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Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit has ended
If you would like to join a class that is frozen, please send us a message or email, and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

The Summit Handbook and our pick-a-hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation. You are only able to sign up for one class during a time period (including waitlists). We do our best to accommodate waitlists. 

Add/Dropping Classes: All classes with an additional cost have a final add/drop date of July 13. After July 13th, you will be responsible for the cost of the class unless we can fill the spot. Classes with no additional cost can be added/dropped at any time.
Saturday, August 1
 

7:00pm MDT

Opening Program
Saturday August 1, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn
Kick off the 2026 Black Hills Summit with our opening program. During the opening program, we will review and highlight some of the week's programming, introduce our faculty, and review some important logistical information- like where and when is breakfast? Aaron Douglass, a Custer State Park naturalist, will join us to  introduce the park that will be our home for the week: its native...
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Saturday August 1, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn
 
Sunday, August 2
 

6:15am MDT

*self-guided, Morning Meditation
Sunday August 2, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
Join Heather Fenyk in a grounding morning meditation class designed to help you transition from sleep to waking life with clarity, intention, and peace. Before diving into the noise and demands of your Summit Schedule, step into a calm, supportive space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and cultivate a sense of inner steadying.Whether you are looking to reduce morning...
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Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
  Early Morning, Difficulty- Easy

6:45am MDT

$$ Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Sunday August 2, 2026 6:45am - 9:00am MDT
Creekside Lodge
Explore the famous Custer State Park Wildlife Loop in an open-air jeep with a Custer State Park guide. A 1.5 - 2 hour private, guided adventure deep into the park to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, the truly adorable prairie dogs, and begging burros. A much more intimate experience than one can do on their own, with exclusive use of private trails, and guides not only locating the...
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Sunday August 2, 2026 6:45am - 9:00am MDT
Creekside Lodge
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

7:30am MDT

Geology of the Black Hills
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Geology Van 1
Take a field trip around the area to view geologic features associated with the uplift of the Black Hills of South Dakota. You will learn about the regional geology and the importance of pegmatites as we tour. We will see a variety of rock types and geologic structures, and finish our trip at two former mines where you will have the opportunity to collect your own keepsake specimens. We will drive...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Geology Van 1
  Geology, Difficulty- Easy

7:30am MDT

Hike - French Creek Natural Area (moderate)
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1
Hike Guide
About 4.5 miles, 250 foot total climb "moderate" out & back hike; 37 min. drive each way.This first hike of the week is a good intro to the region's granite-palisaded, wetland-bottom canyon ecology due to Chris Estes' expertise.  Most of the hike is in one of Custer State Park's two designated natural areas (horses prohibited).We'll want to take stream-side stops, & must, to allow us to...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1 Transportation Area
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

7:30am MDT

Hike - Black Elk Peak / Cathedral Spires - all day (strenuous)
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 3:45pm MDT
Hike Van 2
Hike Guide
7.5 mile, 1500 foot total climb "strenuous minus" loop hike; 38 min. drive each way.The Summit's toughest hike, you'll reach the historic lookout tower on top of the highest peak from here to the Canary Islands off Africa, at 7,242 feet. The four-state view includes "awe-inspiring rock spires". This popular but rocky hike is half-forested, helpful if a thunderstorm pops up. Our early start will...
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Faculty
avatar for Amy hahn

Amy hahn

Hike Leader, Faculty

avatar for Nigel

Nigel

Hike Leader, Faculty
Nigel Dabby lives in Martinez, CA, and has been hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, and skiing for more decades than he cares to admit. His initial introduction to the mountains and the outdoors was in his mid-20s and it took place in the Himalayas, initially in the Darjeeling area in Indi... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 3:45pm MDT
Hike Van 2 Transportation Area
  Hike, Difficulty- Strenuous

8:00am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts - Native American Beading (Session 1/2)
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Event Barn
Join our Featured Resident Faculty, Michelle Reed and Nikki Westerman, in a Native American Beading class. Michelle and Nikki will design a beading project that you will be able to complete and take home as a summit souvenir. This project will take six hours to complete and will take place over two sessions. 

Cost: $35
Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
NN

Nagwaakwe (Nikki) Westerman

Daughter of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a well-known Native American actor and musician, and Michelle Reed's sister. Nikki is an artist, a storyteller, teaches classes, and assists her sister Michelle on projects. Nikki has been recognized for creating designs, which include, but aren’t... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Event Barn
  Arts & Crafts

8:00am MDT

Photography - Red Valley Backroads: Camera Eyes on NPS #5 & 6 Roads
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Photography Van
The land in Wind Cave National Park is sacred land to the Cheyenne and Lakota.   There is a story of how the Lakota emerged from the spirit world through a passageway called MAKA ONIYE, or “breathing earth”.  This was Wind Cave.  People were to wait in this spirit world until Earth was ready for them to be born. As I scouted the land above the cave, I used my...
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Faculty
avatar for Annie Tiberio

Annie Tiberio

Photography Leader, Faculty
In 1979, Annie began a decades-long journey teaching photography through many institutions. She’s been teaching at Summits since 1987 and, although she has lost count, the 2026 Black Hills Summit is somewhere around her 40th (Perhaps you recall that there used to be four Summits... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Photography Van Transportation Area
  Photography, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

Ramble - Mount Rushmore and Horse Thief Lake
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Ramble Van 1
This is a winning combination if you like history and a lakeside ramble! We’ll start off by driving along Iron Mountain Road to Mt. Rushmore. You’ll get a true sense of how large Custer State Park is and start to get the feel of this landscape. Once at Mt. Rushmore, we’ll walk the Avenue of the Flags, see the monument from the terrace, and have time in the Visitor Center to see exhibits and...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Ramble Van 1 Transportation Area
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

YA- Hike (moderate)
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
For our Young Adult participants only, start your week off with a moderate hike. 
Faculty
avatar for LeighAnn Lenz Tsiak

LeighAnn Lenz Tsiak

Teen Leader, Board of Directors, Faculty
Leigh Ann is a lifelong summiteer with a passion for the outdoors and going on adventures. This will be her 24th summit, and she is thrilled to be back working with the teens again! In real life, Leigh Ann works in real estate and restaurants. She is also an experienced kayaker, hiker... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
  Young Adult

8:15am MDT

Architects of the Grassland: Explore the Prairie with American Prairie Naturalists
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Young Adults Van
Step off the beaten path and into the complex, interconnected world of the American prairie. While the grasslands may look like an open expanse at first glance, they are actually a bustling, intricately woven ecosystem shaped by remarkable inhabitants. Join naturalists from American Prairie for an immersive walk in the prairie. On this casual walk, we will journey near a thriving prairie dog town...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
avatar for American Prairie

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Young Adults Van
  Ramble

8:30am MDT

$$ Tour - Mammoth Site and Wind Cave Tours - all day
Sunday August 2, 2026 8:30am - 3:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 3
We will start our day at the Mammoth Site, a unique, active paleontological dig site and museum featuring the world’s largest concentration of mammoth remains, with a guided tour. From there, we will visit Wind Cave National Park for a cave tour. Wind Cave is known for its rare boxwork formations, cave popcorn, and flowstone. Our final stop will be the Wind Cave NP  visitors center to learn...
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Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:30am - 3:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 3 Transportation Area
  Tour, Difficulty- Moderate

