More than 100 students and staff from Adventist schools across the Dakota Conference gathered last September at Flag Mountain Camp in Hill City, South Dakota, for the annual Dakota Outdoor School. Centered on the theme “God Is Our Rock,” the four-day event combined outdoor learning, spiritual growth, and fellowship among students who rarely have opportunities to be together.
Because Adventist schools in the Dakotas are spread across a wide geographic area, Outdoor School provides a unique chance for students to build friendships and experience learning together. Eighth grader Teddy Ray from Brentwood Adventist Christian School captured the spirit of the event, sharing that his favorite part was “spending time with all the other students.” His classmate Nikkita Miller, a second grader, agreed, saying simply, “I made new friends at camp.”
Students arrived Monday afternoon and settled into cabins before gathering for supper and evening worship. Familiar camp songs quickly brought the group together, many of whom had previously attended summer programs at one of our two Dakota Adventist Camps. Students from Rapid City Adventist School eagerly jumped out of vehicles to play Gaga ball and other games while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, setting a tone of excitement for the days ahead.
Tuesday took students beyond camp for a day of field study in the Black Hills. The group visited the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Indian Museum of North America, where they learned about perseverance and the ongoing work of carving the massive monument from rock. Later, students traveled to Mount Rushmore, eating lunch with the famous monument in view before exploring the museum exhibits, speaking with park rangers, and earning Junior Ranger badges.
For many students, the field trips were a highlight. Clara Rittenbach from Brentwood said seeing Mount Rushmore in person was “really cool.” Hillcrest School student Kierran also enjoyed the visit, adding that the hike and even a stop for ice cream made the day memorable. Another Hillcrest student, Aesha, said her favorite part of Outdoor School was simply spending time with friends and having fun together.
Wednesday’s schedule brought students back to camp for a series of hands-on learning sessions led by teachers from Dakota Adventist schools. In “Petrology: Rock On!” students studied different types of rocks found in the region. Another class invited students to create clay monuments while reflecting on how people remember significant events in history. A rock-painting class explored biblical stories involving stones, while a bridge-building class challenged students to design structures strong enough to hold weight. Each activity pointed students back to the central theme of trusting God as their firm foundation.
Invitation Hill Adventist School students added their own contribution by teaching the group a Scripture song based on Matt. 7:24–25, reminding everyone of the wise builder who built his house upon the rock. The song quickly became a favorite as students gathered for worship throughout the week.
Fifth grader Ivy Red Feather from Rapid City Adventist School said the clay monument project was one of her favorite activities. “Every single part of Outdoor School was fun,” she said. “I can’t wait to come back next year.” Other students appreciated practical comforts as well. Brentwood student Dominic Thingvold noted that having showers in the cabins meant they didn’t have to face the cold mornings outside.
For Prairie Voyager Adventist School students, the experience also became a lesson in gratitude. After returning home, they wrote personal letters of thanks to the conference education superintendent who organized the event, expressing appreciation for the time, care and effort invested in making the program possible.
Daily worships were led by Dakota Conference pastors, with music and evening recreation provided by Dakota Adventist Camps director, Ted Struntz, and some summer staff who enthusiastically volunteered to help. Teachers, pastors, parents and medical volunteers worked together throughout the week to create a safe and meaningful experience for students.
By Thursday morning, cabins were packed and students began the journey home, exchanging hugs and already talking about returning next year. For many, Outdoor School had become more than a field trip—it was a reminder that they are part of a larger Adventist community built on the solid foundation of faith.
Lynnette Struntz serves as education superintendent and associate youth director for the Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
