Learn and explore with BHPFA

Homeschool students ages 5–12 will dive into a new topic through guided hikes, engaging storytelling, hands-on nature observation, and creative journaling. Students will sharpen their observation skills while building a deeper connection to the natural world. Come dressed for all weather; we will be outside for the duration of the program. Parents are not required to stay on site.

  • Cost: $10 per child, registration required

  • Dates: Jan- May 2026, last Thursday of the month

  • Time: 9 am- Noon

  • Ages: 5-12

  • Location: We will meet at the Trailhouse 148, Gordon St, Custer, SD. Then we will caravan to Circle Z Ranch Outdoor Learning Area just down the road!

What to expect

What to bring:

  • Weather-appropriate layers (plan for being outside)

  • Sturdy shoes/boots (closed-toe recommended)

  • Warm hat and gloves (in colder months)

  • Water bottle (labeled)

  • Snack (nut-free if possible)

Helpful extras (optional, but great to have)

  • Hand warmers

  • Small daypack to carry items

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

  • Bug spray (spring sessions)

  • Rain jacket or poncho (if forecast is wet)

  • Nature journal/notebook and pencil (optional)

Questions? Contact us at our Wind Cave National Park office: 605-745-7020 or email Bhpf@blackhillsparks.org

Drop off & Pick Up:

  • Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at The Trailhouse. We will then caravan to outdoor location the Circle Z Ranch Outdoor Learning Area about 1 mile down the road.
  • Pick-up at the end of class will take place at the Circle Z Ranch Outdoor Learning Area
  • We’ll confirm details in your confirmation email, especially if we move indoors due to weather

Inclement weather plan:

  • We will follow the Custer School District’s winter weather cancellations
  • Program will move indoors if the temperature, including wind chill, is below 10 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Indoor location: The Trailhouse, 148 Gordon St, Custer, 57730

Class Details

Practice using your senses and simple field tools to notice more in nature—tracks, patterns, textures, and tiny details you might otherwise miss.

Registration closes: Tuesday, January 27

Discover mammals that live in the Black Hills and the amazing adaptations that help them survive winter, find food, and raise young.
Registration closes: Tuesday, February 24

Learn fun, age-appropriate outdoor basics like shelter-building, navigation, and safe decision-making in changing weather.
Registration closes: Tuesday, March 24.

Look for the signs of spring returning—buds, birds, insects, and changing animal behavior—while practicing observation skills and recording what we find.
Registration closes: Tuesday, April 28

Explore how nature “talks” through bird calls, wind, insects, and other sounds—and what those sounds can tell us about what’s happening around us.
Registration closes: Tuesday, May 26.

Registration

Releases & Policies

We know this is a lot to read, but it’s important. Please review the releases below. You’ll confirm agreement in the registration form

I wish to have my child (children) participate in an activity conducted by Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA), a nonprofit organization. In return:

I understand

• BHPFA conducts activities such as hiking, biking, snow sports and activities, and experiencing the outdoors in other ways.

These activities have an inherent risk of injury, death, property damage and property loss.

• Other risks exist due to weather conditions, equipment failure, human error, and locations where communication, emergency response and medical treatment are not immediately available.

• BHPFA activities also include normal risks such as riding in vehicles, eating meals or snacks, and walking to and from activity locations.

• I am choosing my child(children) to participate in a BHPFA activity with any or all of these risks.

I agree

• I assume all risk of my child (children) participating in the BHPFA activity.

• If I or my children suffer any injury or damages from participating in the BHPFA activity, I release BHPFA, its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, staff, volunteers and contractors from any claim I might have for their negligent conduct. This means I give up any legal claim that their negligence injured or damaged me or my child.

• This release is binding on my legal representatives and anyone who might have a claim through me.

• If BHPFA or any of its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, staff, volunteers or contractors is sued or has to pay someone else because of my conduct during the BHPFA activity I will reimburse them for their legal fees, costs and payments.

• If myself or my child (children) are injured during the BHPFA activity, I authorize BHPFA to perform or get emergency medical treatment

• Any dispute arising from or concerning this Participant Release and Assumption of Risk agreement will be resolved by (1) binding arbitration in South Dakota (2) according to the rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect when the arbitration begins (3) with one arbitrator (4) in the English language. and (5) under the laws of the State of South Dakota. South Dakota law will govern the arbitration and any other dispute involving the BHPFA activity.