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Charles Badger Clark's Cabin Tour & Ramble
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Badger was the first poet laureate of South Dakota and spent his last 30 years living in his cabin in Custer State Park. His poetry focused on the life of cowpokes and what it was like to live in the West. His poems give us a great flavor of life here in the early to mid 1900’s. After a guided tour of his cabin, given by a local expert, we’ll ramble the 1-mile loop in the forest behind his...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Hike - Clark Park (moderate)
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
Hike Guide
4.0 mile, 450 foot total climb "moderate" loop hike; no drive.What's special about this route is that nobody else will be there.  That could improve our wildlife spotting chances, even in the heat of midday.  Scouting this hike included a close encounter with elk & plenty of bison evidence.  Instead of a peak, waterfall, lake, or rock spire, this hike gets to a "park".  In this...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

1:00pm MDT

$$ Black Hills Playhouse- Come From Away
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1
Come From Away arrives as a music-driven stage story drawn from real events. Black Hills Playhouse presents the production at Theatre 605 in the Black Hills. You experience a shared human response during a global crisis, told through song, dialogue, and ensemble performance. The show focuses on connection, generosity, and the choices people make when strangers arrive without warning.The...
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Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1 Transportation Area
  Arts & Crafts, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Hike w/ Geology - Empire Mine Ruins (moderate minus)
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Geology Van 1
Hike Guide
This is a short out-and-back hike, 2.5 miles with a 200-foot total climb, to a former gold mine where structures and equipment associated with the mine are still present. The main structures are located near the top of a slope. This is a fun chance to poke around interesting old wooden and brick mining ruins & excavations from as early as the 1890s. The photogenic old structures and...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Geology Van 1
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

1:30pm MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- The Art & History of the Dream Catcher
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn
Discover the deep cultural roots and crafting techniques behind one of the most iconic Indigenous traditions. Led by Michelle Reed, this hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the history, teachings, and stories surrounding the dream catcher.You will learn the traditional meanings behind each element, from the hoop to the web and the feathers, while weaving your own custom piece. Using...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
NN

Nagwaakwe (Nikki) Westerman

Daughter of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a well-known Native American actor and musician, and Michelle Reed's sister. Nikki is an artist, a storyteller, teaches classes, and assists her sister Michelle on projects. Nikki has been recognized for creating designs, which include, but aren’t... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn
  Arts & Crafts

1:30pm MDT

$$ Hand-Sewn Drumstick Workshop: Stories and Songs with Chris Estes
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
Make a full-size drumstick with Chris Estes. He is a powwow and hand drum singer. Hear stories of the drum and Chris’s experience growing up with the songs of his people. Hand sew a deer hide drumstick used for drumming. This will make a beautiful decorative conversation piece.
Faculty
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
  Arts & Crafts

4:30pm MDT

FAMILY FRIENDLY- Family Rockhounding
Sunday August 2, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
This will be an opportunity to meet up with others at the end of a day to travel to some former mines in the Custer area to rockhound and collect. You can keep what you find. Quartz, rose quartz, feldspars, mica, and tourmalines are abundant along the surface and in loose dirt. We will park close to the mines, but there is a short walk and uneven, wooded terrain. Bring something to carry your...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
  Geology, Difficulty- Easy

7:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- Exploring the grasslands with American Prairie
Sunday August 2, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn
Join us for a captivating, two-part evening exploring one of the world's most vital yet endangered ecosystems: our grasslands. This interactive program kicks off with kid-friendly activities and education designed to connect younger audiences to nature, followed by an in-depth presentation and conversation tailored for adults and older youth. We will then discuss the global state of grassland...
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Sunday August 2, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn
  Evening Program

9:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- Modern Astronomy
Sunday August 2, 2026 9:00pm - 10:30pm MDT
Pavillion
Let's look up at the night sky together and learn about the exciting state of astronomical research. Dr. Arika Egan, an astrophysicist who studies exoplanets (planets that orbit other stars in the Milky Way galaxy), will connect what you can see with your naked eye (as well as what you can't) to the questions astronomers are asking themselves day to day. You'll learn about stars, exoplanets,...
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Sunday August 2, 2026 9:00pm - 10:30pm MDT
Pavillion
  Late Night
 
Monday, August 3
 

6:15am MDT

Morning Meditation
Monday August 3, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
Join Heather Fenyk in a grounding morning meditation class designed to help you transition from sleep to waking life with clarity, intention, and peace. Before diving into the noise and demands of your Summit Schedule, step into a calm, supportive space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and cultivate a sense of inner steadying.Whether you are looking to reduce morning...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
  Early Morning, Difficulty- Easy

7:00am MDT

Photography & Scenic Drive - Rushmore, Crazy Horse & Needles Highway
Monday August 3, 2026 7:00am - 12:00pm MDT
If you want to travel along a great road and see the best sights to photograph in Custer State Park, this is the trip for you. We will leave early (7 AM) to get the best warm morning light on the presidential faces, but we will photograph them from an unusual perspective. Iron Mountain Road winds through the Ponderosa Pines of Custer SP and the Black Hills, making its way toward Mt....
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Faculty
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 7:00am - 12:00pm MDT
  Photography, Difficulty- Easy

7:15am MDT

$$ Tour - Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Monday August 3, 2026 7:15am - 9:30am MDT
Creekside Lodge
Explore the famous Custer State Park Wildlife Loop in an open-air jeep with a Custer State Park guide. A 1.5 - 2 hour private, guided adventure deep into the park to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, the truly adorable prairie dogs, and begging burros. A much more intimate experience than one can do on their own, with exclusive use of private trails, and guides not only locating the...
See More →

Monday August 3, 2026 7:15am - 9:30am MDT
Creekside Lodge
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

7:15am MDT

$$ Rock Climbing - Beginning- All day
Monday August 3, 2026 7:15am - 2:00pm MDT
Join local outfitter, Sylvan Rocks, for a day of top roping at world-renowned climbing routes. Your adventure will begin at the Sylvan Rocks headquarters, where you will get fitted for all the gear you will need. After a short drive, you will hike behind the beautiful Sylvan Lake dam to the climbing location (approx 10 min). The cool thing about climbing in the Black Hills is that most of the...
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Monday August 3, 2026 7:15am - 2:00pm MDT
  Outdoor Adventure, Difficulty- Easy

7:30am MDT

Geology of the Black Hills
Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Geology Van 1
Take a field trip around the area to view geologic features associated with the uplift of the Black Hills of South Dakota. You will learn about the regional geology and the importance of pegmatites as we tour. We will see a variety of rock types and geologic structures, and finish our trip at two former mines where you will have the opportunity to collect your own keepsake specimens. We will drive...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Geology Van 1
  Geology, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

$$ Tour - Jewel Cave
Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Guided Scenic Tour 1.5 hoursDiscovered in 1900, Jewel Cave has over 200 miles of surveyed limestone passages. It is famous for its calcite crystals that sparkled like “jewels” by the light of their lanterns,  gypsum formations, and extensive limestone formations. Cave temperature is 49 degrees, and fully enclosed footwear is required (absolutely no openings); no bags of any kind are...
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Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

