Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit has ended

Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

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.

7:00pm MDT

Opening Program

Saturday August 1, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT

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 species, safety tips (what should I do if I see a bison?), a brief history of the park.

Saturday August 1, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn

8:00am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts - Native American Beading (Session 1/2)

Sunday August 2, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

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

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 →

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

Cost $35

1:30pm MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- The Art & History of the Dream Catcher

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

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 high-quality materials, you'll walk away with a beautiful, finished dream catcher and a profound respect for the storytelling tradition it represents.

Faculty

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 →

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

Cost $8

7:00pm MDT

Family Friendly- Exploring the grasslands with American Prairie

Sunday August 2, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT

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 ecosystems, the origins of American Prairie, their ecological restoration work (including bison), their partner programs such as science work with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, their Field School, and collaborations with Indigenous communities, and our Wild Sky program that works with neighbors to support conservation practices and habitat.

The kid portion of the evening program will last approximately 20 minutes. We will take a short break to allow families with young children to leave before continuing the presentation.

Sunday August 2, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn

Evening Program

9:45am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- Craft Your Own Leather Medicine Pouch

Monday August 3, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

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 Native Community will be discussed.

Cost: $10

Faculty

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 →

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

Cost $10

2:00pm MDT

American Bison: Keystone Grazers Restoring North American Landscapes

Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

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 species back to its native ranges. Join us to learn how saving the bison is a critical step in healing our grandest landscapes.

Faculty

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

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 ecologists, geologists, cartographers, biologists, astrophysicists, and more.

Monday August 3, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Event Barn

Family time

8:30pm MDT

Rocks on the Rocks

Monday August 3, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT

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

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

1:00pm MDT

Lecture - Ceremonial Native American Regalia, The Jingle Dress History & Demonstration

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

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 Troupe.

See an example of Michelle's work here.

Faculty

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

2:15pm MDT

Lecture: Hoop Dancing 101

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

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

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

1:30pm MDT

Arts & Crafts- Beading (Session 2/2)

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

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 open to people who have completedthe first session.

Faculty

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

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 learning at home, this is your chance to connect, exchange inspiration, and take the spirit of the Summit with you all year long!

**All are welcome to join this program; attendance is mandatory for all teacher scholarship winners**

Wednesday August 5, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm MDT
Event Barn

Discussion

9:45am MDT

$$ Arts & Crafts- The Art & History of the Dream Catcher

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

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 high-quality materials, you'll walk away with a beautiful, finished dream catcher and a profound respect for the storytelling tradition it represents.

Faculty

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 →

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

Cost $8

1:30pm MDT

Lecture- Ancient Astronomies

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

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 constellations, and how our modern astronomical concepts have their base in histories long passed.

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

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 moments, and see if you can spot yourself in the memories!

Thursday August 6, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Event Barn