Black Hills Parent Spring 2022 by Evergreen Media

BHPARENT SPRING 2022

LOCAL LIFE

LEARN TO PLAY CHESS

p. 18

MULTIPLE GENERATION VACATIONS

p. 30

PLAY-BASED LEARNING

p. 36

MAKING AN IMPACT: RISE

p. 42

SQUEEZE THE DAY Wyatt Dennis knows that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade

Does your child have a hard time keeping up with other kids? Do they struggle walking? Do they fall down a lot? If you answered yes, then your child may benefit from Physical Therapy.

WHAT IS IT?

Pediatric physical therapy helps to maximize gross motor function, independence, and fitness. Physical therapists can help with walking, running, jumping, balance, and more!

WHO BENEFITS? Any child who struggles with performing age-appropriate gross motor skills; toe-walkers; frequent fallers; Children with musculoskeletal pain or injury.

HOW DO I BEGIN!

Ask your doctor for a referral or give us a call to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Physical therapy begins with an assessment of gross motor skills and your child’s needs to help determine the appropriate plan of care that works best.

Carli Nohl PT, DPT Carli Nohl, PT, DPT received her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 2013 and her Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Jamestown in 2017. Since then, Carli has provided physical therapy services to a variety of people in a variety of settings. She has recently transitioned to the pediatric world and enjoys working with kids of all ages!

Contact us for more information on Physical Therapy 605.716.2634 | ChildrensTherapyServicesSD.com 110 N Cambell Street | Suite A • Rapid City, SD

For starters, the nicotine in vape is highly addictive and irreversibly harms developing brains of young people under 25. Using nicotine makes it harder for kids to concentrate, learn or control impulses, and can add to their stress. Vape is full of harmful chemicals, and there’s more... Get the facts at E-cigarettes.SurgeonGeneral.gov Vape use by kids is increasing at an alarming rate, so it’s more important than ever to talk to your kids about its dangers.

Tips for talking to your teen about vape:

• Start the conversation naturally, at a time when you are both in a good mood. • Don’t criticize or lecture. When your teen talks, listen to what they are saying without judging.

• Set a good example. If you smoke or use e-cigarettes, be honest about the addiction and your struggles to quit.

• Seek outside support from people your teens respect—teachers, doctors, clergy, coaches, relatives.

For more, visit SDQuitLine.com A PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

1.866.SD-QUITS SDQuitLine.com

SUMMER ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

These camps will focus on taking your athlete

to the next level of

June 6 & 8 | Speed, Agility, Quickness June 7 & 9 | Explosive Strength and Power

their game.

$40 PER CAMP

Members get a 15% discount.

JUNE 6 - 9, 2022

JUNE 20 - 23, 2022 June 20 & 22 | Speed, Agility, Quickness

TWO GROUPS PER CAMP

June 21 & 23 | Explosive Strength and Power

Ages 9-12 & Ages 13+

To learn more, scan the QR Code, visit monument.health/exos or call 605-755-MOVE.

Give your child the freedom to dream with CollegeAccess 529 No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the CollegeAccess 529 plan before investing. This and other important information is in the Plan Disclosure Statement, available at www.CollegeAccess529.com. Read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully before investing. Before investing, you should consider whether your state of residency, or your intended beneficiary’s state of residency, offers a state tax deduction or any other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program. The CollegeAccess 529 Plan is issued by the South Dakota Higher Education Savings Trust. The Program Manager and Underwriter for the CollegeAccess 529 Plan is VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-243-4361. Certain of the investment management firms that manage underlying mutual Funds in the Program, including Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., are affiliated with the Program Manager. Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial professional. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial professional. Please see the Plan Disclosure Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota. Notice: CollegeAccess 529 Plan accounts are not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state.

CONTENTS

BHPARENT SPRING 2022

LOCAL LIFE

LEARN TO PLAY CHESS

p. 18

MULTIPLE GENERATION VACATIONS

p. 30

PLAY-BASED LEARNING

p. 36

MAKING AN IMPACT: RISE

p. 42

SQUEEZE THE DAY Wyatt Dennis knows that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

This issue we rounded up activities and resources your entire family will enjoy. From learning about the Black Hills to easy crafts your kids will love, there’s a new adventure around every corner. We also met up with Black Hills locals who are changing the way we think about the world. We hope they will inspire you to be bold and follow your heart. Spring is just around the corner; get ready to explore, learn, create, and grow!

BHPARENT BH PARENT Publisher, Owner Rick DenHerder 605.343.7684 ext. 203 For Advertising Information info@blackhillsparent.com Creative Director John Edwards Senior Designer Chris Valencia Designer Sydnee Dormann Communications Coordinator Meghan Rose Senior Editor Ashley Johnson Photographer Jesse Brown Nelson Social Media Manager Ashlyn Thomas Client Strategists Dolsee Davenport, Felipe Griffith Distribution Richard Alley Contributors Jenna Carda, Jamie Clapham

Black Hills Parent. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the expressed consent of the publisher is prohibited. The information included in this publication is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. Additional advertiser information and articles are available online at blackhillsparent.com. Black Hills Parent magazine is a free, quarterly publication distributed throughout Black Hills area communities — from Rapid City to Spearfish, Deadwood to Hill City, Custer to Hot Springs, and every place in between, including: schools, medical and dental waiting areas, childcare facilities, specialty retailers, and other key locations in this area. Get an exclusive look at Black Hills Parent through our e-letter at blackhillsparent.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.

BUZZ PAGES

08 Easter Eggs Three Ways Love dying eggs but want less mess? Check out these three methods from our friends at Club for Boys.

10 Online Safety for Kids Our kids are using the internet more every day with no sign of slowing. Learn tips and tricks to help keep your kids safe when they’re online.

LOCAL FEATURES

12 Amazing Kid: Wyatt Dennis It all started with a Lego set, but two summers later, Wyatt’s lemonade stand is making serious cash for a good cause. 14 Exploration for Everyone Kelsey Stine has spent much of her life in a wheelchair, but now she’s working to make the Black Hills enjoyable for all.

18 Check — Mate! Chess is making a come back, and the Black Hills are no different. Learn more about Rapid City’s newest club!

GET OUT THERE

22 Hidden Gems Museums and local attractions are a great way to get out of the house, but did you know many have activities specifically focused on kids? Check out our list and find a new favorite! 26 Excellence in Education Pinedale Elementary received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award last year, but the staff can all agree on one thing: it took a team to make the dream work. 30 Multi-Generational Vacations Vacation is time to connect as a family, but have you thought about bringing along more than one generation? A local mom explains why her family loves it, and why you should give it a try.

36 Learning Through Play As we continue to set the bar higher for our kids’ achievements, a local mom realized it was time to get back to learning by having fun.

42 38 Play-Based Learning Activities Ready to take put some fun back in your child’s learning? Check out these ways to get started on play-based learning with your family.

EVERY ISSUE

42 Column: Making an Impact RISE furniture and decor makes volunteering fun, but also brings dignity to Black Hills friends and neighbors in need. Learn more about their program and how they’re helping others. 44 Column: Family Recipe Grab your favorite toppings and put a DIY spin on pizza night with a recipe your kids will flip for. 47 Column: STEAM Our easy craft invites kids to go on their very own dig for fossils in the comfort of your kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make with items you already have in your pantry.

44 49 Column: Education When your kids get ready to graduate high school, give them a gift that will unlock their future: a 529 account. 53 Column: Wellness Kids are resilient, but certain injuries — like growth plate damage — can cause lasting issues if they don’t receive immediate care. 55 Column: Finance Summer is just around the corner! Our tips and tricks will keep paying for camp from breaking the bank, so your kids can have the time of their life. 56 Black Hills Cuties Black Hills parents are always happy to share photos showing off their little ones’ personalities. 60 Black Hills Calendar The coming of spring means community events like chili cook-offs, craft shows, and any excuse to get outside. Check out our list of family-friendly events!

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To learn more about the benefits of beef visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

Explore SD Housing.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://www.fdc.nal. usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170208/nutrients

SDHDA.ORG

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Find us on Facebook! 1/20/2022

@VRDENRC

Virtual Reality, Multi Player Games, Virtual Escape Rooms & Free Roam Experience! Located Downtown Rapid City 505 7th Street 605.389.4632 | VRDENRC.COM

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BOOK YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH US!