Hike - Cathedral Spires / Sunday Gulch - all day (strenuous minus)
Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 3:30pm MDT
Hike Van 2
Hike Guide
6.3 mile, 1300 foot total climb "strenuous minus"; one-way hike; 42 min. drive each way.This gem of a route is simply the most lake and rock spire scenery one can pack into a hike. Not to be missed.** To make it more accessible & enjoyable, we will self-select into two groups. The group feeling a bit less fit will start from Cathedral Spires Trailhead, nicely providing an afternoon option for...
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Faculty
avatar for Amy hahn

Amy hahn

Hike Leader, Faculty

avatar for Nigel

Nigel

Hike Leader, Faculty
Nigel Dabby lives in Martinez, CA, and has been hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, and skiing for more decades than he cares to admit. His initial introduction to the mountains and the outdoors was in his mid-20s and it took place in the Himalayas, initially in the Darjeeling area in Indi... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 3:30pm MDT
Hike Van 2 Transportation Area
  Hike, Difficulty- Strenuous

8:15am MDT

Architects of the Grassland: Explore the Prairie with American Prairie Naturalists
Monday August 3, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1
Step off the beaten path and into the complex, interconnected world of the American prairie. While the grasslands may look like an open expanse at first glance, they are actually a bustling, intricately woven ecosystem shaped by remarkable inhabitants. Join naturalists from American Prairie for an immersive walk in the prairie. On this casual walk, we will journey near a thriving prairie dog town...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for American Prairie

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 8:15am - 11:30am MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1 Transportation Area
  Ramble

8:30am MDT

History of Custer State Park
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
Join Custer State Park naturalist Aaron Douglass for an interpretive walk across the historic grounds of the State Lodge. Aaron will explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), presidential visitors and other notable guests who have passed through the Lodge, and the broader development of Custer State Park itself.  Expect a mix of historical context, interpretive anecdotes,...
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Faculty
CS
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:30am MDT

Tour - Crazy Horse Memorial
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Ramble Van 1
The Crazy Horse Memorial site includes the colossal mountain carving and a 40,000 square foot Welcome Center. You will be free to explore at your own pace. The Welcome Center includes theaters, the Native American Museum, and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center. You may choose to purchase a bus ride to the base of the mountain for $5. 
Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Ramble Van 1 Transportation Area
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

9:30am MDT

Tour - Bison Center and Corral Tour- with Junior Naturalists
Monday August 3, 2026 9:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 2
Opened in 2022, the Custer State Park Bison Center has quickly become a must-see destination for visitors of all ages. This facility tells the full story of the park’s iconic bison herd through a broad array of engaging, interpretive, and hands-on displays. In addition to the indoor exhibits, ranger-led bison corral tours provide an invaluable up-close look at herd management and the ranching...
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Monday August 3, 2026 9:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 2 Transportation Area
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

9:45am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- Craft Your Own Leather Medicine Pouch
Monday August 3, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Event Barn
Discover the ancient and rewarding art of leatherworking in this hands-on, introductory workshop. Perfect for beginners, this course guides you through the step-by-step process of creating your own custom leather medicine pouch—a sacred, wearable pocket traditionally used to carry meaningful items, stones, or herbs. During the workshop, the history and meaning behind medicine pouches for the...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
NN

Nagwaakwe (Nikki) Westerman

Daughter of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a well-known Native American actor and musician, and Michelle Reed's sister. Nikki is an artist, a storyteller, teaches classes, and assists her sister Michelle on projects. Nikki has been recognized for creating designs, which include, but aren’t... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Event Barn
  Arts & Crafts

12:45pm MDT

$$ Tour- Wind Cave
Monday August 3, 2026 12:45pm - 3:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1
This one-hour tour is our least strenuous tour. It is a wonderful sample of Wind Cave. Small amounts of all of the beautiful cave formations - boxwork, cave popcorn, and flowstone - are seen along this 1/4 mile tour. The tour is designed for people with limited time or abilities. It enters and leaves the cave by elevator with 150 steps along the tour route.Duration: 1...
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Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 12:45pm - 3:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1 Transportation Area
  Tour

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Heddy Draw Ramble
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Ramble Van 1
Heddy Draw is a 15-minute drive from the State Game Lodge. The trail begins with a flat paved section that borders a section of the 2017 Legion Lake Fire, third-largest fire in South Dakota history. This trail is still heavily wooded and provides an opportunity to talk about fire ecology. A beautiful wooden shelter & platform give us a chance to take in the incredible view. We’ll continue on the...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Ramble Van 1 Transportation Area
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Hike - Clark Park (moderate)
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
Hike Guide
4.0 mile, 450 foot total climb "moderate" loop hike; no drive.What's special about this route is that nobody else will be there.  That could improve our wildlife spotting chances, even in the heat of midday.  Scouting this hike included a close encounter with elk & plenty of bison evidence.  Instead of a peak, waterfall, lake, or rock spire, this hike gets to a "park".  In this...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

1:00pm MDT

Hike - Little Devils Tower (vigorous plus)
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:45pm MDT
Hike Guide
4.2 mile, 800-foot total climb "vigorous plus" out & back hike; 47 min. drive each way.About ¾ of this hike overlaps with the Black Elk and Cathedral Spires/Sunday Gulch hikes.  What's unique is a steep granite slab scramble to the top for the Black Hill's 2nd best view, at 6,870 feet above sea level.  It's as close to the "incredible rock spires" as possible, hiking through quaking...
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Faculty
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:45pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Vigorous

1:30pm MDT

Art on the Trail
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pavillion
 Join Marilyn ( who presently resides in Savannah, Georgia)  for an art lesson during the Summit. This will be a unique moment to record the surrounding images using pencil, watercolors, and drawing paper. We will proivde supplies or you are welcome to bring your own.  You may want to bring a book-sized sketch book as a journal of this trip. Participants will be given...
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Faculty
avatar for Marilyn Hartness

Marilyn Hartness

Art Professsor, Adult
Marilyn Hartness is always sketching and recording while walking on a trail.  The path becomes an amazing memory when there is an image or a few sentences recorded during a sensational experience.   Marilyn is a retired Fine Arts Professor from Wingate University. and she has participated... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Arts & Crafts, Difficulty- Easy

1:30pm MDT

Cowboy Poetry and the Legacy of Badger Clark
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Office
Discover the distinctly American oral tradition of Cowboy poetry and learn about the life of Badger Clark, one of the original Cowboy Poets. Join English Professor, Sara Fuller, to explore the rhymes, rhythms, and realism that were born from the lived experiences of Cowboys and those who admire them. In this interactive class, you will expand your knowledge of a unique genre, discuss and interpret...
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Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Office
  Discussion

1:30pm MDT

$$ Hand-Sewn Drumstick Workshop: Stories and Songs with Chris Estes
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
Make a full-size drumstick with Chris Estes. He is a powwow and hand drum singer. Hear stories of the drum and Chris’s experience growing up with the songs of his people. Hand sew a deer hide drumstick used for drumming. This will make a beautiful decorative conversation piece.
Faculty
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
  Arts & Crafts

