For those wanting full hookups for campers or RVs or other modern camping, guests must drive around to the north shore where South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks maintains campground sites. “Newcomers are certainly welcome,” said Shockley. “They are just best friends and brothers that we haven’t met yet!” The event also encourages young people to join in on the rendezvous experience. One of the bigger themes is Youth Day , where the camp creates various stations
set up with speakers and demonstrations. Examples of activities include presenting a variety of skins, furs, and skulls from animals on the Dakota Plains, a demonstration on how to spin yarn from raw wool, and how to make pie on the prairie (and taste test it, too). “Oftentimes we have flintknappers present demonstrating the art of making arrowheads and a primitive blacksmithing station,” said Shockley. “We have had primitive candle making demonstrations and a variety of hands-
on activities, such as making primitive bird feeders or learning the basics of throwing a tomahawk.” Every year varies, and history speakers revolve, whether it be about the fur trade, the history of the Plains Native Americans, or meeting grizzly bear- attack survivors. “If we wish to keep our history alive, it’s imperative to draw in our youth and make it exciting for them to become involved,” said Shockley.
“This is the modern day site of the Hugh Glass Campground, which adds the extraordinary opportunity to experience what Hugh experienced (minus the grizzly).” LaQuita Shockley
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