The Trailhouse, Custer • Ages 5–12

Homeschool Nature Adventures

Guided nature education for homeschool families in the Black Hills. Monthly hands-on sessions where kids ages 5–12 explore wildlife, survival skills, and seasonal science at Circle Z Ranch in Custer, South Dakota.

Children exploring nature during a Homeschool Nature Adventures session in the Black Hills near Custer, South Dakota
Outdoor learning at Circle Z Ranch during a BHPFA homeschool program in Custer, South Dakota
Location
The Trailhouse
Circle Z Ranch, Custer
Schedule
Last Thursday
Monthly, Jan – May
Time
9 AM – Noon
3-hour sessions
Cost
$10
Per child
Ages
5 – 12
All skill levels

Our 2026 Season

Five monthly adventures from January through May. Each session builds real-world science skills aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Jan
January 29

Nature Observation Skills

Learning to see the Black Hills with fresh eyes through field journaling, sensory awareness, and careful observation.

Sold Out
Feb
February 26

Black Hills Mammals

Tracking, identifying, and understanding the mammals that call the Black Hills home — from deer to coyotes.

Sold Out
Mar
March 26

Outdoor Survival Skills

Fire safety, shelter building, and essential wilderness skills every young adventurer should know.

Sold Out
Apr
April 30

Spring Changes

Exploring new growth, returning wildlife, and seasonal transitions unfolding across the Black Hills.

Registration Open
May
May 28

Voices of Nature

Discovering how nature communicates through bird calls, wind, insects, and what those sounds reveal.

Registration Open
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“Thank you Andrea and Tom for all the wonderful things that the kids have been learning.”

— Homeschool Parent, Custer
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“My boys both came away excited and eager to share what they learned, which was wonderful to see.”

— Homeschool Parent

Upcoming Adventures

Register below for our next hands-on sessions. Spots are limited to 20 students per class. Registration closes the Tuesday before each session.

Children exploring spring wildflowers and new growth during a Homeschool Nature Adventures session near Custer, South Dakota
Registration Open
calendar_today April 30, 2026
schedule 9 AM – Noon

Spring Changes

The Black Hills are waking up. In this session, young naturalists will explore the seasonal transitions unfolding across the landscape — new plant growth, returning wildlife, melting snowpack, and the signs of spring that most people walk right past.

  • Identify early spring wildflowers and emerging plant life
  • Spot signs of returning and awakening wildlife
  • Understand how seasonal changes connect in the ecosystem
  • Practice field observation and nature journaling

Registration closes April 28, 2026.

$10per child
Children listening to bird calls and natural sounds during a Homeschool Nature Adventures session in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Registration Open
calendar_today May 28, 2026
schedule 9 AM – Noon

Voices of Nature

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. This session teaches kids to tune into the living soundtrack of the Black Hills.

  • Identify common bird calls and what they communicate
  • Listen for insect patterns that signal seasonal changes
  • Practice silent observation and deep listening
  • Discover what sounds reveal about nearby wildlife

Registration closes May 26, 2026.

$10per child

Registration

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.

Participant Release and Assumption of Risk

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(ren) to participate in a BHPFA activity with any or all of these risks.

I agree

  • I assume all risk of my child(ren) 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(ren) 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.

2 spots remaining

Price: $10.00
Price: $10.00

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

How It Works

Three simple steps. Drop off your child and pick them up three hours later, full of stories.

01

Check In at The Trailhouse

Arrive early at 148 Gordon St in Custer. Sign in, meet the instructors, and get ready for the day.

02

Caravan to Circle Z Ranch

A quick one-mile drive to our Outdoor Learning Area. Parents are welcome to follow or head out — you do not need to stay.

03

3 Hours of Discovery

Hands-on exploration, guided activities, and real science in the field. Pick up at Circle Z Ranch at noon.

Meet Your Instructors

Certified outdoor educators with decades of combined experience. They make every child feel welcome.

Tom Tonkin, BHPFA Education Specialist and Homeschool Nature Adventures instructor
Tom Tonkin
Education Specialist

Tom brings over 25 years of outdoor education experience to every session. He grew up in the pine barrens of New Jersey, where he first fell in love with connecting people to nature. A gifted storyteller, his specialties include animal tracking and survival skills — like starting a fire without a match.