11:14:39 AM

Online Preview Spring and nice weather are just around the corner! The Black Hills are full of adventure, and we’ll help you find your family’s next favorite thing to do. From disc golf and archery to hiking and camping, learn more about top activities around the area.

Cold weather got you down? Spend some time focusing on your own self-care. For tips and tricks from a local expert, for you and your kids, come see us online and search “self-care!”

Have a birthday coming up? Check out our list of the best places to host a birthday party! With everything from indoor racing and arcades to pottery classes and more, you will throw a bash your kids will never forget.

Looking forward to fresh produce this summer? Get your garden planned now! If you’ve never had a family garden, check out our tips on starting one online.

LET’S GET SOCIAL

@blackhillsparent

@bhparent

@bhparentmag

Live life local, together. We’re your resource for everything local, from parenting tips and tricks to seasonal fun and expert insights. Connect with us online to stay up-todate with the latest and greatest in the beautiful Black Hills! BHPARENT 7

Oil And Water Science Experiment MATERIALS • hard-boiled eggs • oil (any cooking oil will work) • vinegar • food coloring • hot water • plastic cups • small bowls

Cool Whip Dying MATERIALS • hard-boiled eggs • food coloring • whipped cream • cookie sheet or baking dish METHOD Spoon whipped cream into your dish and spread out until it’s about an inch thick. Add food coloring and gently swirl.

MATERIALS • hard-boiled eggs • food coloring • rice • ziploc bags

Place eggs in whipped cream, making sure they’re completely covered. Feel free to roll them around a bit if you want.

METHOD Put a cup of rice in a bag with 9-10 drops of food coloring.

Put your dish in the fridge and wait for 30 minutes.

Place your egg in the bag and seal tightly. Roll the egg in the rice until it has as much color as you want.

Remove eggs from the whipped cream and gently rinse, then allow them to air dry. TIP You can also use shaving cream, but using whipped cream makes it edible (and safer for younger kids who might eat it anyway).

Rice Shaker Bags

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Remove the egg from the bag. You can leave it as it is, or try placing it in another color. BONUS Once the rice dries, you can use it for spring-inspired art projects, or use it as filler for a colorful sensory bin!

METHOD Place 1 cup of hot water and 1 tsp of vinegar in each of your cups. Add a different color of food coloring to each cup, about 3-4 drops each. Pour about 1 inch of water into each bowl and 1 Tbsp of oil. Add a different color of food coloring to each cup, about 8-9 drops each. Put an egg in a cup of vinegar water for 3 minutes. Move it to a bowl of oil with a different color for 3 minutes, and then turn it over and leave for another 3 minutes. Remove egg from the bowl and allow to dry. TIP Explain to your kids how oil is what’s called hydrophobic, or “water fearing.” Instead of being attracted to water molecules, oil molecules are repelled by them, which is what gives these eggs their fun splattered appearance during this dying process.

TITLE SECTION PROUD SPONSORS OF EASTER FAMILY FUN

I get Easter eggs and I get to paint real Easter eggs and make them soooo colorful. – Brodie, age 9

The Easter eggs! I loooove the Easter eggs! – Corlano, age 7

605.343.3500 theclubforboys.org 320 N. 4th Street Rapid City, SD

The Easter Bunny hides eggs for me to find and I can make a cake for the Easter Bunny. – Josiah, age 6 BHPARENT 9

BUZZ INTERNET SAFETY

Tips for keeping your kids safe online Set some ground rules. Kids of all ages should ask a parent for permission before doing any of the following: • Giving private information such as real name or address to anyone they meet online. • Sharing personal pictures of themselves or family members. • Talking with someone they don’t know in real life such as family, friends, teachers, etc. • Making online purchases or payments of any kind.

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Want a book you can look to for answers? “Parenting in a Tech World” is for parents who want to keep their kids safe but aren’t sure where to start. From knowing when your kid is ready for a smartphone to talking about tough topics, this book has your back.

Looking for an app to make your life easier? Check out Bark. It’s an allin-one parental control app that helps you manage screen time, block websites you don’t want your kids on, and monitor conversations for keywords you set. It alerts you only when certain parameters are met, so you aren’t watching everything your kids do online, but lets you know when they might need help.

EXPO

BUMP

A B B & Y

rch 31, 2022

4-7 PM | 329 Main Street, Ste 1 | Rapid City

Find “Black Hills Bump and Baby Expo” on Facebook for details!

and Kids

BHPARENT

A Clean Home

is a happy home Your home plays a major role in your happiness, it’s where your heart is. You spend a lot of time there, so make it a sanctuary that’s always ready for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

1. Clear the Clutter.

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve the look of your home is to clean out your junk drawer, empty storage bins, and clear shelves.

2. Set the Stage.

Once your living room is clutter-free, breathe life into your space by incorporating plants, making subtle updates, and maintaining your clean throughout the week.

3. Make a Routine.

Cleaning is one of the most common household chores homeowners admit to putting off. With pre-scheduled, regular cleanings from Merry Maids, you’ll never again have to worry about spending a beautiful Saturday indoors scrubbing pots and pans.

SAVE $100

$20 off each of your first 5 cleanings when you mention this ad.

Contact your local Merry Maids® today!

www.merrymaids.com | 605-718-9064 1141 Deadwood Ave., Suite 4 Rapid City, SD 57702 Professional • Bonded/Insured • Guaranteed Quality New customers only. Not valid with other offers. Valid only at this location. Cash value of 1/1000 of 1 cent. © 2021 Merry Maids L.P.

BHPARENT 11

“All I can say is, don’t think any dream is too crazy. If your kid has an idea, encourage them to go out there and try it and be their support person any way you can. You never know what could come of it,” Robin says.

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AMAZING KID LOCAL

Wyatt Dennis started his lemonade stand to earn money for a Lego set. But after two years, it’s become something more: a way to give hope to children all over the country. words Ashley Johnson photos Jesse Brown Nelson

In the summer of 2020, Wyatt set up the lemonade stand near his home in Piedmont during the motorcycle rally. He had his heart set on a space center Lego set that would cost around $100, but he offered drinks free of charge, allowing customers to choose if they wanted to donate or not. It turned out thirsty travelers appreciated the gesture; in the first summer Wyatt went through 20 gallons of lemonade and received over $700 in donations. “That first year, we thought it was a good way for him to put in some hard work and earn something, so the lemonade was free, and then at the end of it his father and I were going to buy the Lego set for him,” Wyatt’s mother, Robin Dennis, explains. “People started donating money, and when he ended up with $700, we realized we needed to have a bigger discussion.”

SWEETENING THE DEAL

The Dennis family sat down and discussed earning, saving, and donating money, and came up with a plan. Wyatt would save 50% of his earnings for a college fund, donate 30% to a charity, and keep 20% for spending. It was enough to buy his dream Lego set, but now Wyatt had a new decision to make: what charity to donate to. “A friend of my mom’s runs to raise money for St. Jude,” Wyatt says, “so I decided to pick them.” The first year, he donated a little over $200 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The next summer, Wyatt set up his lemonade stand with similar expectations from the year before. What he didn’t anticipate was the power of word of mouth. People shared the lemonade stand on social media, and before he knew it, Wyatt had quickly surpassed the previous year’s total. In fact, his stand was so popular that it left his parents searching grocery stores all over the Black Hills to buy more lemonade. “My mom’s coworkers were sending pictures and asking, ‘Is this your son?’” Wyatt laughs. “We didn’t know what to do. We had people donate lemonade, and my dad’s coworkers stepped in to help too. A lot of people stepped in and we still have a little bit of extra left over.” Wyatt served so much lemonade last year, he lost count of the gallons. At the end of the rally, he was able to donate $32,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year, the Dennis family has expanded the lemonade stand to include merchandise, and has plans to offer baked goods. But for Wyatt, it’s about being able to help those in need. “I think it just makes kids happy, and it makes me happy that I’m making kids happy,” he says. As the saying goes, what you put into the world will always come back to you. For Wyatt Dennis, that can only mean great things ahead. BHPARENT 13

BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

EXPLORE LOCAL

Exploration

for Everyone Local entrepreneur Kelsey Stine has muscular dystrophy, and she relies on a wheelchair for mobility. She’s learned to navigate the Black Hills, and now she’s helping others explore with confidence. words Ashley Johnson photos Jesse Brown Nelson

Accessibility hasn’t always been top of mind, but Kelsey is helping change the narrative. She hopes to help make the Black Hills the perfect place for families of all abilites to enjoy.

elsey has needed the help of a wheelchair since she was 13. While it has come with certain challenges, she’s never let her mobility keep her from exploring the Black Hills. “I’m pretty independent and can get around a lot, and maybe it’s just because I know the area well,” Kelsey explains. “I became more aware that there are people who are just scared to go out because of the unknown.” She started out by sharing her insight on a personal Instagram page, including reviews of local businesses and attractions people might want to visit. Before long, Kelsey had so many people reaching out to ask questions or say thank you, she realized she had the potential to do something bigger.

