Adventures in Nature

Ranger Mary Laycock assisting children during an Adventure in Nature program.

NPS Photo

The Adventures in Nature Programs for 2013 have ended.  Please plan to join us in 2014.  

Are you interested in helping your children learn about nature and feel comfortable exploring the outdoors? To help you the staff at Wind Cave National Park will present the Adventures in Nature program again this year. These programs are designed to provide children ages 3 to 10 with knowledge and skills that will encourage them to explore the natural world around them. This is an opportunity for young children to experience nature and nature play in a structured, safe environment.

This fun filled, active program for children ages 3 to 10 begins January 8, 2013.  The program will be held at the visitor center on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting about 2 1/2 hours. Please plan to arrive by 9:45 so the children can be prepared to start the program at 10:00. We suggest that you provide the children with a snack before we begin the program. The programs are free of charge. The first program will be January 8, 2013 and will run through April 9, 2013.

Adventures in Nature is designed to awaken a sense of wonder in the children and encourage them to connect with the natural world. These programs will vary in topic each week and will always include activities, songs, crafts, and a hike that explore the concept of the day. This year's topics are listed below. For additional information, contact the park visitor center at [phone].

If you are planning to attend the program please let us know by contacting us either by e-mail or by calling us at 605-745-1134. This allows us to prepare enough materials for everyone. Please include the number of children that will be participating and their ages.

"We are excited about the opportunity these programs provide," said Vidal Davila, park superintendent.  "The nature programs will each have a different theme and are designed with educational objects appropriate for the age level of the students. Anyone home schooling preschool or early elementary children would benefit from these presentations." 

If you have older children that you wish to bring along, please do so. They can assist the younger children in their exploration and activities. Depending upon participation we may break the groups into older and younger children to accommodate different skill levels.

As we all know winter in South Dakota can be a challenge so if the weather makes you wonder if we will be presenting the program or not, please call 605-745-1134 or 605-745-4600 to make sure we will be here. We all look forward to spending a fun filled time with all of you again this year.

 

Ranger Charlie Baker and young visitor.

NPS Photo

Programs in 2013 focused on:

January 8, 2013 - What is an animal?
Wild animals are all around us, from the spider hiding in the corner of your house to the deer in the backyard. What is an animal? How does a fish differ from a bat or an insect from a snake? We will be looking at animals and learning about their differences and similarities. Join us as we explore the animal kingdom and learn about the creatures around us.

January 22, 2013 - What is a plant?
Plants are also all around us, but what makes a plant different from an animal? We will be exploring the life and world of plants from roots, stems, leaves, and flowers to what is photosynthesis. Join us in our investigations of the plant world and learn why they are important to us.

February 12, 2013 - Ecosystems of the park
Some Native Americans consider the Black Hills to be the center of the universe. Why is this area so special? We will investigate ecosystems and ecotones of the park and surrounding hills and learn about how the meeting places (ecotones) are rich habitats for plants and animals.  This is a place where the mountains meet the plains and the eastern tall-grass prairie meets the western short-grass prairie. Why does that make it special? Come explore ecosystems with us. We will be visiting the cave during this session - come prepared with good walking shoes.

February 26, 2013 - What do animals need to survive?
Survival is a challenge for wildlife and, like us, there are many things they must have to survive.  During this session, we will explore the many things we all need to survive - food, water, shelter, sunshine, air, space, and the proper arrangement of all of these things. We will also look at seasonal changes and discuss how animals survive the winter. 

March 12, 2013 - Cycles in Nature
There many cycles in nature which impact plants and animals as well as all of us.  We will be exploring the water cycle, seasonal cycles, rock cycles, and other natural cycles.  Join us for and exciting day exploring cycles in nature and learning what a cycle is.

March 26, 2012 - Let's explore the life of a prairie dog!
We have learned many things about plants and animals and their habitats this season. During this session we will look closely at prairie dogs and see how all the things we talked about this year impact their lives. Join us for a fun day exploring a "dog's life"!

April 9, 2013 - Putting It All Together - Being Nature Spies!
This program was rescheduled for April 16 - This will be our last session for the year and we plan to spend most of the day hiking and doing outdoor activities. We will be reviewing all of the topics that we have explored throughout the season. Join us as we look for evidence of habitats and the animals and plants that live there. Please come prepared to hike and explore the park.