GFP News - August 23, 2012

  • HuntSAFE Training Available for Schools
  • Free Archery Training Provided to Schools
  • Labor Day Weekend Events Wrap Up Summer

HuntSAFE Training Available for Schools

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is offering an exciting new opportunity for schools to introduce conservation and safety training in their curriculum.

Two training sessions are planned this fall that allow schools to participate in the HuntSAFE in the Schools Program.

Trainings are currently scheduled for Fort Pierre on Sept. 19 and Sioux Falls on Oct. 15. The full-day trainings are open to all educators in South Dakota who work with youth ages 11-15.

There is no charge for the training. Upon successful completion, teachers will be able to provide HuntSAFE certification to their students who complete the HuntSAFE course.

Teachers wishing to register for the HuntSAFE in the Schools training should email their contact information to outdoorprogramming@gmail.com or call 605-220-2130. Space is limited so registrations should be made as soon as possible.

 -GFP-

Free Archery Training Provided to Schools

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is planning two upcoming trainings for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

NASP allows schools in South Dakota to incorporate archery in their school curriculum safely and at no cost to school districts.

Trainings are currently scheduled for Oacoma/Chamberlain on Sept. 21 and Rapid City on Oct.  19. Each session will run from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Upon successful completion of the training, schools will be eligible to receive free archery equipment from GFP.

Teachers wishing to introduce archery instruction in their schools must pre-register for training by email at outdoorprogramming@gmail.com or by phone at 605-220-2130.  Space is limited so registrations should be made as soon as possible.

-GFP- 

Labor Day Weekend Events Wrap Up Summer

PIERRE, S.D. - Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer, and South Dakota State Parks invite you to come out and enjoy special weekend events.

  • Labor Day Patriotic Campsite Decorating Display, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Volga and Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington, Aug. 31 - Sept. 3. Campers, bring supplies to decorate your campsites! Judging takes place on Saturday. Prizes for all! Info: 605-627-5441
  • Techno-Treasure Hunt (Beginning Geocaching), Pierson Ranch Recreation Area near Yankton, Aug. 31, 7 p.m. CDT. Learn about the GPS craze that has America searching for treasure in the great outdoors. We'll provide instruction and a limited number of GPS units. Info: 605-668-2985
  • Southern Hills Triathlon, Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs, Sept. 1, at 7 a.m. MDT. Athletes can participate in a kids' triathlon, sprint triathlon, Olympic distance triathlon, or duathlon. Participate as an individual or a team. Info: 605-745-6996
  • Bike Rodeo, Sept. 1, 9:30 a.m. CDT at North Point Recreation Area and 11 a.m. CDT at Randall Creek Recreation Area both near Pickstown. Saddle up those bikes and join us rip roaring fun time. Info: 605-487-7046
  • Labor Day Leftovers, Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton, Sept. 1, 11 a.m. CDT. Take a walk in the park in the dark and learn about nocturnal animals and how they live at night. Info: 605-668-2985
  • Monarch Butterfly Tagging, Palisades State Park near Garretson, Sept. 1, 2 p.m. CDT. Learn the life cycle of the monarch butterfly then help in identifying, recording, tagging and releasing butterflies on their way to Mexico. Info: 605-594-3824
  • Walk in the Park in the Dark, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, Sept. 1, 9 p.m. CDT. Take a walk in the park in the dark and learn about nocturnal animals and how they live at night. Info: 605-582-7243
  • Bicycle Parades, Sept. 2, at 9:30 a.m. CDT at North Point Recreation Area and 11:30 a.m. CDT at Randall Creek Recreation Area both near Pickstown. Kids need to bring only their bikes, as decorations will be provided for this end-of-the-summer event! Info: 605-487-7046.
  • Newton Hills Riddle Hunt, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. CDT. This activity is the perfect opportunity to get to know the park better and learn about nature. The riddle hunts will be available in the welcome center at 10 a.m. Participants can pick up the forms any time during the day. Then, try to find the location that answers the riddle. Those who complete the hunt can bring it back to the welcome center by 4 p.m. to collect a prize! Info: 605-987-2263
  • Lake Vermillion Dutch Oven Chili Cook-off, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area near Canistota, Sept. 2, 4 p.m. CDT. Cookers of all ages will compete for the best Dutch Oven Chili. Cookers of all levels are encouraged to participate. There is no registration required. Cookers can meet at 4 p.m. and judging will start at 6 p.m. Info: 605-296-3643

For more information on the South Dakota State Parks, please visit www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-773-3391. To learn about park programs in your area, contact your local state park office.

-GFP-