REALIZING A DREAM

Accessible Black Hills officially launched in May 2021 with the help of local volunteers.

Kelsey’s goal is to make exploring the beautiful Black Hills exciting for everyone, regardless of ability. She hopes she can make it easier for families who live here to enjoy their own backyard, but also help families who are planning a vacation here. “I just want to help them know fully what they’re getting into when they go somewhere, whether that’s in a wheelchair, using a stroller, or whatever,” Kelsey says. “Even for grandparents who want to take their grandkids out, but maybe they have trouble climbing stairs or going a long distance. Really, it’s just to help everyone have the best time they can.” Current location listings are focused in Rapid City, with hopes of expanding to the rest of the Black Hills and South Dakota soon. Listings offer details such as location of accessible entrances and bathrooms, door widths, whether floor plans are easy to navigate, and more. There are also pictures included so visitors can get a feel for the space before going.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

While the focus of Accessible Black Hills is on the user, Kelsey is also working to help businesses understand the need and teach them ways to be more inclusive. Many buildings around the Black Hills are historic, which means owners may have to retrofit their business to accessibility standards. BHPARENT 15

LOCAL EXPLORE

Accessible Black Hills has a three-phase plan to help everyone adventure without worry:

Phase 1 GATHER DATA ON LOCATIONS in the Black Hills area for their level of accessibility.

Phase 2 SHOWCASE BUSINESSES

by building a directory for tourists and locals to use, which is housed on a searchable website.

Phase 3 SUPPORT THE BLACK HILLS COMMUNITY by developing grant

opportunities for businesses to make their location more accessible.

If your family has accessibility needs, Kelsey and her team would love to hear your perspective! Visit accessibleblackhills.com and use the contact form to reach out. 16 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

A project Kelsey is excited about: renovations to make Rapid City’s beloved Dinosaur Park wheelchair friendly! The iconic park will soon have a new route to the top so everyone can enjoy the view.

This can be easier than it sounds, however, and Kelsey thinks a key part of Accessible Black Hills is education. “The Americans with Disabilities Act was in 1990, which was only 30 years ago,” Kelsey says. “A lot of this is just education on simple things like a soap or towel dispenser in the bathroom not being too high.” She says there are often small fixes businesses can make, such as adding a ramp to a side entrance or making sure that tables are spaced far enough apart for a wheelchair to pass between them. For now, Kelsey has launched the Accessible Black Hills website and is working with volunteers to collect information on locations around the area. So far, businesses her team has approached have been enthusiastic about the project and ready to help. “We’re working with businesses to help them be more accessible, and getting the word out to people who want to visit. I’m excited about the future, and helping to make the Black Hills accessible for everyone,” Kelsey says.

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BHPARENT 17

LOCAL CHESS CLUB

Words: Jenna Carda Photos: Jesse Brown Nelson

BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

CHESS CLUB LOCAL

COME ON MATE LET’S PLAY

If you are a part of the 207 million households that stream Netflix, you may have seen the service’s original miniseries: The Queen’s Gambit. Released in October 2020, during the initial wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, the series about an orphan girl took the world by storm. The idea that a 9-year-old could learn the ancient game of chess from a janitor captured the imaginations of nearly 62 million viewers — as well as the inspiration to try it out for themselves. Within a month, sales of chess sets went up by 87% in the US, and sales of books about chess leaped 603% (according to a 2020 report by the NPDGroup).

History of Chess

The war-centric game we know today can be traced back to India as early as the 7th century. There, it was referred to as chaturanga, which translates to “four divisions (of the military)”: infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry. Over time, the game traveled to Persia and became a staple in royal education — a status of knowledge and wisdom. Here is where the names and the pieces of modern chess took shape. Chess’s journey spread

throughout China and East Asia, Africa, Europe, and Russia, gaining slight adaptations in each culture. However, the main components of the game remained. By the mid-12th century, the pieces of the chess set were depicted as kings, queens, bishops, knights, and men at arms. Writings about the methods and rules of playing chess began being transcribed in the 15th century. With the development of titles such as master and grandmaster, as well as the ever-growing attraction to the BHPARENT 19

LESSONS ON AND OFF THE BOARD •C ritical thinking & decision making • Memory & visualization skills • Logical reasoning & problem solving • Imagination & creativity • Confidence • Patience, discipline, & determination • Sportsmanship and so much more! Get started in the basics of chess by attending the weekly practice sessions (no charge) or by checking out the club’s suggested resources on their website: https://rcscholasticchess. weebly.com

game of strategic moves, competitive chess made its way into the world. The first international chess tournament in London, held in 1851, would serve as a guide for future international, national, regional, and local tournaments that would follow.

Resurgence of Chess in Rapid City

Success in chess happens both on and off the board: “The goal of the club is to teach chess, but also help foster connection in the community and teach kids and families to build skills that go beyond the game,” says Jan McGrath.

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Like many families in the Rapid City area, chess was simply a hobby or a game only the intelligently focused individual would play. However, in November 2021, coach and club president Nathan Walstrom brought a new light to the game at a local level for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Rapid City Area Scholastic Chess Club hosts weekly training time at the Rapid City Public Library. Nathan and other volunteers with a passion for the game lead training sessions. One of those volunteers is Jan McGrath, who is a mom of not one, but two chess players who were eager to expand their knowledge of the game by facing other opponents. “We are not generational chess players,” explains Jan. “This came out of nowhere for our family, but that’s the joy of this game: you can come to the game at any level from a novice to seasoned player.”

At 10 years old, Jan’s oldest son, Brogan McGrath, picked up a book at his school’s library titled “Chess for Dummies.” He learned to play the game on his own and eventually taught his younger brother to play. “Now he’s 15, and he bleeds chess pawns,” jokes Jan. “I’m happy he chose to be a part of the [Rapid City Area Scholastic] Chess Club. He’s still learning, and I’m thankful he has others to play with and develop his skills.” The club is affiliated with the United States Chess Federation, and serves as the local organization where players can learn and hone in their skills. Each week, the club sees 30 students on average ranging in age and level of play. And with the momentum of players and volunteers, the club is facilitating as well as participating in competitions and tournaments. “My son has taught me that the game of chess is not only a timeless game, it is also an ageless game that can be played by young and old. The game is not measured by your age, gender, or when you began to play. It is solely measured by how much time you devote to learning the game and then putting your knowledge to practice on the chessboard,” Jan says.

CHESS CLUB LOCAL

BASIC CHESS STRATEGIES

Chess.com explains four simple things that every chess player should know when getting started: Protect Your King

Get your king to the corner of the board where he is usually safer. Also, don’t put off castling; you should usually castle as quickly as possible. Castling is when you move your king two spaces towards a rook on its original square. The rook is then moved to the square the king has just crossed. It doesn’t matter how close you are to beating your opponent if your king is checkmated first!

Don’t Give Pieces Away Don’t carelessly lose your pieces! Each piece is valuable and you can’t win a game without pieces to checkmate. There is an easy system that most players use to keep track of the relative value of each chess piece. How much are the chess pieces worth? A pawn is worth 1 A knight is worth 3 A bishop is worth 3 A rook is worth 5 A queen is worth 9 The king is infinitely valuable At the end of the day, these points don’t actually mean anything — it’s simply a system you can use to make decisions while playing. It helps you know when to capture, exchange, or make other moves.

Control the Center of the Chessboard

You should try and control the center of the board with your pieces and pawns. If you control the center, you will have more room to move your pieces and make it harder for your opponent to find good squares for their pieces.

Use All of Your Chess Pieces

Your pieces don’t do any good when they are sitting back on the first row. Try and develop all of your pieces so that you have more to use when you attack the king. Using one or two pieces to attack will not work against a decent opponent. You can find more advice, instruction, and great videos for all levels of player at www. chess.com/learn-how-to-play-chess

The starting positions of the pieces in chess, showing each queen on the square matching her colour. Top tip: What is the best first move? Bobby Fischer believed that moving the king-pawn 1. e4 was best.

