Natural Resources High School Camp
Date: June 8-12, 2026
Location: SDSU Oak Lake Field Station
Registration due: May 1, 2026
What is Natural Resources High School Camp?
The Natural Resources High School Camp is a great way to gain exposure to the world of natural resources, including fish, plants, wildlife, soils, invertebrates and water. The camp offers opportunities to gain hands-on experiences in natural resource ecology and management. The camp is intended for high school students, entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, who have a strong desire to learn more about the natural world or who have an interest in pursuing a career related to natural resources. Permission of parent or guardian is required.
Activities will be led by SDSU Department of Natural Resource Management faculty and graduate students. We will also have biologists personnel from natural resource agencies.
Possible activities
We are still finalizing this year's schedule of activities. In past years, activities have included:
- Bird identification
- Lake ecology
- Camera trapping
- Radio telemetry
- Small mammal trapping
- Reptile trapping and ecology
- Careers in natural resources
The final schedule may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, and additional activities may be added.
Where the camp takes place
The Natural Resources High School Camp is held at SDSU Oak Lake Field Station, located 22 miles northeast of the SDSU campus near Astoria in Brookings County, South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã.
The field station bunkhouse includes two large bunk rooms (separate quarters for males and females) and a central commons area. The field station also has a shower house, indoor and outdoor sinks, flush toilets and outhouses, and a dining hall. The camp staff will be on-site at all times to supervise student activities.
Checkin is on Monday afternoon, and checkout is before noon Friday.
What should I bring?
Attendees must bring comfortable shoes and/or boots. If you have muck boots or waders, bring those too! When spending the day outdoors, it is best to bring a backpack with field supplies and essential personal items, such as water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, jacket, pencils, a notebook and snacks.
- Bedding (sheets, blankets or sleeping bag, and pillow)
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush etc.). A small shower caddy might be useful.
- Towels and washcloths
- Prescription medications
- Clothing
- Long pants are recommended in the field.
- T-shirts, light jacket, underwear, socks, shorts (think layers)
- Pajamas
- A bathrobe and flip flops might be useful for the shower room.
- Extra clothing (No laundry is available on site.)
- Reusable water bottle
- A backpack or similar to carry water and personal items
- Comfortable, close-toed shoes
- Rain gear (poncho or full-body rain gear)
- Pen/pencil and notebook
- Flashlight
- Life jacket
- Waders and muck boots, if you have them. We do have several pairs of men’s and women’s waders. It isn’t necessary to buy them if you don’t have them.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Frisbee, musical instrument, outdoor games, deck of cards, etc
- Books
- Sunglasses and/or brimmed hat
- Camp chair
- Small, battery-powered fan (no air conditioning in the bunkhouse)
- Fishing pole (and fishing license)
- Additional snacks and drinks. We do have a refrigerator in the bunkhouse.
Please do not bring any valuable items to the site as they could get lost, stolen or damaged. There is no Wi-Fi except for in the classroom, which is an area where we will be spending little time. Cell phones are permitted but should only be used sparingly. There are limited electrical outlets in the bunkhouse.
Financial Aid
The is generously providing financial assistance for a limited number of students who are interested in participating but unable to cover the $300 registration fee. If you would like to be considered, please contact us to apply.
The $300 registration fee covers meals, housing and a T-shirt. Gatorade and water will also be provided.
Space is limited to 20 male and 20 female participants, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your place, please complete the online registration form by May 1.
You will have two payment options at the time of registration:
- A nonrefundable $75 preregistration fee
- The full $300 registration fee
Online payments must be submitted at the time of registration. If paying by check, we recommend sending either the preregistration fee or the full amount as soon as possible, as we cannot guarantee a spot without payment. Any remaining balance is due by May 20.
Make checks payable to NR Camp
SDSU Natural Resource Management
Attn: NR Camp Coordinator
Box 2140B
Brookings, SD 57007
