About this Event
Join SheJumps and BHPFA for a two-part course to learn the empowering skill of map and compass navigation!
In this course, you will learn how to read a topographic map, proper use of an orienteering compass, and how to put the two together. We will cover the fundamentals of magnetic north, true north, magnetic variation (declination), and taking a bearing from terrain and maps.
Dates: 4/26 & 5/3
Cost: (covers part 1 & part 2): $20 adults, $10 children under 18
Part 1 Basics: Sunday, April 26 at BHPFA Headquarters Building, Custer, SD9 am- 12 pm
Part 1 Class Portion: will be held at BHPFA’s Headquarters Building in Custer, SD. We will cover the fundamentals of reading a topographic map, and how to use an orienteering compass. There will be indoor classroom time, with some time spent outside in the parking lot.
Part 2 Field Portion: Sunday, May 3, Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, SD
9 am- 3 pm Part 2 will be held outside at Wind Cave National Park. Participants will put their new map and compass skills to the test with the guidance of program manager Andrea Fountain. Part 2 will primarily take place in the Wind Cave backcountry, where participants will work together to navigate off-trail to a designated point. Participants MUST ATTEND Part 1 to participate in Part 2. Please note that the off-trail travel does include hiking over rough, potentially steep terrain including rocks, grass, and prairie dog holes.
We will aim to wrap up the field portion by 1:30pm, then you are welcome to stay for an optional “trailgate” social back at the visitor center! Bring a snack or non-alcoholic beverage to share!
Who can come? We welcome all women, transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people. This program is open to girls 8 and up, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission: $20 covers parts 1 and 2. $10 for children under 18. We encourage intergenerational (bring your mom, sister, aunt, daughters, nieces, etc!)
*Please note: the event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. We will let you know as late as the night before if we need to cancel due to weather conditions.
Parking and getting to the event:Part 1 will take place at BHPFA Headquarters: 833 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD, )across from Lynn Dakotamart’s gas station.
Part 2 will take place at Wind Cave National Park; no entrance pass is required. We will meet at the Visitor Center, and then caravan to a location in the park. This portion will include off-trail travel across rough terrain.
Accessibility and Facilities: BHPFA's building is ADA accessible, the space is on ground level. The outdoor space is not ADA accessible, we will be traveling off trail on uneven surfaces including steep gradients that have rocks, roots, and prairie dog towns.
Part 1, BHPFA Headquarters offers one bathroom facility and will be available for the entire course. There are limited parking spots available in the parking lot in front of the building, and ample parking along the side, 9th street. Part 2, We will meet at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, where there are gendered bathrooms and places to fill water bottles. However, most of the time when we are in the Wind Cave backcountry, restrooms will not be available.
Can you offer accommodations?: If you need to request any accommodation(s) for the program, please do so at checkout. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our participants so everyone can enjoy the program with us.
Amenities:Part 1, BHPFA Headquarters, offers one bathroom facility and will be available for the entire course. There is limited parking spots available in the parking lot in front of the building, and ample parking along the side, 9th street.
Part 2, We will meet at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center, where there are bathrooms and places to fill water bottles. However, most of the time when we are in the Wind Cave backcountry, restrooms will not be available.
What to Bring: Come ready to learn with a pencil/pen & notebook. Bring sunscreen/chapstick, comfortable clothing, and enough water and lunch/snacks to last you until midday. Your event facilitators will provide the maps and compasses.
Questions? Contact Andrea at [email protected]
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All participants must sign the r prior to participating in this event.
Spanish version of our waiver: Todos los participantes deben firmar la antes de participar en este evento.
To prioritize the health of our community, please do not attend a SheJumps event if you are experiencing any cold-like symptoms.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Optional donations made during registration will not be refunded.
Cancellations made within 3-6 days in advance of the event date will receive a 50% refund. Optional donations made during registration will not be refunded.
No refunds will be given for cancellations within 48 hours of the event, as this does not give us adequate time to fill the spot.
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SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership, and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education.
SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.
SheJumps strives to fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.
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Follow SheJumps:
www.shejumps.org
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
833 Mt Rushmore Rd, 833 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 23.18