BHPARENT 21

thedahl.org

Here in the Black Hills, we’re blessed with incredible natural and cultural resources.

We have museums on everything from geology and paleontology to local and national history. While well-meaning parents may want to take their kids to learn about the world around them, the idea isn’t always met with excitement. Fortunately, many local museums have activities geared towards kids of all ages that make learning fun! We rounded up some of our favorites so you can plan your next family field trip with confidence. The best part? They’re all free or included with the price of admission, and these attractions are all open year-round.

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Dahl Arts Center

Spending a quiet afternoon contemplating the best our area has to offer is a great way to recharge as a family. That is, unless your kids are like most, and art museums aren’t really their thing. Luckily, the Dahl Arts Center is more than just a museum: check out the Art Start Studio on your next visit. The studio allows your family to experience and create art using a variety of materials, not to mention the space is fun to explore all on its own.

DISCOVER GET OUT THERE

journeymuseum.org

dcboothfishhatchery.org

Journey Museum

If you want to learn everything there is to know about the Black Hills, the Journey Museum is a must-do. Their exhibits cover everything from the geology of our region to the people and events that have shaped it. Also check out their kid-friendly programming, known as STEAM weekends.

D.C. Booth Historical Fish Hatchery

This local hatchery has been a family favorite for generations! Upon arrival, pick up a scavenger hunt and walk through the 11 acre campus locating items and answering questions - learning about nature, conservation and fish. Redeem the completed scavenger hunt at the gift shop for a free cup of fish food!

Mammoth Site

This Hot Springs attraction really is a national treasure, and if you haven’t been yet you’re missing out. When you visit, the sheer size of the Bonebed will impress even the most stalwart tween. Reading the exhibits may not capture the attention of the younger crowd just yet, but head to Andrea’s Kids Cave near the gift shop. You’ll find fun activities that will keep your kids entertained and may even spark a love of paleontology.

mammothsite.org BHPARENT 23

Photo: Tri-State Museum

GET OUT THERE DISCOVER

Tri-State Museum

Head to Belle Fourche for this museum about Black Hills history. They have permanent exhibits on local tribes, pioneers and ranchers who settled the area, history of the Black Hills Roundup, and more. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits on varying topics, such as honey bees and textiles. What your kids will love, however, are the hands-on activity stations throughout. Offerings vary based on the exhibits, but you can expect at least 3-4 stations your littles can explore, including a fun archeology table where they can dig for fossils and a dress up trunk with costumes from the Black Hills’ pioneer days.

Photo: Custer State Park

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Custer State Park Peter Norbeck Education Center

Custer State Park is a gem all on its own, and there’s plenty of amazing adventure to be had no matter your family’s interests. One downside? There’s a lot of driving involved, which can make kids restless. Avoid the cooped-up chaos and stop by the Peter Norbeck Education Center. You’ll find educational displays and ranger talks, but also hands-on activities your kids can explore as you take a respite from the car.

gfp.sd.gov/csp-peter-norbeck 24

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JOIN US!

MAY 21, 2022 Kite Festival & Duck Races

• Feed the Fish • Walk Nature Trails • Shop the Gift Store • Tour Historic Hatchery Buildings • View Underwater Trout Area • Solve the Scavenger Hunt!

FREE FAMILY ATTRACTION! GROUNDS OPEN DAILY

Venues open May - September 9am to 6pm

FREE Family Fun! Activity tables, gold panning and archeology dig box plus discovery boxes in the museum! Science kits, kids’ books, toys and games in the store!

OPEN TUESDAY-SATURDAY 9-5 PM 415 Fifth Ave. in Belle Fourche | 605.723.1200

423 Hatchery Cir. Spearfish, SD dcboothfishhatchery.org

Know a kid with a unique hobby, a fun collection, or exciting talent? We’d love to feature them!

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EXCELLENCE GET OUT THERE

Enter to Discover the World — Depart to Lead the World Children are the future; that’s why teachers around the Black Hills are dedicated to providing the best possible education for our children. For Pinedale Elementary School in Rapid City, hard work and dedication led to national recognition in 2021. interview Avery Thomas words Ashley Johnson photos Jesse Brown Nelson

The National Blue Ribbon School award is a prestigious national award that is sponsored by the US Department of Education. Schools are nominated by their Chief State School Officer, and can only be nominated once every five years. Schools can decline the nomination, but if they accept, that’s when the work begins. When Pinedale Elementary’s principal, Chip Frankie, received word they had nominated his school for the 2021 National Blue Ribbon School award, he sprung into action. The nomination process is detailed; the application is 25 pages long, and involves gathering information about every aspect of the school’s curriculum, culture, and strategies for success. He knew it would take everyone on the team to make the dream a reality. Fortunately, the Pinedale Elementary teachers and staff were up to the challenge.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Laura Kamarainen teaches fourth grade at Pinedale Elementary, and she was part of the team that put together the school’s nomination package. “It all happened naturally, and I’m honestly not surprised. Everyone just jumped in and said ‘we’ll take care of that’ or ‘I’ll do this,’” she says. “Everyone brought me their contribution, and I compiled it all to BHPARENT 27

GET OUT THERE EXCELLENCE

give to the principal. It was great to see everyone come together, because that’s what the award is all about. It’s not singling out any one particular teacher, it’s about all of us: the staff, the families, and the community.” During the nomination process, the team had to collect information on student demographics, but also provide information about attendance rates, and write an essay about the school’s mission and how they excel. For Pinedale Elementary, they simply explained the work they’ve done to encourage students and create a positive learning culture. From implementing Project Based Learning that helps students investigate real-world topics to incorporating the Leader in Me and a kid-friendly version of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, it’s clear that Pinedale Elementary students are in great hands.

Laura Kamarainen loves the community’s support for Pinedale and its staff.

One big family

Teachers at Pinedale Elementary make the effort to engage with their students on both an academic and personal level. They’ve done training to help reach kids on a cognitive, social, and emotional level, which helps them understand student behavior. This includes looking at where each student is coming from and helping them find a personalized path to success. There is also a lot that happens outside of class. Pinedale Elementary has a long tradition of being a great neighborhood school, and it’s one they continue to uphold. The staff and teachers work hard to perfect the classroom, but they also rely on support from the parents and community around them. “Parents are so invested in every aspect of our school that we couldn’t do any of this without them,” Laura says. “From families who are trying to make our neighborhoods safer to parents reading to their kids, and our PTA who is always looking for ways to support us, they’re all phenomenal.”

Continuing the legacy

Shortly after the award was publicly announced, yard signs and flyers with the National Blue Ribbon School symbol were displayed all over the neighborhood. Chip Frankie, Rapid City Area School Superintendent Dr. Lori Simon, and third-grade teacher Bethany Lundeen, went to Washington D.C. last November to accept the award on the school’s behalf. And while the award was just for 2021, the pride of being part of the Pinedale Elementary family will continue to grow. “We all hold the same beliefs; we think that all kids can learn and be exceptional. We view education as a team effort,” Laura says. “That’s what makes Pinedale so great.”

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Everyone was part of the nomination including teachers, staff, and the principal.

Highly discouraged, the prolonged habit can lead to crooked teeth and bite problems. Visit with one of our specialized pediatric dentists if you have questions or concerns.

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WEEKLY CAMPS & CLASSES Mermaids & Unicorns, Elsa & Olaf Frozen Adventure, American Girls in Paris, Dino Stomp, Fairy Frolic, & Royal Training Academy! Also, join weekly Tutu Tots, Kinderdance, & Creative Ballet!

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ENROLL TODAY! Registration Now Open for Summer Camps & Classes! Visit us online or call to sign-up.

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Three Generation Vacations : Fun for the whole family After the pandemic brought travel virtually to a halt, many families are excited to get back on the road! There’s a new trend on the rise in family vacations that you might want to consider: including words and photos Jamie Clapham grandparents. words and photos Jamie Clapham

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a lanning a family vacation can be ider cons you n whe task ted plica com the budget, parents’ work and kids’ activity schedules, deciding , etc. on a destination that ever yone likes variables at Interestingly, even with all those dparents play, many families are adding gran le of vacation puzz ted plica com dy alrea the to might be the planning . Why is that, and what vacation? l iona erat i-gen mult a benefits of that may With a global economy and jobs states iple mult in work to require someone are lies fami nded exte , tries coun or even world. the or try often spread across the coun ly fami , days birth for ering This makes gath ays more holid and ns, uatio grad , ions reun des ago. difficult than it was just a few deca ly requires fami nded exte visit to ling When trave a flight, even or more than a single day’s drive be can ents irem requ cial the time and finan ths and months mon go may nts Pare e. ibitiv proh or their without seeing their adult children . grandchildren

VACATION GET OUT THERE

We love getting together with extend ed family. In this pictur e are three generation s of my family, includ ing my kids’ aunts from both sides.