1:30pm MDT

Tending to Our Eco-emotions with Community and Nature Connection Practices
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Pavillion
Does thinking about the state of our planet ever get you down? "Ecological grief” and “climate-anxiety” are just a few of the terms used to describe the sometimes overwhelming sense of loss, despair, and worry that comes from bearing witness to ongoing environmental devastation and the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human communities. In this workshop, we will explore community...
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Faculty
avatar for Jessica Pratt

Jessica Pratt

Guest Faculty, Adult
Jessica Pratt is a community ecologist and teaching professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine. She is broadly interested in the application of ecological theory to environmental problem-solving, and in effective pedagogy... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Pavillion
  Discussion

2:00pm MDT

American Bison: Keystone Grazers Restoring North American Landscapes
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Event Barn
Discover the remarkable story of North America’s largest land mammal and its vital role in shaping our landscape. This presentation dives deep into the ecology of the American bison—exploring how their unique grazing patterns, wallowing habits, and seasonal movements drive the health and biodiversity of entire ecosystems. We will also discuss restoration initiatives to bring this keystone...
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Faculty
avatar for American Prairie

American Prairie

Corrie Williamson is American Prairie's Director of Community Outreach. Corrie works to increase awareness, support, and collaboration for American Prairie's conservation mission, with focus areas including the Advisory Board, neighbor relations, American Prairie Field School, and... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Event Barn
  Lecture

4:30pm MDT

Family Friendly- Meet the Mad (and Not-So-Mad) Scientists!
Monday August 3, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Event Barn
Ever wondered what a real-life scientist actually does? Spoiler alert: They don't just hang out in dark labs mixing glowing green potions! This family-friendly event is designed for all ages to meet some of our amazing faculty scientists with opportunities to ask science questions,  learn how they got where they are today, and how they spend their days. Some scientists you might meet include...
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Monday August 3, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Event Barn
  Family time

7:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- An Evening of Native Storytelling
Monday August 3, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Pavillion
Grab a seat by the crackling fire—or pull up a comfortable chair under the pavilion—for an unforgettable evening of Native storytelling. As twilight settles in, we will gather together to experience a rich tapestry of traditional stories brought to life by the grounding heartbeat of the hand drum and the soulful melodies of the flute. It is the perfect way to unwind after dinner, connect with...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Evening Program

8:30pm MDT

Rocks on the Rocks
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT
Event Barn
Join our fearless geologist for an adults-only (21+) geology program. Come together for margaritas (or any other drink of your choice) and to learn about the geology of the area. This class is a little bit of lecture, a hands-on activity, and lots of references to PANGEA. 
Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT
Event Barn
  Late Night
 
Tuesday, August 4
 

5:45am MDT

$$ Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Tuesday August 4, 2026 5:45am - 8:00am MDT
Creekside Lodge
Explore the famous Custer State Park Wildlife Loop in an open-air jeep with a Custer State Park guide. A 1.5 - 2 hour, private, guided adventure deep into the park to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, the truly adorable prairie dogs, and begging burros. A much more intimate experience than one can do on their own, with exclusive use of private trails, and guides not only locating the...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 5:45am - 8:00am MDT
Creekside Lodge
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

6:15am MDT

Morning Meditation
Tuesday August 4, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
Join Heather Fenyk in a grounding morning meditation class designed to help you transition from sleep to waking life with clarity, intention, and peace. Before diving into the noise and demands of your Summit Schedule, step into a calm, supportive space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and cultivate a sense of inner steadying.Whether you are looking to reduce morning...
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Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
  Early Morning, Difficulty- Easy

7:30am MDT

Hike - Mystery Hike (vigorous)
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1
Hike Guide
2.5 mile, 700 foot total climb "vigorous" lollipop (mostly out & back) hike; 47 min. drive.Same hike as the afternoon Mystery Hike. We'll almost certainly not see anyone else. It's the first Summit Mystery Hike since Dave Egan's one in the Redwoods in 2022, and the first with Dave L. since 2016 in New Mexico (like this one, historical sites are involved). Avoiding the thigh-high poison ivy along...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1 Transportation Area
  Hike, Difficulty- Vigorous

8:00am MDT

Photography - Red Valley Backroads: Camera Eyes on NPS #5 & 6 Roads
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1
The land in Wind Cave National Park is sacred land to the Cheyenne and Lakota.   There is a story of how the Lakota emerged from the spirit world through a passageway called MAKA ONIYE, or “breathing earth”.  This was Wind Cave.  People were to wait in this spirit world until Earth was ready for them to be born. As I scouted the land above the cave, I used my...
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Faculty
avatar for Annie Tiberio

Annie Tiberio

Photography Leader, Faculty
In 1979, Annie began a decades-long journey teaching photography through many institutions. She’s been teaching at Summits since 1987 and, although she has lost count, the 2026 Black Hills Summit is somewhere around her 40th (Perhaps you recall that there used to be four Summits... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1 Transportation Area
  Photography, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

Photography - Whistles & Faces
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Photography Van
Explore iconic sites of the Black Hills. From the historic 1880s train to the evolving image of Crazy Horse, this trip provides opportunities to see some of the famous sites of the area, guided by a photographer to make sure that you will get the perfect images to make your friends and family jealous. Maybe no other sound brings such visions of freedom or loneliness as does the sound of a train...
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Faculty
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Photography Van Transportation Area
  Photography, Difficulty- Easy

8:30am MDT

Tour - Scenic Driving Tour of Custer State Park
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am MDT
Explore the Custer State Park via a driving loop tour of the two famous highways. Needles Highway is a spectacular 14-mile scenic drive famous for its winding switchbacks, dramatic granite spires, and narrow tunnels. Iron Mountain Road is a 17-mile scenic byway. It is a masterpiece of rustic engineering featuring curves, switchbacks, pigtail bridges, and 3 granite tunnels that perfectly frame...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am MDT
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

8:30am MDT

Ramble - Sylvan Lake Ramble
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
This popular spot in Custer State Park gives us the chance to see awesome rock formations that line much of the shore of Sylvan Lake. It’s a sunny and pleasant level path, which we’ll do as an out & back ramble (close to 1 mile) due to a difficult section at the far end of the lake, which would not be suitable for a ramble. If time allows, we’ll explore the other side of the lake. We’ll...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:45am MDT

$$ Tour- Jewel Cave Historic Lantern Tour (adventurous cave tour)
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT
The Historic Lantern Tour is an adventurous tour into Jewel Cave.Step back in to the past on the Historic Lantern Tour, where your Park Ranger is dressed in a 1930s-style uniform. This adventure gives you a sense of what it was like to tour the cave in earlier days. Visitors enter and leave the cave through the historic entrance using an unpaved trail. The only light is provided by a lantern that...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT
  Geology, Difficulty- Strenuous

9:00am MDT

$$ Tour - Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
Creekside Lodge
Explore the famous Custer State Park Wildlife Loop in an open-air jeep with a Custer State Park guide. A 1.5 - 2 hour private, guided adventure deep into the park to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, the truly adorable prairie dogs, and begging burros. A much more intimate experience than one can do on their own, with exclusive use of private trails, and guides not only locating the...
See More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
Creekside Lodge
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