• If any part of this Participant Release and Assumption of Risk agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining parts will still be in effect.

I have read this Participant Release and Assumption of Risk, understand it, and sign voluntarily.

Media Release 

I, the undersigned, hereby grant permission to Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA) and its federal partners, including the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, to use photographs and/or video recordings of me (or my minor child or children) taken in connection with the promotional activities of BHPFA.

Purpose of Use:

Advertising and promotion of BHPFA products and services. Use in social media platforms, print advertisements, online stores, catalogs, shopping campaigns, and other promotional materials. Distribution across multiple print and electronic media outlets.

Terms and Conditions:

Rights Granted: I authorize BHPFA and its federal partners to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, distribute, and make use of any and all photographs or video recordings taken of me (or my minor child) for any lawful purpose related to the above. This authorization extends to all languages, media, formats, and markets now known or later discovered.

Ownership: I understand and agree that all photographs and recordings will become the property of BHPFA and will not be returned. I assign to BHPFA all rights, title, and interest in the images and recordings, including any copyrights and other intellectual property interests.

Waiver of Inspection: I waive the right to inspect or approve any finished product or copy that uses my likeness, including written or electronic materials.

Compensation: I understand that participation is voluntary and that I will not receive monetary compensation. Any in-kind compensation (such as retaining modeled items) is accepted as full consideration.

Usage by Partners: I acknowledge and agree that BHPFA may allow the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service to use the images and recordings for their own promotional and educational purposes without additional compensation to me.

Release of Liability: I release and discharge BHPFA, its officers, employees, agents, and federal partners from any claims, demands, or causes of action that I may have arising from the use of the images or recordings, including but not limited to any claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, or rights of publicity.

No Resale of Images: I understand that BHPFA has no intention to sell or license these images or recordings to outside organizations unrelated to its mission.

Generative AI:  I acknowledge and consent that BHPFA may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including generative AI, to edit, alter, enhance, or incorporate the images and recordings into other works or media. This includes, but is not limited to, modifying the images, creating derivative works, or combining them with other content.

Model’s (or Parent/Guardian) Representations: I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, have full legal capacity to execute this release, and that the rights I have granted in this release do not conflict with or violate any other commitment I have.

Duration: This release is perpetual, worldwide, and irrevocable.

Registration Instructions:

Choose one session or sign up for several—whatever works best for your family. Enter the number of children you’re registering for each date. If you’re not attending a session, simply leave that quantity blank. Each session is capped at 20 students, and registration closes the Tuesday before each session, so we recommend registering early.

Price: $10.00
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Your total will update after you select a quantity for at least one session. The order summary may show all dates—only dates with quantities above 0 will be included in your total

Registration and Cancellation Policies:

  • We cap each class at 20 students for safety and quality instruction
  • We need a minimum of 8 students to hold class; otherwise, classes are subject to cancellation
  • Registration cut-off is the Tuesday before class.
  • If we need to cancel for any reason, we will send an email to the email address used to register the student and issue a refund
  • Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Optional donations made during registration will not be refunded.
  • Cancellations made within 3-6 days in advance of the event date will receive a 50% refund. Optional donations made during registration will not be refunded.
  • No refunds will be given for cancellations within 48 hours of the event, as this does not give us adequate time to fill the spot
  • If BHPFA must cancel an adventure due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of your payment.

Meet the instructors!

Tom Tonkin
Tom Tonkin Education Specialist
Tom is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to outdoor education! He grew up in the pine barrens of New Jersey, and that’s where he got his start teaching and connecting others to nature! With over 25 years of experience, his specialties and favorite subjects to teach include animal tracking and survival skills like starting a fire without a match. He is a gifted storyteller and can get anyone to fall in love with nature!

Favorite Animal: Coyotes because they are survivors and expanded their territory while other predators like wolves were being decimated.

Andrea Fountain
Andrea FountainProgram Manager
Andrea loves connecting people of all ages to the wonders of nature, and recently got certified as a Nature Journal Educator with the Wild Wonder Foundation. She is currently pursuing her master’s in elementary education and enjoys blending her outdoor education knowledge with traditional school subjects.

Favorite Animal: The black-capped chickadee for their amazing winter adaptations.