Think outside the suitcase

A multi-generational vacation may be a perfect solution for some of these problems. Grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren can connect in a location that is “somewhere in the middle” of all of them and possibly cut down on travel time and costs. Also, a multi-generational vacation can include aunts, uncles, and cousins or even grandparents from both sides of a family on the same trip! These types of trips can really be an opportunity to grow relationships and build bridges between members of a family that otherwise would be nearly impossible.

You can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the girl! I grew up in Georgia, so for this trip we took our family to the beach in South Carolina.

Ite ms fo r t he trip! sa n da ls extra so cks sun blo ck sun g lasse s

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It is real e. qualitythetidim stractions of

There aren’t tivities, work, after-school ac chores. Parents and household r adult children get to know thei while also in a deeper way fun personality learning all the es of their traits and qualiti a relaxed and grandchildren in t. fun environmen

Parents can get some time off.

Most grandparents expect to and want to babysit when they are with their grandchildren for an extended period. Parents can truly get their own mini vacation by taking a day or night away and spending time as a couple while the kids make special memories with their grandparents.

My daughter adores her grandfather, so it’s great that they can spend time together while my husband and I can relax.

Next Vacat De stin atio n io n Ide a Flo rida Ne w Yo rk C ity Arizo n a Disn ey Cru ise!

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VACATION GET OUT THERE

No one feels like they must be a host. At a resort, rental home, or hotel, no single person or couple feels like they need to bear the burden of all the cooking and cleaning and making sure everyone is comfortable, which makes the time together much less stressful.

You don’t have to go far to have the perfect family vacation! We love spending time outdoors in spots like Pactola Reservoir or with cousins in Hill City.

It can maximize vacation days.

Parents who have limited vacation days don’t have to squeeze in both a trip to see grandparents and a family vacation with those limited days.

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GET OUT THERE VACATION

Clearly, bringing the grandparents along has some wonderful perks!

We are very lucky to have some locations right here in the Black Hills that are perfect for these kinds of trips. For example, Keystone and Hill City have easy access to Mt. Rushmore, hiking, gold panning, restaurants and wineries, and many outdoor rides and attractions that kids love! Custer is another great option, with so many things to do for all ages, from driving the wildlife loop, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, or seeing a play at the Black Hills Playhouse. My family has enjoyed five multigenerational vacations, including two staycations in the Black Hills. All of them were a blast! Sometimes people are hesitant to be trendy, but this is a trend that is likely here to stay, and it’s easy to see why. So, for your next family gathering, perhaps consider a “3G” (3 generation) vacation.

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Sometimes we double the fun and invite both sets of grandparents along! It’s a great way to spend time together while maximizing our vacation days.

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FEATURE STRAP

LET THEM BE KIDS Many of us look back on childhood fondly; the “good ol’ days” full of laughter and playing with our friends. While it seems like those times were just for fun, it turns out that we were likely learning more than we realized.

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LEARNING GET OUT THERE

Words Ashley Johnson Photos Jesse Brown Nelson

Let kids make their own decisions. It can be hard as parents to step back and let our kids take the reins, but that’s exactly what you need to do. When kids play based on their own wants and desires, they experience freedom of choice, but also begin to make connections between their choices and the consequences.

Haley Uphoff is a junior kindergarten teacher in Custer, but also a mom to a 4-year-old son and twin 14-year-old daughters. She studied early childhood education in college, and in her years as a teacher had seen how traditional school methods weren’t always working for every student. “I had taught kindergarten for a couple years, and once in a while I’d get those kids that you could just tell weren’t ready, and it just kind of started to wear on me,” Haley says. “I kept thinking, if they don’t like school starting in kindergarten, it’s going to be a long 12 years. And really, what are we doing this for if not for them?” That’s when she took a step back and really started to consider how to make education something her young students would not only enjoy, but look forward to. She started researching alternative ways to engage with them and discovered play-based learning.

Resetting the bar

With test scores and aptitude requirements climbing higher every year, we put more and more pressure on our children to be high achievers. After all, a 2-year-old who can write their name surely has a bright future ahead of them, right? Not necessarily. In our rush to provide all children with the best chance of success, we’ve continually set the bar higher and higher. We require more of our youngest children than what they’re truly ready for, or even capable of. All children develop on their own individual timeline, which means some will be better at language skills, while others will be more advanced in gross motor skills. In fact, pushing activities on our children that they aren’t developmentally ready for may cause issues in the long run. “I think it makes a difference for

Let play be spontaneous, not scripted. You can start out with a plan or activity, but allow your kid to change the rules or go off script. Playbased learning is about exploration, so go where your kids lead! Take the time to be engaged with play. All kids love to play, and they also crave connection with family members and friends in their life. Life is busy for all of us, but taking time to truly get on your kid’s level and immerse yourself in their world will benefit both of you.

young kids to be able to have playbased learning,” Haley says. “For instance, we see a lot more ADHD in schools than we had seen in even the past 20 years, and if you think about it, we’re asking these young kids to sit and learn all day when they’re still wiggly little guys. We need to let them get out of their chairs and move around and play more.”

Follow their lead

Play-based learning is grounded in letting children explore their interests. The goal is to gently guide them without disrupting their creativity or innate curiosity. Haley focuses on hands-on activities with her kids, foregoing more formal materials like paper and pencils. “A big part of this process for me has been taking a step back, and asking myself if the activities I’m doing

with my students are developmentally appropriate,” Haley explains. “I did a lot of research, and even saw x-ray pictures comparing an adult hand to a 5-year-old’s, and I thought ‘oh, that’s why a pencil probably doesn’t make sense for them right now, but writing their name in shaving cream with a finger is more appropriate.’” While play-based learning has changed her classroom, it’s also helped Haley reconsider how she interacts with her own kids on a daily basis. “Play-based learning also made me realize the differences in my kids,” she says. “The girls were ready to sit down and do things like workbooks pretty early. But being able to step back helped me understand how each child is different, which gave me peace of mind with my son when he wasn’t doing the things his sisters were at the same age.”

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HOW TO DO PLAYBASED LEARNING WITH YOUR FAMILY Play-based learning is a great way to break out of the classroom and have fun. But where do you start? We asked Haley for ways to take play-based learning outdoors for some hands-on activities. These are some of her favorite things to do with her own kids and her students at school. Nature scavenger hunt

“We like to do a scavenger hunt where we look for different kinds of leaves or rocks, or any other kind of thing like animals or plants that we can talk about. I also like to tie it in with a book if I can,” Haley says. To do this with your kids, pack a snack and head out on the trail or to the local park. Pick something they’re interested in like birds or rocks, and make a plan to find as many as you can. Let your kid guide where you go, and when they find the object you’re looking for, talk to them about it. Ask questions like what color is it? How big is it? Or what does it feel like? You can also pick something simple like a certain color, shape, or letter of the alphabet and use that to guide your scavenger hunt. How many white plants can you find? Or what about things that start with the letter G? Want to pair your adventure with a book? Look for a copy of “Muskrat and Skunk, a Lakota Drum Story” by Donald F. Montileaux, then see how many of the animals you can find in nature. Or try a classic like Eric Carle’s “The Grouchy Ladybug” and see how many ladybugs you can find.

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Save the animals

“Take an animal figurine and put it in a container full of water, then freeze it. Then on a nice day, it’s fun for kids to take outside and use small tools to ‘rescue’ the animal inside,” Haley says. This activity is easy, but kids have a blast chipping away at the ice block to rescue the animal or toy inside. You can add as many toys as you want, or get creative and add food coloring to the water. The goal is to let kids work with their hands while exploring the various forms of water.

Say it, then Spray It!

This game is a great way to work on phonetics while having fun with water — because who doesn’t like playing with squirt guns? “For this one, I write letters on the sidewalk with chalk, and then give my son a squirt gun. When I make a sound, he has to spray the letter that makes that sound,” Haley says. To up the ante, you can make it a race to see who gets to the letter first, or even put them far enough apart your kids have to run between them.