9:00am MDT

$$ Wind Cave Candlelight Tour
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 1:00pm MDT
Duration: 2 hoursDistance: 2/3 mile (1 kilometer)Total stairs: 424Difficulty: Strenuous; stairs and trail can be steep, slippery and dimly lit. Bending and stooping are required.Description: Explore the unique geology and boxwork formations of the Blue Grotto route while learning about some of the colorful characters and events in Wind Cave’s past.Experience the cave by candlelight the way the...
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Faculty
avatar for Amy hahn

Amy hahn

Hike Leader, Faculty

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 1:00pm MDT

9:00am MDT

$$ Tour - Mt Rushmore and Historic Gold Mine - Full Day
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 2:30pm MDT
We will do a deep dive into Mt Rushmore National Memorial, visit the museum, see the movie, walk the walk of presidents, and visit the sculptor’s studio. We will eat our picnic lunch at Mt Rushmore, be sure to bring some money to indulge in the Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream - handmade ice cream utilizing Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe, which has received rave reviews from everyone we have...
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Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 2:30pm MDT
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

10:30am MDT

N8V Dance Fitness
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Pavillion
Join Michelle Reed in a fitness class inspired by Pow-wow dance. Founded by Michelle, N8V Dance Fitness is a high-energy exercise program that seamlessly weaves Indigenous heritage with modern fitness. This class is appropriate for all levels. 
Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Pavillion

1:00pm MDT

Lecture - Ceremonial Native American Regalia, The Jingle Dress History & Demonstration
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Event Barn
The Jingle Dress Dance is one of the most recognizable and spiritually significant powwow traditions in North America. During this session, you will learn about the history, cultural significance, and design of the jingle dress. The class will end with a demonstration of traditional dances. This class will be led by Michelle Reed, one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Event Barn
  Lecture

1:00pm MDT

Center Lake Paddling
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Discover the peaceful side of Custer State Park from a brand-new vantage point. While most visitors explore the park by car, this paddling excursion invites you to slow down and experience the Black Hills from the tranquil, glassy waters of Center Lake. You will receive paddling instruction from a knowledgeable Custer State Park Naturalist. Center Lake is a designated no-wake zone, surrounded by...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Outdoor Adventure

1:00pm MDT

Tour - Bison Center and Corral Tour
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Opened in 2022, the Custer State Park Bison Center has quickly become a must-see destination for visitors of all ages. This facility tells the full story of the park’s iconic bison herd through a broad array of engaging, interpretive, and hands-on displays. In addition to the indoor exhibits, ranger-led bison corral tours provide an invaluable up-close look at herd management and the ranching...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Ramble- Coolidge Ponds
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
The park's #1 oasis, we'll hit most of all six ponds dammed in the 1930s by the CCC.  Our ramble will be at a relaxed pace through this beautiful shaded valley named not after President Coolidge but for his wife, Grace.  Poison ivy is rampant, but presents no threat as this popular trail is wide enough.  The entire hike is in one of Custer State Park's two designated natural areas...
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Faculty
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

$$ Bike & Brew
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Join us for a bike ride past the Crazy Horse Memorial, ending at Lost Cabin Beer Garden in Hill City. We will be riding pedal bikes 10.5 miles on the famous Mickelson Trail, South Dakota's first "rails-to-trails" project. Our journey will end at the Lost Cabin Beer Garden around 3:30, and at that point, we will have a van to take those who wish to our lodging; it is about a 45-minute drive,...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Hike - Mystery Hike (vigorous, same as the morning Mystery Hike)
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1
Hike Guide
2.5 mile, 700 foot total climb "vigorous" lollipop (mostly out & back) hike; 47 min. drive.Both time slots above are the same hike, on which we'll almost certainly not see anyone else. It's th first Summit Mystery Hike since Dave Egan's one in the Redwoods in 2022, and the first with Dave L. since 2016 in New Mexico (like this one, historical sites are involved). Avoiding the thigh-high poison ivy...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1 Transportation Area
  Hike, Difficulty- Vigorous

2:15pm MDT

Lecture: Hoop Dancing 101
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Event Barn
Join Tony Duncan, a six-time world-champion hoop dancer, to learn the history and meaning behind the stunning stories told through hoop dance. Tony will also provide demonstrations of the dance. See a sneak peek here. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about hoop dancing in a small setting with opportunities for discussion. 


Faculty
avatar for Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan

Faculty
Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a  Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Event Barn
  Lecture

4:15pm MDT

$$ FAMILY FRIENDLY- Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Tuesday August 4, 2026 4:15pm - 6:30pm MDT
Creekside Lodge
Explore the famous Custer State Park Wildlife Loop in an open-air jeep with a Custer State Park guide. A 1.5 - 2 hour, private, guided adventure deep into the park to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, the truly adorable prairie dogs, and begging burros. A much more intimate experience than one can do on their own, with exclusive use of private trails, and guides not only locating the...
See More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 4:15pm - 6:30pm MDT
Creekside Lodge
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

4:30pm MDT

FAMILY FRIENDLY- Family Rockhounding
Tuesday August 4, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
This will be an opportunity to meet up with others at the end of a day to travel to some former mines in the Custer area to rockhound and collect. You can keep what you find. Quartz, rose quartz, feldspars, mica, and tourmalines are abundant along the surface and in loose dirt. We will park close to the mines, but there is a short walk and uneven, wooded terrain. Bring something to carry your...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
  Geology, Difficulty- Easy

7:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- Relax on the Lawn
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Pavillion
Spend a relaxing evening playing outdoor games, getting your face painted, and chatting with fellow Summiteers. Our formal, family-friendly evening program will take the night off. 
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Evening Program

9:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- Modern Astronomy
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00pm - 10:30pm MDT
Pavillion
Let's look up at the night sky together and learn about the exciting state of astronomical research. Dr. Arika Egan, an astrophysicist who studies exoplanets (planets that orbit other stars in the Milky Way galaxy), will connect what you can see with your naked eye (as well as what you can't) to the questions astronomers are asking themselves day to day. You'll learn about stars, exoplanets,...
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Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00pm - 10:30pm MDT
Pavillion
  Late Night
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

6:15am MDT

Morning Meditation
Wednesday August 5, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
Join Heather Fenyk in a grounding morning meditation class designed to help you transition from sleep to waking life with clarity, intention, and peace. Before diving into the noise and demands of your Summit Schedule, step into a calm, supportive space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and cultivate a sense of inner steadying.Whether you are looking to reduce morning...
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Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
  Early Morning, Difficulty- Easy

7:00am MDT

Scenic Tour & Photography - Enveloped By The Badlands: Good Lands for Photography
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:00am - 12:30pm MDT
"… I was unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands.  What I saw gave me an indescribable sense of the mysterious elsewhere – a distant architecture, ethereal… an endless supernatural world more spiritual than the earth but created out of it.”  Frank Lloyd Wright, 1935“…some magnificent city of the dead…” (Dr John Evans, Explorer).“…the whole region...
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Faculty
avatar for Annie Tiberio

Annie Tiberio

Photography Leader, Faculty
In 1979, Annie began a decades-long journey teaching photography through many institutions. She’s been teaching at Summits since 1987 and, although she has lost count, the 2026 Black Hills Summit is somewhere around her 40th (Perhaps you recall that there used to be four Summits... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:00am - 12:30pm MDT
  Photography, Difficulty- Easy

