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Classes

Community Programs
programs for individuals
REGISTRATION OPEN
 
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

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


 

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 26th, 6 p.m.
Class size:
120
Age:
Families; Minors if accompanied by adult

REGISTRATION OPEN

Winter 2008-2009 Community Programs

Registration opens November 14th at 8 a.m. for December, January and February Programs.

  • Youth programs are free. Some adult programs have a fee; fees are listed in the program description.

  • Pre-registration is required for all classes.

  • Waivers are required for all classes. Waivers are good for one calendar year. Waivers can be signed by adults when you arrive for class.

  • If you are registering for family classes, please be sure to register all family members who will be in attendance at the class.

  • Classes start promptly! Please help us ensure a quality experience for everyone by being a few minutes early for classes!

Registration Information

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

1. Go to our web site at www.outdoorcampus.org (preferred method). No Internet connection? Try the public library, or come to the Campus and use our computer!

2. Sign up at The Outdoor Campus. We have a computer available for your use Monday through Friday 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. 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 OPEN

Preschool Programs

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

Age: Preschoolers age 3-4 plus adult partner 
Class size: 15  

M is for Mink
What is one of South Dakota's most apt predators? The Mink! Though found mostly around wetlands, you can come down to The Outdoor Campus and learn about our sly, sleek and furry friend!

Class dates: (pick one of the following)

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

  • Wednesday, Jan. 14 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, Jan. 24 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 28 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Class size: 15

N is for Nightcrawler
What animals hibernate right underneath your feet wherever you go? Nightcrawlers! Sleeping up to six feet underground, nightcrawlers won't emerge again until spring. Wiggle your way on down to The Outdoor Campus and learn about our squirmy friends!

Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, Feb. 7 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.;

  • Wednesday, Feb. 11 10-10:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, Feb. 21 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, Feb. 25 10-10:45 a.m. or 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Class size: 15

Nature Story Time
(2-4 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, December 15th 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

  • Monday, Janurary 12th 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

  • Monday, February 9th 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION OPEN

Young Nats. Programs
(5-7 yr olds)

Our staff and volunteers can introduce your little naturalist to the wonder of South Dakota's amazing wildlife. Programs consist of age-appropriate activities. 

Nuts about Squirrels
Squirrels are active year round, chattering, jumping, and scampering from tree to tree. Come shake your bushy tails down at The Outdoor Campus to find out what those tails are used for and to learn all about our nutty neighbors.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

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

  • Saturday, Janurary 24, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Dabbling Ducks
What does a duck eat with soup? Quackers! Waddle on down to The Outdoor Campus and learn all about what ducks eat, their habits, and where they all went for the winter.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 15
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

  • Saturday, February 7, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

  • Saturday, February 21, 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.

Holiday Vacation Camp
Come join us on your holiday vacation for a fun filled morning or afternoon as we will enjoy the winter wonderland by ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and other exciting activities. Activities subject to change due to unforeseen weather.
Age: 5-7 years Class size: 30
Class dates: (pick one of the following)

Monday, December 29, 10-12:00 p.m. or 2-4:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION OPEN

Junior Nats.Programs
(8-12 yr olds)

Discover South Dakota’s diverse wildlife and habitats through age-appropriate activities.

In the “Know” About Snow?
Winter means heavy jackets, skis and lots of hot cocoa. But where did all that snow come from? Is it true that no two snowflakes are alike? Did you know that snow can help crops grow? Put on your boots and head over to The Outdoor Campus to learn all about snow!
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class date: Chose one:

  • Saturday, Jan. 10 from 1:30-3:00

  • Saturday, Jan. 24 from 1:30-3:00

Freezing Frogs
Come join us as we explore the winter world of our amphibious frogs. Find out where these creatures go and what happens to them as the thermometer drops. Hop on in for a “frogtastic” good time.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class date:

  • Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.;

  • Saturday,February 21 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Introduction to Astronomy
Join the Sioux Empire Astronomy Club to learn about amateur astronomy, the types of equipment used and a variety of objects that can be seen. Shoot on in as we learn about what astronomy is through fun, hand on activities
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 20
Class date: Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10-12:00 p.m.

Holiday Vacation Camp!
Come join us on your holiday vacation for a fun filled morning or afternoon as we will enjoy the winter wonderland by ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and other exciting activities. Activities subject to change due to unforeseen weather.
Age: 8-12 years Class size: 30\
Class date: Tuesday, Dec. 30 10:00-12:00 p.m. OR 2:00-4:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION OPEN

Family Programs
 (all ages unless otherwise listed)

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, December 21st, Sunday, January 18th, Sunday, February 22nd, All movies are from 1:30 to approximately 3:15-3:30 p.m. 

Second Saturday Bird Walks
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 dates: All walks will be held from 8:00-9:00 a.m.

  • Saturday, January 10 Wonderful Woodpeckers;

  • Saturday, February 14 Romantic Bird Walk;

Family Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fun and easy way to explore the outdoors in winter – and get exercise too! Wear hiking boots or “nonslippery” winter boots. Please dress for the weather! Program cancels if there is less than 6” of snow. All attending family members must be registered! Individually signedwaivers 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, December 20 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

  • Saturday, February 28th from 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

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 21st, from 2:00 - 3:30 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, February 12th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

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 6” 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 31, 10:00-12:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, February 14, 10:00-12:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, February 28, 10:00-12:00 p.m.

Wild Game Feed
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! Snapping Turtle, black bear, 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 15 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 qualityice. All attending family members must be registered! Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class. Choose ONE of the following times:
Age: Families; Age 5 and up, minors must attend with an adult
Class size: 25
Class date:

  • Sunday, January 11, 1:30-3:00 pm

  • Saturday, February 14, 1:30-3:00 pm

REGISTRATION OPEN

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 6” of good skiing snow. Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class.
Age: 18 and up Class size: 15
Class date: Tuesday, February 10 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Taxidermy 101: Deer Antler Mounting
Come join taxidermist Dan Moon as he teaches and explains the step by step process of antler mounting. Participants are required to bring in their own set of antlers with the hair removed prior to class. Individually signed waivers are required for all participants in this class.
Age: 16 and up Class size: 10
Class date: Saturday, Feb. 14 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $7.00 (exact change due at the time of the class)

Treats for Tweets II
A variation of last winter’s holiday treats for tweets, join us again this winter to help attract beautiful winter birds to your backyard.
Age: Adults only, 16 and up
Class size: 15
Class date: Tuesday, January 27th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Moonlight Snowshoeing
Explore the wonderful night life as a naturalist leads you on a fun, interactive, snowshoe adventure. Learn about nocturnal critters that are still active during the winter months. Bundle upbecause we will be outside for the majority of the event.
Age: Adults only, 18 and up
Class size: 25
Class date: Thursday, February 12th from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION OPEN