ACTIVITIES GET OUT THERE

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Pack Your Bag. Hit The Trails. Make A Splash.

Adventure begins at Kicks & Giggles! GET READY TO GO:

BABY o Changing pad o Change of clothes o Socks o Shoes o Muslin blanket o Swaddle o Burp rag o Bib & Spoon o Pacifier o 2 favorite toys o Bath towel o Slumberkin o Kyte sleep bag

TODDLER o Hand sanitizer o Mushi snack cup o Maileg mice toys o EZPZ sippy cup o Usborne books o Usborne sticker books o Binoculars o Warmie MOM & DAD o Wallet or clutch o Backpack o Robe o Nursing cover

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PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 2022 FEATURED NONPROFITS

Forging a New Path With Dignity The premise of RISE is straightforward: community members can donate furniture they no longer need, which is then repaired or repurposed by volunteers and sold on the showroom floor. The real beauty of the program, however, is found in its service to others. words Ashley Johnson photos Jesse Brown Nelson

Volunteers come from all walks of life, but it’s clear the hands-on nature of serving at RISE is a unique experience they cherish.

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ove INC has been part of the Rapid City community for over two decades, but only recently opened the doors on their newest ministry: RISE Furnishing and Decor. The storefront celebrated one year of business in December 2021, but the journey has been years in the making. A little over four years ago, a small steering committee got together after a volunteer expressed a desire to adjust a specific program. At the time, those in need could apply for assistance through Love INC, including earning items such as linens and furnishings for their home. The process included working a certain number of volunteer hours in order to earn items by assisting with cleaning or administrative duties. The committee wanted to take the ministry to the next level by offering to teach valuable skills. Pam Reed is a volunteer at RISE, and says, “We just got together and started thinking, how do we reform this ministry so we actually provide opportunities for them not only to earn things, but to learn skills like learning to sew, or upholster, or paint. We felt that by doing that, we dignified the entire process.”

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Pam Reed, John Ligtenberg, and Jerolyn Gibson have all had a hand in the success of RISE, but they agree doing something for others has been the biggest joy of volunteering.

It all starts with a phone call

Jerolyn Gibson is also a volunteer at RISE, and she’s seen the impact of the program firsthand. “A lot of times, we have people come to us who don’t want to be here. They won’t even really look at us, at first,” she says. “What really helps them open up is just working side by side with someone. We’re not here to interrogate or question anyone. But when you’re paired up with someone, and just focused on the work in front of you, it becomes easier to talk and open up.” John Ligtenberg, the Executive Director of Love INC, wholeheartedly agrees with Jerolyn. “The call to our connection center is where it starts,” he says, “but that’s not where we want it to end. We hope that from there, maybe when a church helps deliver our participants’ furniture they find community there, or they want to come back and volunteer with us, or maybe while they’re here, we connect with them with one of the classes that we offer. We’re always trying to help people open the door to the next step.” The purpose of Love INC is to walk alongside people on their journey, no matter where they are or where they’ve been. It’s about showing love for one another by reminding us all that we are important and have something to offer. At RISE, love looks a lot like creating connection by learning, working, and serving together.

“ Many of our pieces are cast offs, and I think, in a way, it’s also how we relate to our participants. We’re no different than anyone else; we are all broken when we come in those doors. But it turns out, broken furniture is a wonderful prop to explain the transformative work at RISE.” - Pam Reed

Whether you’re seeking assistance or feel called to volunteer, you can call Love INC at 605-718-5683 or visit them online at loveinconline.com.

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Homemade Pizza Dough Who doesn’t love family pizza night? Take this family tradition up a notch by making your own pizza — including the dough! Doughn’t worry, we made it easy with only six ingredients. If you’re in a rush (or have hangry kids), you don’t even have to wait for it to rise! You’ll be topping your own personal pizza before you know it.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup warm water 1 Tbsp sugar 1 Tbsp active dry yeast 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt Sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice STEPS • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease your pizza pan or baking sheet and set aside. • Put warm water into a large mixing bowl. You want it warm to the touch, but not boiling. Add sugar and yeast and stir to combine, then let the bowl sit for about 5 minutes or until a layer of frothy bubbles forms. Add the olive oil, stirring gently as you pour. • Mix the flour and salt together, then add to your wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula until a ball begins to form. Add more flour as needed until you form a ball. Note: Your dough should be a little sticky, but should easily pull off your spatula.

• Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead, adding extra flour if needed. Be careful not to knead too long! You don’t want to make your dough tough. Once you have a smooth dough ball, stop kneading. • Roll dough into a round shape and transfer to your pan. You can also make several smaller rounds if you want individual pizzas. • Bake on the lower rack of your oven for 5 minutes. If you notice any air bubbles forming, poke them with a fork. • Take your dough out of the oven and add sauce, cheese, and toppings. • Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust looks crispy and lightly browned. • Remove from the oven and let the pizza sit for a few minutes before serving. BONUS TIP If you have time, let the dough rise for 30 minutes (or until it doubles in size) before rolling it out. You’ll get a fluffier crust! You can also make this recipe ahead and freeze it so you have dough ready to go. Either freeze your dough as a ball, or make a fully dressed pizza and freeze it before baking.

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HEALTHY SUBSTITUTIONS You can swap out the sugar for 2 tsp of honey. For a gluten-free crust, try using 2 cups of almond flour and adding an egg. When you roll out your dough, you can use cornstarch to make your surface non-stick or press the dough into a pizza pan with your fingers.

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WAYS KIDS CAN HELP 1-3 years old Let your kids help mix the ingredients together to form a dough ball. It’s a great sensory activity, but you might want to mix it a bit on your own first so they don’t get too sticky. Getting their hands wet first will help, too. 4-5 years old Give them a chance to try out a rolling pin! Show them how it works and let them roll the pizza dough into a round shape. You can also talk about units of measurement and how thick the dough needs to be.

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6-7 years old Measuring and mixing your ingredients together is a great way to let kids at this age practice their math skills in a handson way. 8-9 years old Let your child add the sauce, cheese, and toppings, and supervise them as they cut the pizza once it’s had a chance to cool down. 10 years and older Are you feeling adventurous? Try throwing your pizza dough instead of rolling it! Watch how-to videos online together and then see who can throw the best crust.

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Jurassic Kitchen Did you know the Black Hills are full of fossils? In fact, some of the most complete T. Rex fossils to date have been found in western South Dakota, not to mention the world-famous Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. While paleontologists go through special training to dig up fossils, you can do it at home with this fun craft. This is a fun way to do hands-on learning without leaving your kitchen, and works great when paired with a field trip to one of the great museums around the hills that showcase fossils. MATERIALS: • 1/2 cup baking soda • 1 cup Cornstarch • Water • Food coloring or almond flour (optional) • Plastic dinosaurs • Baking container • Excavating tools (silverware, paintbrushes, etc.)

METHOD: Step 1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F Step 2. Mix the cornstarch and baking soda together in your baking dish. If you’re using a larger dish, you can double or triple the recipe. The ratio is what’s important. Optional: add food coloring to make your mix look like dirt. We swapped out a cup of cornstarch with almond flour to make ours. Step 3. Add water to the mix until you have a sludge consistency. It should be slimy, but not runny. Step 4. Submerge the dinosaurs into the mixture, making sure they’re mostly covered. Step 5. Bake in the oven until the mixture hardens. Be patient! It can take about an hour depending on your baking dish. Step 6. Once the mixture is hard, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. When it’s ready, dig in!

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK TO GUIDE LEARNING: • What is a fossil? (the remains of an animal formed when layers of dirt and rock build on top of each other and turn the animal into hard rock) • What part of the animal creates a fossil? (bones, shells, and teeth) • How long does it take for a fossil to form in nature? (at least 10,000 years or longer) • Are animals the only fossils? (no, plants can be fossils too, such as petrified wood) • Why do paleontologists use small tools like brushes? (so they don’t damage the fossil)

The Mammoth Site

mammothsite.org | (605) 745-6017

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#Dadication

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PROUD SPONSOR OF THE GIFT OF EDUCATION

THE GIFT OF CHOICE

When you’re thinking of graduation gifts, consider giving them one that truly gives them the keys to their own future.

ou can send your new graduate into the world with well wishes, advice, new sheets, or a shower caddy stocked with their favorite scents. Or you can give them something that will truly open up a world of possibilities for them: a contribution to a financial account. One of the most popular ones is the 529, but today’s 529 is much more flexible than you may remember. We broke down a couple misconceptions about them so you can feel good about investing in your soon-to-be high school graduate.