7:15am MDT

$$ Rock Climbing - Advanced
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:15am - 2:30pm MDT
Join local outfitter, Sylvan Rocks, for a full day of advanced rock climbing. Although it is called an advanced class, this climbing trip is appropriate for all skill levels as long as you can climb all day. This custom trip operates at a 3:1 ratio, ensuring customized route selection for the group. The small groups will be determined by skill level. On this trip, you can expect to learn how to...
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Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:15am - 2:30pm MDT
  Outdoor Adventure, Difficulty- Strenuous

7:30am MDT

Hike - Black Elk Peak / Cathedral Spires - all day (strenuous)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:30am - 3:45pm MDT
Hike Guide
7.5 mile, 1500 foot total climb "strenuous" loop hike; 38 min. drive each way.The Summit's toughest hike, you'll reach the historic lookout tower on top of the highest peak from here to the Canary Islands off Africa, at 7,242 feet. The four-state view includes "awe-inspiring rock spires". This popular but rocky hike is half-forested, helpful if a thunderstorm pops up. Our early start will beat the...
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Faculty
avatar for Nigel

Nigel

Hike Leader, Faculty
Nigel Dabby lives in Martinez, CA, and has been hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, and skiing for more decades than he cares to admit. His initial introduction to the mountains and the outdoors was in his mid-20s and it took place in the Himalayas, initially in the Darjeeling area in Indi... Read More →
avatar for Danny Gagliano

Danny Gagliano

Transportation Coordinator, Faculty
My love of nature started early, first with the National Wildlife Summit and now with Family Nature Summits. My connection with nature blossomed as I explored it throughout my teenage years, even living in the woods for part of my high school career. I have done multiple weeklong... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:30am - 3:45pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Strenuous

8:00am MDT

Hike - Coolidge Ponds to Center Lake (uphill, moderate)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1
Hike Guide
3.0 mile, 375 foot total climb "moderate" one-way hike; 5 min. drive out, 26 min. back.The park's #1 oasis, we'll hit all six ponds dammed in the 1930s by the CCC. Midway, we'll briefly meet Matt Hays' Photo Hike. Our hike will be at a more brisk pace through this beautiful shaded valley named not after President Coolidge but for his wife Grace. One crossing requires a bit of rock hopping. We'll...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Van 1 Transportation Area
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

8:00am MDT

Hike & Photography - A Morning Hike with Merlin (moderate minus)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Guide
This is a 'moderate minus', no climb, one-way 3.0 mile hike, with a 26 min. drive to the start, 5-minute drive from the end.Looking for something different? How about an easy, quiet morning photography (or time to sketch or just slow down and take in your surroundings) hike with Merlin? Merlin the wizard, you say? Nope, Merlin the bird ID app. We will walk slowly down the Grace Coolidge...
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Faculty
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

8:00am MDT

Hike- Cathedral Spires (moderate)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Guide
2 miles, 500 feet climb, moderate, out and back, 44 min drive each wayThis trail, designated by a (functioning) US Congress in 1977 as a National Landmark, is the shortest, gentlest hike for getting as close as possible to these "huge fantastic formations of granite". We'll also hike through an isolated botanical mystery: the only limber pine grove (trees hundreds of years old) to be found...
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Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

8:30am MDT

History of Custer State Park
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
Join Custer State Park naturalist Aaron Douglass for an interpretive walk across the historic grounds of the State Lodge. Aaron will explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), presidential visitors and other notable guests who have passed through the Lodge, and the broader development of Custer State Park itself.  Expect a mix of historical context, interpretive anecdotes,...
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Faculty
CS
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:30am MDT

Ramble - Charles Badger Clark's Cabin Tour & Ramble
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Badger was the first poet laureate of South Dakota and spent his last 30 years living in his cabin in Custer State Park. His poetry focused on the life of cowpokes and what it was like to live in the West. His poems give us a great flavor of life here in the early to mid 1900’s. After a guided tour of his cabin, given by a local expert, we’ll ramble the 1-mile loop in the forest behind his...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

8:45am MDT

YA- Lantern Tour
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 12:15pm MDT

Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45am - 12:15pm MDT

9:00am MDT

Women in the Wilderness
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm MDT
Pavillion
Join us for a day spent exploring women’s experience in Nature. We will touch on science, ritual, and the wisdom of place/self in three workshops.This is an all-day class that will be held both outdoors and indoors. Short hiking and some sitting in a natural setting will be part of the fun! Be prepared with good clothing for the sun and for your comfort. If sitting on the ground is difficult,...
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Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →
avatar for Amy hahn

Amy hahn

Hike Leader, Faculty

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Discussion, Difficulty- Easy

9:30am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- Native Flute Workshop (Session 1/2)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Pavillion
Guided by flutist Tony Duncan (Apache-Arikara & Hidatsa), you will use a kit to create your own instrument. Along the way, we will discuss the history of the flute and basic playing techniques so you can play your first notes before leaving. Duncan has performed all over the world and released ten recordings for the Native American flute, with five albums for Canyon Records. This is a unique...
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Faculty
avatar for Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan

Faculty
Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a  Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Arts & Crafts

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Legion Lake Ramble
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Located in the heart of Custer State Park, Legion Lake offers a scenic retreat. Well ramble the trail that loops around the lake, about three quarters of a mile in length. The first part of the trail is level and easy. The middle section has a bit of incline and is more rocky, but is not dramatic and we’ll take it slow. The final stretch of the ramble is back to being level. Great views of the...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Hike - Lovers' Leap (moderate plus)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
Hike Guide
4.0 mile, 600 foot total climb "moderate plus' loop hike; no drive.A usually verdant (drought-dependent) stream-side stroll over a dozen footbridges and nice views across the Black Hills, both in the same hike! With no vans to boot! This is "the" hike at our Summit lodging site. The version on the last afternoon with Matt will be at a more brisk pace.The trail is particularly known for bison, big...
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Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

1:00pm MDT

Hike w/ Geology - Empire Mine Ruins (moderate minus)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Hike Guide
This is a short out-and-back hike, 2.5 miles with a 200-foot total climb, to a former gold mine where structures and equipment associated with the mine are still present. The main structures are located near the top of a slope. This is a fun chance to poke around interesting old wooden and brick mining ruins & excavations from as early as the 1890s. The photogenic old structures and...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

1:30pm MDT

Food & History: The Story of Fry Bread
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
Gather around the kitchen for a live demonstration and history lesson all about fry bread! Led by Tony Duncan, you’ll learn the techniques behind making this iconic comfort food while exploring its historical roots and cultural significance in Indigenous communities. Yes, there will be tastings! 
Faculty
NN

Nagwaakwe (Nikki) Westerman

Daughter of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a well-known Native American actor and musician, and Michelle Reed's sister. Nikki is an artist, a storyteller, teaches classes, and assists her sister Michelle on projects. Nikki has been recognized for creating designs, which include, but aren’t... Read More →
avatar for Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan

Faculty
Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a  Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
  Arts & Crafts

