The South Dakota State Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office, supported by South Dakota Archaeological Research Center, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be hosting their annual Archaeology Camp in Pierre June 9th -11th for students going into grades 4-6 for the 2026/2027 school year.
Archaeology Camp provides students with an active, outdoor experience located on an archaeological site near the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area north of Fort Pierre. Students should be prepared to hike and to work in the dirt alongside professional archaeologists. At Archaeology Camp, campers will be introduced to the field of archaeology. They will learn the purpose of archaeological digs and the stories that artifacts can tell people about the past.
In addition to excavations at the site, other rewarding and fun activities will include processing artifacts, practicing with atlatls (ancient weapons that preceded the bow and arrow), and touring historic sites around town.
Camp dates are June 9th -11th, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The program is structured for students to attend all three days. The registration fee per camper is $50.
Registration will open Friday, May 1, at 8 a.m. CT and will close when the camp is full or on Sunday, May 3, whichever comes first. Due to the popularity of the camp, registrations are first come first serve for 20 applicants who have not previously attended. Prior participants may apply, but their names will be added to a waitlist and only considered if there are less than 20 new campers. No walk-in campers will be accepted on camp days.
Registration information is available at https://history.sd.gov/preservation/ArchaeologyCamp.aspx .
For more information on the Archaeology Camp, please contact Katie Wasley with the historic preservation office at (605) 773-2906 or at Katie.Wasley@state.sd.us.
Our Precision Camps provide students with the opportunity to step into the shoes of an Equipment Precision Technology Specialist. Campers will collaboratively work through hands-on projects as they learn about the technical and digital systems found in heavy equipment, as well as problem-solve through general maintenance processes. Throughout the camp experience, they will explore the ins and outs of Precision Technology alongside our Precision Technology instructors and top industry experts!
Overnight Precision Camp
Students will be introduced to Data Science concepts. They will learn some basic statistics and coding (using R). They will do some fun activities and their goal will be to complete a project where they will analyze some data and present their findings. They will learn to use AI as a coding assistant.
Families are responsible for travel arrangements to get students to the Brookings campus Monday July 27th at 9am. Students will stay on campus and sleep in the residence halls. Parents are invited to watch students present their projects on Thursday afternoon. The camp will conclude around 3pm on July 30th.
Students will have fun activities on campus. This includes climbing the Campanile, visiting McCrory Gardens, eating SDSU ice cream, and climbing the rock wall at the Wellness Center.
The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering is excited to offer career exploration in agricultural and biosystems and civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as construction and concrete management. Participants will explore a variety of hands-on activities along with enrichment and social programs designed to assist students in preparing them for the next step in their intellectual, personal and professional career development.
Registration deadline April 14th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Cost of the camp will be broken down into two options:
Option 1: $850 – This covers room, meals and activities.
Option 2: $350 – This covers only the day classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Curious about a future in healthcare? Scrubs to Stethoscopes invites high school students to explore real health careers through interactive sessions at Sanford Health facilities. Students experience engaging presentations, facility tours, and hands-on activities that showcase what it’s like to work in healthcare.
Curious about a future in healthcare? Scrubs to Stethoscopes invites high school students to explore real health careers through interactive sessions at Sanford Health facilities. Students experience engaging presentations, facility tours, and hands-on activities that showcase what it’s like to work in healthcare.
The Natural Resources Camp is a great way to gain exposure to the world of natural resources, including fish, plants, wildlife, soils, invertebrates, and water. The camp offers opportunities to gain hands-on experience in natural resource ecology and management. The camp is intended for high school students, entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, who have a strong desire to learn more about the natural world or who have an interest in pursuing a career related to natural resources. Permission from a parent or guardian is required.
Registration due: May 1, 2026
Visit https://www.sdstate.edu/natural-resource-management/natural-resources-high-school-camp for more information.
Join Us in the Black Hills to Explore Nursing!
Nursing Career Exploration Camp features sessions focused on nursing care, the science behind many medical activities and even tours of area health care facilities. There will be opportunities for hands-on experiences and to hear from professionals in the field. Sessions will be led by South Dakota State University College of Nursing faculty, Black Hills State University Science faculty, and medical professionals from the Black Hills and the West River Area Health Education Center.
Day camps only, no overnight accommodations.
Join Us in the Black Hills to Explore Nursing!
Nursing Career Exploration Camp features sessions focused on nursing care, the science behind many medical activities and even tours of area health care facilities. There will be opportunities for hands-on experiences and to hear from professionals in the field. Sessions will be led by South Dakota State University College of Nursing faculty, Black Hills State University Science faculty, and medical professionals from the Black Hills and the West River Area Health Education Center.
Day camps only, no overnight accommodations.
If you’re interested in a career that will give you the chance to help others, consider working in a health-related field! You can explore the wide array of opportunities available in this field at SDSU’s Health Professions Career Camp. Students will be able to interact with health care professionals and participate in a variety of activities, such as:
-Demonstrations and information provided for many areas including nursing, pharmacy, preprofessional programs, human nutrition, exercise science, biology, microbiology, medical laboratory science, health care systems engineering and more.
-Visits to local health care facilities and specialty clinics, which may include a tour of their facilities.
-Question-and-answer panel sessions with a range of health care professionals.
The camp is best suited for students entering their senior year of high school the fall after attending the camp. However, the camp is also open to students who will enter their junior year of high school in the fall semester. Financial assistance is available for those with demonstrated need.