A 529 isn’t just for college

When we talk about saving for the future, many of us assume that money is only for students who pursue education at a college or university. In fact, your student can use the money at any postsecondary educational institution that is eligible to participate in federal student aid. That means they can go to traditional universities, but also vocational or trade schools. If they’ve gotten scholarships that cover their expenses, they also have the option to hang onto their 529 account to pay for graduate or professional school at a later date.

They pay for more than just class We all know there’s more to attending higher education than, well, going to class. There are books to buy, dorm rooms to pay for, and don’t forget a meal card at the cafeteria. Luckily, all of these expenses can also be paid for with funds in a 529, so your student can focus on their studies and not on paying their rent. Just be sure to double check it’s an approved expense before withdrawing any money.

You can control the account

While the beneficiary of a 529 is likely your children, you can still maintain authority of the account even after they graduate high school. This allows you to decide how your contributions are invested, when withdrawals are made, and where they go. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. It’s a great way to start a financial conversation with your child and let them be part of the decision-making process while still keeping tabs on the account. Any withdrawals made for nonapproved expenses can incur a tax penalty, so it’s a good idea to stay involved. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. BHPARENT 49

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the leading causes of childhood hearing loss. 1 in 3 pregnant women infected with CMV will pass the virus to their child while pregnant. CMV is the most common condition present at birth, but it’s one of the least well-known conditions among those in the United States. Cannon et al., 2012; Muldoon, 2020; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Want to learn more?

Get involved today at ehdi136.com or find us on Facebook @SouthDakotaEHDICollaborative

Let’s Talk! Speech Therapy at LifeScape Helps Your Child with:

• Speech Articulation • Social Skills • Expressive Language • Reading & Writing Skills • Picky Eating & Food Aversions • Swallowing Challenges • Augmentative & Alternative Communication Call 605.791.7400 Today for Details 50

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Our Speech Language Pathologists have a combined experience of over 50 years!

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Bright Healthy Smiles 605-939-7992 | dakotadental4kids.com 5509 Bendt Drive, Rapid City | Kids of all ages!

START OR ADVANCE YOUR NURSING CAREER. Our programs include: • • • • • • •

Bachelor of Science in nursing Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing Master of Science in Nursing Postgraduate certificates Docotor of Nursing Practice Ph.D. in nursing RN to B.S.N.

Program options offerered in Aberdeen, Brookings, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and online.

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PROUD SPONSOR OF HEALTHY KIDS

Timely Treatment of Growth Plate Injuries Can Keep Your Child Growing Strong Any parent can tell you that active kids are pretty tough. They endure cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises; yet they tend to bounce back quickly. However, childhood injuries like growth plate fractures can cause lifelong problems if not treated urgently.

Rachel Michael, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon Monument Health Orthopedic & Specialty Hospital, Rapid City

Growth plates (physes) are sites with layers of active bone and cartilage cells located in the long bones of your child’s hands, arms, legs and feet. Throughout your child’s journey from infancy to adolescence, these plates are responsible for the longitudinal growth (length) of the bone. The growth plates do an amazing job of turning a 3-foot preschooler into a 6-foot teenager. At some point during late adolescence, the growth plates close, and your child is left with adult bones that are anatomic, solid, and strong. However, if your child breaks or fractures a bone, and the growth plate is damaged, lasting problems could result. For instance, if a growth plate injury occurs and causes premature

closure, the affected bone could become permanently shorter or crooked. Since growth plates are not yet solid bone, it can sometimes be difficult to see the injury on X-rays. Sometimes we will order X-rays of both injured limb and the opposite limb so they may be compared. Surgeons may put the limb in a cast for three to four weeks and redo the X-ray to see whether new bone is forming. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) might be needed to see the extent of the injury.

TREATMENT

Less serious fractures can be treated by putting a cast or splint on the injured limb. More serious cases may require

DIAGNOSIS Symptoms of a growth plate injury can include: • Persistent pain and tenderness after a sudden or overuse injury. •D eformity, warmth, or swelling at the end of a bone. • Changes in how your child bends their limb. • Inability to move, put pressure on, or bear weight on a limb because of pain. • You may notice that your child self-limits the amount of time playing after a prior injury.

surgery to better align the bone or growth plate. Growth plates that are surgically realigned may have a better chance of recovering and growing again than growth plates that are left in a poor position. It can be difficult to tell if a growth plate is permanently damaged. Sometimes we will continue to take X-rays over several years as your child grows to be sure the growth plate continues to function properly. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, your child may need follow-up visits until his or her bones have finished growing, which is around 14 years old for girls, and 16 years old for boys. BHPARENT 53

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R E M SUM

EXPO! FREE TO ATTE ND

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. Summer planning made easy! Camps, classes, workshops, & more – all in one place!

Find out more at BlackHillsParent.com *Vendor space available

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PROUD SPONSOR OF SUMMER FUN

Summer Fun Without Breaking the Budget Going to summer camp is a childhood memory many of us cherish, but sending your kids can be expensive. Now is the time to think about where to sign up, but also how to give your kids a memorable summer without breaking the bank. It might seem early, but summer is just around the corner. In fact, most summer camps start opening registration in the spring, so if your kids have their heart set on one, now is the time to start looking. Whether they want to get away for a night or weeks at a time, there are ways to make their dreams come true without taking on any financial burden.

ASK ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS OR DISCOUNTS

Many camps will offer discounts if more than one of your children attends, so it’s worth asking what their rate is. Also, ask if they offer a scholarship. Camps associated with universities often have needs-based scholarships, while others offer them based on aptitude, such as musical talent. There may even be a way to reduce the fee if you volunteer with the camp in some way, so be sure to ask!

HAVE KIDS HELP SAVE

A great way to help kids learn financial responsibility is involving them in saving up for an expense like going away to camp. Sit down and discuss the options with them, talk about the costs, and come up with a plan together. Maybe they have a birthday coming up and they can set aside any money they receive as gifts, or perhaps they can do a couple of extra chores around the house to earn some extra. Whatever it is, camp will be that much sweeter when they’ve helped earn it themselves.

REMEMBER ALL THE COSTS

Once you’ve paid for camp, there are other expenses involved, such as required items, food, and transportation getting to and from camp. If it’s far away, it may even require plane tickets or hotel rooms to make sure your kid gets there safely. Make sure you take these things into account and plan

ahead. You can get most gear for athletic or outdoor camps second hand, which is especially helpful if your kid is trying the activity out for the first time. Likewise, plane tickets or hotel rooms are usually cheaper the further out you reserve them.

LOOK FOR LOWER-COST ALTERNATIVES

If a week-long excursion isn’t in the budget this year, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t have fun. Look for shorter stays or day-only camps. Museums often have recurring summer programs that are less expensive options, as well as your local youth organizations or churches. You can also organize a fun camping experience for your kids and their friends as a fun alternative. Talk with the parents of your kids’ friends and see if you can come up with something together that’s just as fun while relieving financial stress for all involved. BHPARENT 55

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The Rush home games March 4, 5, 6 vs. Utah Grizzlies March 18, 19, 20 vs. Kansas City Mavericks March 25, 26, 27 vs. Atlanta Gladiators All games at The Monument Ice Arena

MARCH

FRIDAY-SUNDAY 4-6

Presidents Cup Indoor Soccer Tournament

The Black Hills Rapids soccer club is hosting their winter tournament in Rapid City. Come out and support your favorite team over three days of fun competition! The Monument, Rapid City. FRIDAY-SATURDAY 4-5

SATURDAY 5

22 Countries in 2 hours

Miss traveling? Take a musical vacation with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra as they take a world-wide tour through the music of Scotland, Spain, and more! It’s a true treat for the ears — and the imagination. 7:30-9 p.m., Performing Arts Center of Rapid City. MONDAY 7

Deadwood Snocross Showdown

Legos @ Sturgis Public Library

FRIDAY 4

Music School at Salvation Army

The greatest show on snow is coming back to Deadwood! Enjoy two days of snocross excitement as over 150 professional racers come to prove their worth. *Rescheduled from January. Days of ‘76 Complex, Deadwood.

