Kids will train like nature’s greatest ninjas while mastering essential outdoor and naturalist skills! In this hands-on series, kids build balance, strength, and sensory awareness as they learn to move silently through the forest like a fox, stalk like a bobcat, and spot the hidden wildlife most people walk right past. Every session brings a new challenge and a new lesson from nature’s own ninjas, the animals whose stealth and skill keep them alive.
Beyond the physical challenges, students build real scientific habits: field journaling, spatial mapping, quiet observation at their own “Sit Spots,” and investigating the survival strategies of Black Hills wildlife.
With a balance of structured lessons in real-world biology and naturalist skills, plus safe, unstructured time to explore the forest, your child will gain confidence, self-discipline, and a deep, active relationship with the natural world.
Ages: 5-18 years old
Location: A private ranch that is approximately 2 miles south of Custer S.D.
The address and directions will be sent with your registration confirmation.
Schedule:
Free Meet & Greet: Thursday, November 5, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Free for all registered families. Tour the property, meet the instructors, and get to know each other.
Sessions: Thursdays, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Session 1: November 12
- Session 2: November 19
- No class November 26 (Thanksgiving)
- Session 3: December 3
- Session 4: December 10
- Session 5: December 17
Please send your child with a packed lunch, water, and clothing for the weather.
Which ticket is right for you?
- One child, choosing individual sessions: “Session 1-5, Standard Ticket,” $15 per session
- One child, all five sessions: “Full Series, 1 Child,” $60 ($12 per class)
- Two or more children, choosing individual sessions: “Session 1-5, Sibling Rate,” $12.75 per child, per session
- Two or more children, all five sessions: “Full Series, Sibling Rate,” $51 per child
Sibling rates (15% off) apply when two or more children from the same family are registered together
BHPFA members: enter your member discount code at checkout for an additional 15% off.
Pre-registration required. Space is limited to 30 children per session (three groups of 10). All attendees must purchase tickets online and complete the registration form and waiver before attending. We are unable to accept walk-ins or payment at the door.
Please purchase your tickets here:
After checkout, you’ll receive an email with a registration form and a waiver. Both must be completed for each child attending.
About Black Hills Parks and Forests Association
As an official non-profit cooperating partner with the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, Black Hills Parks and Forests Association supports public lands across our region. From Wind Cave National Park and regional national monuments like Jewel Cave to our local national forests and grasslands. Every store purchase and ticket sale directly helps fund Junior Ranger programs, visitor education, wildlife conservation, and public land stewardship to help us continue “Supporting wonder and exploration through stewardship of YOUR public lands”.
