Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus - Sioux Falls

🎯 Ever wanted to try archery?

Come join us for Archery Basics on Thursday, June 18, at the Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus – Sioux Falls.

We’ll teach you everything you need to get started: how to safely handle a bow, proper shooting form, and how to aim at 3-D targets like a pro.

Ages 8+ (youth with adult)

Two class times available:
10:00–11:30 AM or 1:00–2:30 PM

Register online:
• Morning class: https://tinyurl.com/bddecaa9
• Afternoon class: https://tinyurl.com/3md6r7pu

When most people think of hunter education, they think about learning how to hunt. But the truth is, it's about so much more than that.

It's about learning responsibility. Respect for wildlife. Conservation. Safety. Confidence. And spending meaningful time outdoors with family and friends.

In our latest feature, we're taking a closer look at how The Outdoor Campus and hunter education programs are helping shape the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts while preserving traditions that connect families and communities across South Dakota.

Find the full article now on 'hood Online: https://thehoodmagazine.com/the-outdoor-campus-and-hunter-education/

📢 Playscape Closure Notice

The Outdoor Campus playscape area will be closed on Wednesday, June 17, as staff and volunteers work throughout the day to make improvements to the space.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we enhance the playscape for future visitors. Thank you!

📸 Trail Camera Tuesday! 📸

Thank you to Xcel Energy for supporting the Outdoor Campus Sioux Falls programming as well as the growth of our interns!

The Xcel Energy Foundation this past year provided funding that helped us complete a variety of different projects:

(1) The funds purchased materials for students to put together their own bat boxes in a Native SD Bats class led by our interns.

(2) Purchase dirt and seed for the replanting of our native pollinator butterfly garden. Each year the Outdoor Campus hires a Horticulture Intern who works to maintain and grow our butterfly garden.

(3) Put on a unique Women's Try It Night this past winter where interns helped to lead a variety of classes including a pheasant cleaning class. Students in the program were allowed to take home a cookbook, sheers, and knife to help aid them in their future wild game processing and cooking goals.

(4) Purchase new reels for our fishing programs. The Outdoor Campus puts on numerous fishing classes led by our interns, and our rods/reels take a beating. These new reels will help us to continue to offer great fishing programs!

We are so thankful for the opportunities that Xcel Energy provided the growth of our interns in the field of Wildlife Management through education!

Ready to unplug and get outside?

This upcoming week's programs are packed with opportunities to learn, explore, and have fun. Bring the family fishing, discover the world of falconry, test your aim in archery, or spend an evening connecting with other women who love the outdoors. We'd love to see you at the Outdoor Campus-Sioux Falls!

Register online: https://tinyurl.com/ynsrccbx

🐢 Be a Good Turtle Neighbor

Turtles quietly play a big role in keeping South Dakota’s wetlands and rivers healthy, but their movements often bring them into contact with roads and developed areas. By being mindful and respectful in shared spaces, we can help them safely navigate the landscapes we all depend on.

🐢 Turtle Power

Turtles are important parts of our local ecosystems. They help cycle nutrients, clean up aquatic habitats by eating dead matter, and in some cases, disperse seeds that support plant growth. As both predator and prey, they also help keep food webs balanced in wetlands and waterways.

Slow and steady really does matter. Without turtles, these ecosystems wouldn’t function the same.

Get ready for Super Saturday Paddling this Saturday, June 13! Spend some time on the water while learning the basics of canoeing and kayaking in a relaxed, open‑house format. Join us from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM or from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM.

All equipment is provided, and the program is open to all ages. Youth must attend with an adult. Paddling is available for ages 5 and up for canoeing, and ages 8 and up for kayaking.