1:30pm MDT

Arts & Crafts- Beading (Session 2/2)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn
This is a follow-up session to the Beadwork- Cuff Bracelet course offered on Sunday morning. Michelle will be available to assist throughout the week as you complete your beadwork. This session is an opportunity to complete your project with Michelle's help in a classroom setting. All participants should sign up for Sunday morning and one additional session. Please note this session is only...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn
  Arts & Crafts

4:30pm MDT

Integrating Family Nature Summits into Everyday Learning: Ideas and Inspiration
Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Event Barn
Join us for a collaborative session designed to explore how Family Nature Summits' experiences, values, and activities can be woven into everyday learning, both in the classroom and at home. Together, we'll share ideas, lesson plans, and practical tools for fostering curiosity, environmental stewardship, and outdoor exploration with students and families. Whether you teach in a school or lead...
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Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Event Barn
  Discussion

6:50pm MDT

SUMMIT PHOTO
Wednesday August 5, 2026 6:50pm - 7:00pm MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge
Join us for the annual Summit Photo in front of the State Game Lodge before the evening program!
Wednesday August 5, 2026 6:50pm - 7:00pm MDT
Front Porch of State Game Lodge

7:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- An Evening of Native Music & Dance
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Pavillion
This dynamic program is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences of all ages. More than just a performance, it is an invitation to celebrate the enduring beauty, resilience, and joy of Indigenous culture. Join faculty members Michelle (Ojibwe), Chris Estes (Kul Wicasa Oyate), and Tony Duncan (Apache) for an evening of music and dance. Michelle and Chris are both lead dancers for...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →
avatar for Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan

Faculty
Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a  Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Evening Program

8:45pm MDT

Late Night- Custer State Park Trivia
Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45pm - 9:45pm MDT
Bar Patio
Put your thinking caps on and test your wits at the ultimate Custer State Park Trivia Night! Whether you're a bona fide Black Hills expert or just love a good, friendly competition, this is your chance to shine. We’ll dive into everything from the park's rich history and famous wildlife to its hidden geographic gems. Expect plenty of laughs, brilliant team names, and maybe even a little bit of...
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Wednesday August 5, 2026 8:45pm - 9:45pm MDT
Bar Patio
  Late Night
 
Thursday, August 6
 

6:15am MDT

Morning Meditation
Thursday August 6, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
Join Heather Fenyk in a grounding morning meditation class designed to help you transition from sleep to waking life with clarity, intention, and peace. Before diving into the noise and demands of your Summit Schedule, step into a calm, supportive space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and cultivate a sense of inner steadying.Whether you are looking to reduce morning...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 6:15am - 6:45am MDT
Pavillion
  Early Morning, Difficulty- Easy

7:00am MDT

Scenic Tour & Photography - Enveloped By The Badlands: Good Lands for Photography
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Photography Van
"… I was unprepared for that revelation called the Dakota Bad Lands.  What I saw gave me an indescribable sense of the mysterious elsewhere – a distant architecture, ethereal… an endless supernatural world more spiritual than the earth but created out of it.”  Frank Lloyd Wright, 1935“…some magnificent city of the dead…” (Dr John Evans, Explorer).“…the whole region...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Annie Tiberio

Annie Tiberio

Photography Leader, Faculty
In 1979, Annie began a decades-long journey teaching photography through many institutions. She’s been teaching at Summits since 1987 and, although she has lost count, the 2026 Black Hills Summit is somewhere around her 40th (Perhaps you recall that there used to be four Summits... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:00am - 12:30pm MDT
Photography Van Transportation Area
  Photography, Difficulty- Easy

7:15am MDT

$$ Tour - Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:15am - 9:30am MDT
Creekside Lodge
Explore the famous Custer State Park Wildlife Loop in an open-air jeep with a Custer State Park guide. A 1.5 - 2 hour private, guided adventure deep into the park to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, elk, deer, the truly adorable prairie dogs, and begging burros. A much more intimate experience than one can do on their own, with exclusive use of private trails, and guides not only locating the...
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Thursday August 6, 2026 7:15am - 9:30am MDT
Creekside Lodge
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

7:30am MDT

Geology of the Black Hills
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Take a field trip around the area to view geologic features associated with the uplift of the Black Hills of South Dakota. You will learn about the regional geology and the importance of pegmatites as we tour. We will see a variety of rock types and geologic structures, and finish our trip at two former mines where you will have the opportunity to collect your own keepsake specimens. We will drive...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave Egan

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty
Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT
  Geology, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

$$ FNS Tradition - Adventure Race
Thursday August 6, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pavillion
For the first time, the older half (we know who you are***) of our group will get to walk at leisure (not timed!) all of the uphill.  Why didn't we think of that before!?  You'll be doing a map reading game, of course, but one we've never used before.  Mountain biking (all paved bike paths) is back this year, just two miles (all downhill for the "older" set!)  Averaging 35...
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Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Outdoor Adventure, Difficulty- Moderate

8:00am MDT

Volunteer- Adventure Race
Thursday August 6, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pavillion
Join Dave behind the scenes for the adventure race. This is the perfect opportunity to see the adventure race up close and cheer friends as they navigate through the "race". Dave will assign roles based on skill set and ability- this is appropriate for all levels. 
Faculty
avatar for Dave L

Dave L

HikeDirector,Orienteering,AdventureRace, Faculty
Dave has put his MA in geography to use in over 65 nations while glacier-trekking up to 20,000 ft. (Pakistan, Kazakh/Kyrgyz-stan, Nepal, Andes, Caucasus, Alps, Atlas, & in 2022 a 105-mile trek to Bhutan's northern-most tip)... all with Peggy Brosnan. They've done kayak camping in... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pavillion
  Outdoor Adventure, Difficulty- Easy

8:00am MDT

$$ Tour - Mammoth Site & Pioneer Museum - all day
Thursday August 6, 2026 8:00am - 3:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1
Join us for a full-day tour of the unique sites south of Custer State Park. We will start our day at the Mammoth Site with a guided tour of a unique and active paleontological dig site and museum with the world’s largest concentration of mammoth remains. From there, we will drive six minutes to the highly rated Pioneer Museum. Housed in a 1893 schoolhouse, the museum hosts 25 exhibit areas with...
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Faculty
avatar for Betty Trummel

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty
Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:00am - 3:30pm MDT
Arts & Culture Van 1 Transportation Area
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

8:30am MDT

Tour - Crazy Horse Memorial
Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
The Crazy Horse Memorial site includes the colossal mountain carving and a 40,000 square foot Welcome Center. You will be free to explore at your own pace. The Welcome Center includes theaters, the Native American Museum, and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center. You may choose to purchase a bus ride to the base of the mountain for $5. 

