The Geology Rocks! summer camp provides high school students with the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the geosciences. Campers observe the world-renowned Black Hills geology and the role it plays in surface and ground-water quality, geologic hazards, mineral resources, and paleontology. Potential field trips include:

From the ancient rock layers of the Black Hills, to the crystals and natural formations of area caverns and the fossils in the Badlands, the unique geology of the Black Hills region makes Geology Rocks! a one-of-a-kind camp available only at South Dakota Mines. Topics that students will learn about — through real experiences or hands-on learning activities — include:

Discussion of minerals, rocks and fossils, and their relation to Black Hills geologic history
Basic geologic concepts
Topographic and geologic map use as well as compass navigation
The importance of water both to society and geologic processes
Mineral exploration and extraction
Rock and mineral collection!
An active gold mine
A cave tour
The Mammoth Site
Badlands National Park
Many other sites of geologic interest throughout the Black Hills
The experiences in this camp will inspire students to better understand the natural world and to be able to interpret the stories that are contained in the rocks and landforms around us