Certified: Wilderness First Aid • Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association for Interpretation)
“Coyotes are my favorite — they’re survivors who expanded their territory while other predators were being decimated.”
Andrea Fountain, BHPFA Program Manager and Homeschool Nature Adventures instructor
Andrea Fountain
Program Manager

Andrea is passionate about connecting kids of all ages to the wonders of nature. Recently certified as a Nature Journal Educator with the Wild Wonder Foundation, she’s currently pursuing her master’s in elementary education — blending outdoor education with classroom pedagogy to create programs grounded in Next Generation Science Standards.

Certified: Wilderness First Responder • Nature Journal Educator (Wild Wonder Foundation)
“The black-capped chickadee — their winter adaptations are absolutely amazing.”

What to Bring

Black Hills weather changes fast. Come prepared and your child will have a great time.

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Weather-Appropriate Layers

Dress for the forecast. Black Hills mornings are cool.

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Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes

Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. No sandals.

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Warm Hat & Gloves

Essential for colder months, Jan through March.

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Labeled Water Bottle

Write your child’s name on it.

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Snack

Nut-free if possible. Something to fuel the morning.

add_circle Optional but Helpful

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Hand Warmers

Great for cold mornings in the field.

backpack
Small Daypack

For snacks, water, and any treasures found.

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Sunscreen & Sunglasses

Spring sessions can be sunny. Protect their skin.

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Bug Spray

Helpful for spring sessions as things warm up.

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Rain Jacket or Poncho

We go outside rain or shine.

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Nature Journal & Pencil

For kids who like to draw or write about what they see.

Drop-off, Pick-up & Weather

Everything you need to know about the day. Details are confirmed in your registration email.

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Drop-off

Arrive early at The Trailhouse, 148 Gordon St, Custer, SD. Check in with instructors, then caravan to Circle Z Ranch (~1 mile).

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Pick-up

Pick up your child at Circle Z Ranch Outdoor Learning Area at noon. Location details are included in your confirmation email.

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Inclement Weather

We follow Custer School District winter weather cancellations. If wind chill drops below 10°F, the session moves indoors to The Trailhouse.

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Parents

You are not required to stay on site during the session. Drop off, enjoy a few hours, and pick up at noon.

Required releases: Participant Release and Assumption of Risk • Media Release (confirmed during registration)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does each session cost?
Each Homeschool Nature Adventures session is $10 per child. Registration is required and closes the Tuesday before each session.
What ages can attend?
Homeschool Nature Adventures is designed for children ages 5 through 12. Our instructors adapt activities so every child can participate fully, regardless of age or experience.
What if my child has never done outdoor education before?
No prior experience is needed. Our instructors meet every child where they are. Sessions are designed to be welcoming and hands-on, from curious beginners to young naturalists who have been exploring the Black Hills for years.
Do parents need to stay on site?
No. Parents drop off at The Trailhouse in Custer and pick up at Circle Z Ranch Outdoor Learning Area at noon. You are welcome to stay if you prefer, but it is not required.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We follow Custer School District winter weather cancellations. If wind chill drops below 10°F, the session moves indoors to The Trailhouse at 148 Gordon St, Custer, SD 57730. Otherwise, we go outside rain or shine — dress accordingly!
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
7+ days before the session: 100% refund. 3–6 days before: 50% refund. Within 48 hours: no refund. If BHPFA must cancel due to weather or insufficient enrollment (minimum 8 students required), you receive a full refund.
Are the sessions aligned with educational standards?
Yes. All sessions are tied to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), making them a strong complement to any homeschool science curriculum. Andrea Fountain designs our curriculum with NGSS alignment as a core principle.
Can I sign up for multiple sessions?
Absolutely. Each session is registered separately, and many families attend the full January through May series. Topics are different each month, so every session builds new skills.

Cancellation Policy

7+ Days Out
100%
Full refund
3 – 6 Days Out
50%
Partial refund
Within 48 Hrs
0%
No refund

Minimum 8 students required to hold a session. If BHPFA must cancel, you receive a full refund.

Give Your Child the Gift of Nature

Monthly adventures in the Black Hills for just $10 per child. Spaces are limited to 20 students per session.

Register Now