Thursday August 6, 2026 8:30am - 12:30pm MDT
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

9:00am MDT

Hike - Lovers' Leap (moderate plus)
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Hike Guide
4.0 mile, 600 foot total climb "moderate plus' loop hike; no drive.A usually verdant (drought-dependent) stream-side stroll over a dozen footbridges and nice views across the Black Hills, both in the same hike!  With no vans to boot!  This is "the" hike at our Summit lodging site.  The version on the last afternoon with Matt will be at a more brisk pace. The trail is particularly...
See More →
Faculty
avatar for Danny McMurphy

Danny McMurphy

Hike Leader & Cave Expert, Faculty
Danny McMurphy is a lifelong resident of Sullivan, Missouri, where he has raised 4 children, two sons and two daughters, and has 4 grandchildren. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 56 years. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Louis District in 2009... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

9:00am MDT

Tour - Bison Center and Corral Tour
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Opened in 2022, the Custer State Park Bison Center has quickly become a must-see destination for visitors of all ages. This facility tells the full story of the park’s iconic bison herd through a broad array of engaging, interpretive, and hands-on displays. In addition to the indoor exhibits, ranger-led bison corral tours provide an invaluable up-close look at herd management and the ranching...
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Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT
  Tour, Difficulty- Easy

9:45am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- The Art & History of the Dream Catcher
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Event Barn
Discover the deep cultural roots and crafting techniques behind one of the most iconic Indigenous traditions. Led by Michelle Reed, this hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the history, teachings, and stories surrounding the dream catcher.You will learn the traditional meanings behind each element, from the hoop to the web and the feathers, while weaving your own custom piece. Using...
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Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
NN

Nagwaakwe (Nikki) Westerman

Daughter of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a well-known Native American actor and musician, and Michelle Reed's sister. Nikki is an artist, a storyteller, teaches classes, and assists her sister Michelle on projects. Nikki has been recognized for creating designs, which include, but aren’t... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Event Barn
  Arts & Crafts

12:45pm MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- Flute Workshop (Session 2/2)
Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
After the glue dries from your first flute-making session, join Tony to put the finishing touches on your flute. 

Please note this session is only open to people who participated in the first session. 
Faculty
avatar for Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan

Faculty
Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a  Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
  Arts & Crafts

1:00pm MDT

Hike - Lovers' Leap (vigorous pace)
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Hike Guide
4.0 mile, 600 foot total climb "vigorous pace" loop hike; no drive. A usually verdant (drought-dependent) stream-side stroll over a dozen footbridges and nice views across the Black Hills, both in the same hike! With no vans to boot! This is "the" hike at our Summit lodging site. This version with Matt will be at a more brisk pace. The trail is particularly known for bison, big horn sheep,...
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Faculty
avatar for Nigel

Nigel

Hike Leader, Faculty
Nigel Dabby lives in Martinez, CA, and has been hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, and skiing for more decades than he cares to admit. His initial introduction to the mountains and the outdoors was in his mid-20s and it took place in the Himalayas, initially in the Darjeeling area in Indi... Read More →
avatar for Matt Hays

Matt Hays

Hiking & Photography, Faculty
Matt Hays is an avid hiker, backpacker, rock-climber, skier, and mountaineer. He has climbed all fifty-four fourteeners in Colorado numerous times, many in the winter. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney, CA and the Grand Teton in Wyoming via the Exum Ridge. He summited Mt. Rainier in... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Hike, Difficulty- Vigorous

1:00pm MDT

Ramble- Legion Lake
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Join Chris Estes on a ramble at Legion Lake. He will talk about the relationship and history of his people with the local flora and fauna. The discussion will be guided by the tracks, plants, and animals you encounter on the trail. 
Faculty
avatar for Chris Estes

Chris Estes

Faculty
Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
  Ramble

1:00pm MDT

$$ Tour- Big Thunder Gold Mine
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
Join us for a guided tour of the Big Thunder Gold Mine, a historic gold mine discovered in 1892. This mine has a unique and fascinating history with a fully accessible 1-hour tour. The tour concludes with a small mining museum. 

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT
  Tour

1:00pm MDT

Ramble - Sylvan Lake Ramble
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
This popular spot in Custer State Park gives us the chance to see awesome rock formations that line much of the shore of Sylvan Lake. It’s a sunny and pleasant level path, which we’ll do as an out & back ramble (close to 1 mile) due to a difficult section at the far end of the lake, which would not be suitable for a ramble. If time allows, we’ll explore the other side of the lake. We’ll...
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Faculty
avatar for Heather Fenyk

Heather Fenyk

President, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership
It's all about watersheds! I love talking about civic science, community stewardship of urban lands, environmental education, and getting city folk out and exploring the wilds of central New Jersey. Talk to me about Environmental Justice, community resilience, and using technology... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
  Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:30pm MDT

Arts & Crafts- Beading (Session 2/2)
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Bar Patio
This is a follow-up session to the Beadwork- Cuff Bracelet course offered on Sunday morning. Michelle will be available to assist throughout the week as you complete your beadwork. This session is an opportunity to complete your project with Michelle's help in a classroom setting. All participants must sign up for Sunday morning and one additional session. 
Faculty
avatar for Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Faculty
A member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe, Michelle is one of the founders of the Woodland Sky native American Dance Troupe, sharing the culture and dances of Wisconsin’s first peoples. Michelle is also one of the lead female dancers for Brulé, a renowned Native American contemporary... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Bar Patio
  Arts & Crafts

1:30pm MDT

Food & History: The Story of Fry Bread
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
Gather around the kitchen for a live demonstration and history lesson all about fry bread! Led by Tony Duncan, you’ll learn the techniques behind making this iconic comfort food while exploring its historical roots and cultural significance in Indigenous communities. Yes, there will be tastings! 
Faculty
NN

Nagwaakwe (Nikki) Westerman

Daughter of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, a well-known Native American actor and musician, and Michelle Reed's sister. Nikki is an artist, a storyteller, teaches classes, and assists her sister Michelle on projects. Nikki has been recognized for creating designs, which include, but aren’t... Read More →
avatar for Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan

Faculty
Tony is from the Apache Nation and is a  Native American Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller. He is a six-time world Champion Hoop Dancer, the Native American Music Awards Artist of the Year, and is featured on a USPS (powwow) Forever Stamp. Tony has toured internationally... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Reunion Cabin
  Arts & Crafts

1:30pm MDT

Tending to Our Eco-emotions with Community and Nature Connection Practices- Educator Focus
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Pavillion
Does thinking about the state of our planet ever get you down? "Ecological grief” and “climate-anxiety” are just a few of the terms used to describe the sometimes overwhelming sense of loss, despair, and worry that comes from bearing witness to ongoing environmental devastation and the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human communities. In this workshop, we will explore community...
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Faculty
avatar for Jessica Pratt

Jessica Pratt

Guest Faculty, Adult
Jessica Pratt is a community ecologist and teaching professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine. She is broadly interested in the application of ecological theory to environmental problem-solving, and in effective pedagogy... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Pavillion
  Discussion

1:30pm MDT

Lecture- Ancient Astronomies
Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn
For millennia, humanity has been fascinated with the night sky and our place in the universe. While most of us have heard of the Greek and Roman constellations and stories, cultures all over the globe, both modern and ancient, have their own histories, mythologies, stories, and relationships with our shared universe. You'll learn how other cultures viewed our constellations, had their own...
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Thursday August 6, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Event Barn
  Lecture, Difficulty- Easy

7:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- Closing Program
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn
Wrap up an incredible Summit week with our highly anticipated closing program! We kick things off with our youngest Summiteers—and yes, even the teens are getting in on the action—as they take the stage to perform the hilarious and creative skits they’ve been practicing all week long. To close out the night, we’ll premiere the official week-in-review slideshow. Grab a seat, relive the best...
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Thursday August 6, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn
 

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