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.
Our 2026 Season
Five monthly adventures from January through May. Each session builds real-world science skills aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
Nature Observation Skills
Learning to see the Black Hills with fresh eyes through field journaling, sensory awareness, and careful observation.
Sold OutBlack Hills Mammals
Tracking, identifying, and understanding the mammals that call the Black Hills home — from deer to coyotes.
Sold OutOutdoor Survival Skills
Fire safety, shelter building, and essential wilderness skills every young adventurer should know.
Sold OutSpring Changes
Exploring new growth, returning wildlife, and seasonal transitions unfolding across the Black Hills.
Registration OpenVoices of Nature
Discovering how nature communicates through bird calls, wind, insects, and what those sounds reveal.
Registration Open“Thank you Andrea and Tom for all the wonderful things that the kids have been learning.”
— Homeschool Parent, Custer“My boys both came away excited and eager to share what they learned, which was wonderful to see.”
— Homeschool ParentUpcoming Adventures
Register below for our next hands-on sessions. Spots are limited to 20 students per class. Registration closes the Tuesday before each session.
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.
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.
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.
How It Works
Three simple steps. Drop off your child and pick them up three hours later, full of stories.
Check In at The Trailhouse
Arrive early at 148 Gordon St in Custer. Sign in, meet the instructors, and get ready for the day.
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.
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 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.
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.
What to Bring
Black Hills weather changes fast. Come prepared and your child will have a great time.
check_circle Required
Weather-Appropriate Layers
Dress for the forecast. Black Hills mornings are cool.
Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes
Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. No sandals.
Warm Hat & Gloves
Essential for colder months, Jan through March.
Labeled Water Bottle
Write your child’s name on it.
Snack
Nut-free if possible. Something to fuel the morning.
add_circle Optional but Helpful
Hand Warmers
Great for cold mornings in the field.
Small Daypack
For snacks, water, and any treasures found.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Spring sessions can be sunny. Protect their skin.
Bug Spray
Helpful for spring sessions as things warm up.
Rain Jacket or Poncho
We go outside rain or shine.
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.
Drop-off
Arrive early at The Trailhouse, 148 Gordon St, Custer, SD. Check in with instructors, then caravan to Circle Z Ranch (~1 mile).
Pick-up
Pick up your child at Circle Z Ranch Outdoor Learning Area at noon. Location details are included in your confirmation email.
Inclement Weather
We follow Custer School District winter weather cancellations. If wind chill drops below 10°F, the session moves indoors to The Trailhouse.
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?
What ages can attend?
What if my child has never done outdoor education before?
Do parents need to stay on site?
What happens if the weather is bad?
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Are the sessions aligned with educational standards?
Can I sign up for multiple sessions?
Cancellation Policy
Minimum 8 students required to hold a session. If BHPFA must cancel, you receive a full refund.
Explore More BHPFA Programs
Homeschool Nature Adventures is part of BHPFA’s Field School — outdoor education programs across the Black Hills for all ages.
Nature Connection Workshops
Expert-led workshops in animal tracking, wildlife communication, and nature journaling at Wind Cave National Park.
$20 – $100 volunteer_activismFree Programs
No-cost guided hikes, nature walks, and seasonal programs across the Black Hills and national forests.
Free exploreSheJumps
Women’s outdoor education in partnership with SheJumps. Navigation, camping, and more.
$10 – $20 calendar_monthEvent Calendar
See every upcoming BHPFA event, workshop, and program in one place.
View All EventsGive 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


