SheJumps Programming Recap: Building Confidence and Skills Outdoors

From rock climbing to wilderness survival, BHPFA’s SheJumps programs empower women and girls to push their limits and build connections with nature, while the South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program continues to educate and inspire.

In June 2024, BHPFA partnered with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School in Custer, SD, to offer a beginner climbing course for women. Four participants, who had never rock climbed before, pushed past their limitations and discovered what they were capable of.

SheJumps Programming is Empowering Women Through Rock Climbing

Rock climbing, as it turns out, is not just a physical challenge but also a tool for developing mental strength and deeper connections with public lands.

“It was awesome to see the women challenge themselves and succeed,” said Andrea Fountain, BHPFA Volunteer and Events Manager.  Sylvan Rocks Climbing School, the longest-operating guide service in the Black Hills and the only one in South Dakota accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association, provided top-notch instruction. “Bears and Amanda were fantastic guides. They are so good at what they do, and the level of instruction was very professional and educational.”

BHPFA is excited to offer more women’s and girls’ climbing opportunities in 2025—stay tuned for updates in our winter and spring newsletters!

“I can do hard things! Rock climbing can easily translate to challenges in life!”

A group of six women stands outdoors in a forested area, holding a banner that reads "SheJumps" with the organization's logo of a white giraffe. The women are smiling and dressed in casual outdoor clothing, with some wearing hats and sunglasses. They are surrounded by tall pine trees, and the bright blue sky overhead indicates a sunny day. The group stands on a paved area, with dappled sunlight casting shadows on the ground. The scene reflects a cheerful and empowering outdoor gathering.

Wild Skills Camp: Fostering Adventure and Survival Skills

In July, BHPFA and SheJumps hosted a Wild Skills Camp at Wind Cave National Park, teaching young girls survival and outdoor adventure skills. “The goal was to see girls learning, having fun, and connecting in an encouraging environment with amazing support from female mentors,” Fountain said.

Ten girls, ages 9-14, took part in activities ranging from nature hikes and wilderness first aid to fire-building and counting tree rings, all while building connections with one another and the natural world at Wind Cave National Park.

A huge thank you to Pennington County 4-H, Wind Cave National Park, Custer Search and Rescue, and all the BHPFA volunteers for making this camp possible! More Wild Skills Camps will be offered in the summer of 2025—stay tuned for details in upcoming newsletters and on social media.

A group of people stands in a rocky, desert-like area, watching a National Park Service ranger who is kneeling and holding a small fossil. The ranger, with long hair and a wide-brimmed hat, is showing the fossil to the group. The onlookers are dressed for outdoor exploration, with some wearing hats, sunglasses, and backpacks. One person has a camera hanging around their neck. The background features rugged, eroded hills and rock formations under a clear blue sky, typical of a Badlands landscape.

On September 21, BHPFA co-sponsored a field trip to the National Grasslands Visitor Center and Badlands National Park. Volunteers explored the history and management of the National Grasslands, participated in a BioBlitz at Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and learned about the paleontological history of the Badlands while hunting for fossils.

South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program: Celebrating the 4th Cohort

The South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program recently celebrated the completion of its 4th cohort! This year, 50 participants from across the state took part in 12 weeks of online coursework, combined with hands-on field trip experiences throughout South Dakota.

On September 21, BHPFA co-sponsored a field trip to the National Grasslands Visitor Center and Badlands National Park. Volunteers explored the history and management of the National Grasslands, participated in a BioBlitz at Buffalo Gap National Grassland, and learned about the paleontological history of the Badlands while hunting for fossils. “It’s incredible to see our volunteers so engaged in learning about these landscapes, which are central to our work and our mission,” said Andrea Fountain, Volunteers and Events Manager.

BHPFA plays a key role in the South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program, serving on its executive planning committee. The program offers a mix of indoor presentations and field experiences that teach volunteers about South Dakota’s natural resources. “Many participants who go through the program become dedicated members and volunteers for BHPFA and our partners,” added Fountain.

Applications for the 2025 cohort will open on December 2, 2024, with the virtual class starting on March 4, 2025. To learn more, visit:blackhillsparks.org/volunteer.

Part of the Fall 2024 edition of “Wonder & Exploration Quarterly” — the official publication of BHPFA

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