)

3rd Annual Climbers Night
Join certified climbing guide Mark Greeno as he talks about rock climbing ethics, Leave No Trace climbing philosophy and getting started rock climbing. We’ll watch a short climbing film as well. Even if you’re just curious, you won’t want to miss this program!     
Age: All ages; minors if accompanied by an adult 
Class size: 100 
Class date: Thursday, June 12 from 7 – 9 p.m. p.m.

Family Paddling
Join us for this family-friendly paddling program. Learn basic safety and paddling strokes, and then practice your new skills on our fish and frog filled pond in canoes and kayaks. Wear sandals or shoes that can get wet. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; 7 years and up to canoe, 10 and up to kayak
Class size: 25
Class date( pick one of the following):

• Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 – Noon

• Saturday, July 12 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

• Thursday, July 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, August 5, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Outdoor Cooking Fun
Tired of doing dishes? Move the family fireside as you learn fire safety, practice outdoor cooking techniques and eat some tasty treats. Participants must, for safety reasons, wear closed-toed shoes. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; 8 and up
Class size: 25
Class date: Tuesday, June 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. OR Thursday, June 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Let’s Go Fishing!
Fishing is a great way for families to spend time together! Get an introduction to fishing equipment, casting skills, fish species, knots, and more, then go fishing at our pond where you’re almost  guaranteed a whopper. Participants should wear closed-toed shoes and sunglasses. Fishing licenses are required of everyone 16 and older. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: 4 years and up; under 16 if accompanied by an adult
Class size: 25
Class date: Thursday, June 26 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
OR Saturday, July 26 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Camping Basics
Always wanted to take the family camping but unsure of how to begin? This class will teach you the basic skills and knowledge necessary to spend a weekend in the wild. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; 6 years and up
Class size: 25
Class dates: Tuesday, June 24 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Archery 101
Deer, turkey, bear and bull’s-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; recommended for 10 and up
Class size: 20
Class dates: Thursday, July 31 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Family GPS/Geocaching Basics
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 GPS receivers. Signed waivers are required of all participants in this program. All attending family members must be registered!
Age: Families; recommended for 8 and up
Class size: 25
Class dates: Tuesday, July 29 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Also, keep an eye on our website for fun special events like:
Moonlight Kayaking, Outdoor Portrait Photography and Outdoor Guest Speakers

Adult Programs
(18 and up unless otherwise listed)

Introduction to Rock Climbing
Join Volunteer Instructor Mark Greeno (AMGA certified) 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. Individual signed waivers are required for participation in this program.
Age: Adults only ages 18 and up                       
Class size: 15
Class date: Friday, June 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Paddling Basics
Kayaking and canoeing are great summer activities and there’s no safer place to learn than on our scenic pond. Join us to learn basic paddling strokes and water safety, then practice your new skills. Don’t worry, it’s hard to tip over unless you want to. 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: 20
Class date: Saturday, June 21 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m

Rise and Shine Outdoor Breakfast
Wipe the sleep from your eyes and join us early as we prepare, bake and eat some delicious breakfast entrees! Individual signed waivers are required for participation in this program.
Age: 18 and up Class size: 15
Class date: Saturday, July 12 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Adult Fly-Fishing Basics
Always wanted to fish like Brad Pitt? 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: Tuesday, July 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Big Sioux River Kayaking Adventure
Grab your paddles and join us as we kayak down the Big Sioux River. We’ll launch at “Farm Field” park which is immediately West of Yankton Trail Park and paddle to Rotary Park, located by Leif Erickson. We will meet at Farm Field Park, so participants will need transportation back to the start point from Rotary Park. This event is dependent upon adequate water levels and weather concerns. Pre-registration and individual waivers are required. Kayaks are provided. Prior experience recommended.
Age: 18 and up Class size: 12
Class date: Saturday, June 14 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Bow Fishing Basics
Join the growing sport of bow fishing! Our experienced head naturalist will take you through this latest fad in fishing as you practice shooting 3-D fish targets on the pond. Pre-registration and individual waivers are required.
Age: 18 and up Class size: 10
Class date: Thursday, July 24 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

MORE ADULT CLASSES TO COME!
Some classes still have dates to be determined. Keep an eye on our website or for future copies of this booklet for new class listings.