Head to the library for their monthly Lego building time. All ages are welcome to attend, and you don’t need to bring anything with you — just your imagination! 3-5 p.m. Sturgis. SATURDAY 12

First Fridays Art Walk

Stroll the streets of downtown Rapid City as they come alive with incredible artwork hosted in galleries, studios, co-ops, businesses, and more! 5-7:30 p.m. Downtown Rapid City.

Enjoy FREE music lessons for ages 9-15 devoted to enriching the lives of youth through music education and gospel arts. You can register on-site at the event, and lunch is provided. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Salvation Army, Rapid City.

FRIDAY 4

Friday Night Skate

The Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center is bringing back their Friday Night Skate Nights for the whole family! Pre-registration required, $8 per skater and $3 per spectator. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Spearfish. SATURDAY 5

Miner Brewing Winter Festival Enjoy all-day fun with activities for all ages including s’mores, hot cocoa, live music, and a bonfire. You can even rent an igloo for the afternoon for some whimsical winter fun. 11 a.m-7 p.m., Hill City.

SATURDAY 5

Road 2 Destruction Tour

The Monument hosts the nation’s most competitive monster trucks competing in a variety of events, including racing, wheelie contests, freestyle, and more! It’s a raucous and fun event for the whole family! 7:30 p.m., Rapid City.

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SATURDAY 12

4GMX Indoor Motorcross Series

Join riders from all over the Midwest and Canada, from 4 years old to professionals. Take the whole family out for a day of exhilarating entertainment! 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. James Kjerstad Events Center, Rapid City. SATURDAY 12

Live on Stage

Hill City Art Council hosts Randy McCallister in a winter music showcase to help you break out of your cabin fever! Enjoy music, dinner, and dancing. All proceeds support the Hill City Council Scholarship Program. 5:30-8 p.m. High Country Guest Ranch, Hill City SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 12 & 13

Hill City Antiques and Railroad Show & Sale

Train and antique lovers of all ages will love this annual event in Hill City. Peruse tables of antiques for sale or bring your own and have it evaluated by local experts. There’s something for everyone, and all proceeds will benefit the South Dakota State Railroad Museum. Hill City.

BLACK HILLS EVENTS

SUNDAY 13

Indoor Go Kart Racing

Grab the family for a day of fun watching local kart racers take to the track. Doors open at 8 a.m. with races kicking off at noon. $10 for a grandstand pass or $20 for a pit pass. 8 a.m. Central States Fairground, Rapid City. SUNDAY 13

An Irish Rambling House

Get in the St. Patty’s spirit with energetic folk music and dancing that melds the traditions of American, Celtic, and Baroque. The joyful culture rich in spirit and warmth will warm you up and make you want to dance along! 2 p.m. Historic Homestake Opera House, Lead. MONDAY 14

The Harlem Globetrotters

Don’t miss the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters as they bring their ankle-breaking moves and rim-rattling dunks to The Monument! Your family will be wowed as the Spread Game Tour takes center court. 7 p.m. The Monument, Rapid City. THURSDAY 17

Happy St. Patrick’s Day FRIDAY 18

Friday Night Skate Night

Badlands Little Britches Rodeo

As one of the oldest, continuing junior rodeo associations in the country, Little Britches is the perfect way to get your little buckaroo interested in the sport of rodeo. Events go throughout the weekend. James Kjerstad Events Center, Rapid City. THURSDAY 24

Blippi the Musical

The energetic and loveable Blippi is hopping out of the TV and onto the stage. Children ages 2-7 will love seeing their favorite characters come to life backed up with amazing music and delightful audience interaction. 6 p.m. The Monument, Rapid City.

SATURDAY 26

Live on Stage

Hill City Art Council hosts Brent Morris & Paul Larson in a winter music showcase to help you break out of your cabin fever! Enjoy music, dinner, and dancing. All proceeds support the Hill City Council Scholarship Program. 5:30-8 p.m. High Country Guest Ranch, Hill City SATURDAY 26

Kountry Junkin’ Winter Market Come support wonderful vintage vendors and local artisans in this can’t-miss event. Get out of the house and enjoy a fun day of shopping, you never know what treasures you’ll find! 10 a.m.-3 p.m. James Kjerstad Events Center, Rapid City. SUNDAY 27

Run for the Rangers

This annual tradition supports scholarships for Hill City High School students. You can register online or at the race and walk, run, or stroll through the 3-mile course. The entrance fee gets you a t-shirt and you can enjoy a post-race feed with your fellow racers. Granite Sports, Hill City. THURSDAY 31

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Fairies, friends, lovers and a ragtag group of actors all get up to hilarious mischief in this Shakespearean classic. This magical comedy will delight children and adults alike. 7:30-10 p.m. Matthews Opera House, Spearfish.

RC Marshals home games March 12 vs. Colorado Nightmare (preseason game) April 2 vs. Topeka Tropics April 9 vs. Sioux City Bandits May 7 vs. Southwest Kansas Storm May 21 vs. Wyoming Mustangs May 30 vs. Omaha Beef All games at the Summit Arena

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APRIL

Month of the Military Child

APRIL

FRIDAY-SUNDAY 1-3

YFS Kids Fair

You won’t believe your eyes when The Monument becomes a giant playground for kids of all ages for the 27th annual Kids Fair! Enjoy a weekend of fun, hands-on activities such as face painting, inflatables, a giant sandbox, and more! Doors open at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon on Sunday. The Monument, Rapid City. FRIDAY-SUNDAY 1-3

Badlands Little Britches Rodeo

SDMS&T Cultural Expo

Cultural groups from the region and SD School of Mines host this annual festival where you can enjoy a showcase of cultural and international diversity through education, entertainment, and food. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Surbeck Center Ballroom, South Dakota Mines campus, Rapid City. MONDAY 4

Legos @ Sturgis Public Library

Head to the library for their monthly Lego building time. All ages are welcome to attend, and you don’t need to bring anything with you — just your imagination! 3-5 p.m. Sturgis. SATURDAY 9

Easter Egg Hunt

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 South Dakota Purple Up Day! Purple Up for Military Kids is an annual celebration to recognize military kids and their sacrifice during their parents’ service. Help us honor them by wearing a purple shirt on April 8 and using #purpleup on social media! 62 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM 62 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Children’s Easter Egg hunt at the Visitor Info Center in Hill City with three age groups, 0-3, 4-7, and 8-11. The Easter Bunny and his helpers will be on hand for photos and high-fives. Hill City. SATURDAY 9

Spring Craft Fair

Enjoy a day of shopping while you support local artists at the annual Spring Craft Fair at the Hill City High school. There will be vendors both inside and outside offering a wide variety of hand-made crafts. Hill City.

SATURDAY 9

Killer Keyz

Enjoy the hilarious antics of one of the best dueling piano shows in the country! Killer Keyz performs songs requested by the audience and creates their own blend of comedy that will have guests of all ages in stitches. 7 p.m. Historic Homestake Opera House, Lead. SATURDAY 9

Music School at the Salvation Army

Mother of all Garage Sales

The James Kjerstad Events Center is hosting the biggest garage sale you’ve ever seen! Save time and money with bargains on everything from antiques and furniture to children’s items and more. 3-7 p.m. Central States Fairgrounds, Rapid City. MONDAY-SUNDAY 11-17

Spring Break at WaTiki

Get out of the cold and into some fun! Head to WaTiki’s indoor waterpark oasis where your entire family is sure to have a blast. While you’re at it, check out their 3-day pass and make a staycation out of it. Rapid City. FRIDAY 15

Good Friday SATURDAY 16

National Park Fee-Free Day SUNDAY 17

Happy Easter

MAY

MONDAY 2

Legos @ Sturgis Public Library

Head to the library for their monthly Lego building time. All ages are welcome to attend, and you don’t need to bring anything with you — just your imagination! 3-5 p.m. Sturgis. WEDNESDAY 4

Star Wars Day FRIDAY 6

Military Spouse Appreciation Day SATURDAY 7

National Train Day and 1880 Train opening day (Hill City)

SUNDAY 8

Mother’s Day

Recurring Events

SUNDAY 8

Matthews Opera House

1880 Train Mother’s Day Special

Celebrate the mother in your life with a special train ride on the 1880 Train. Enjoy the regular ride or buy a gift pack that includes a DIY mimosa and a sweet treat for mom! 11:30 a.m. Train leaves from Hill City station. SATURDAY-SUNDAY 14-15

Ellsworth Air & Space Show

This is a can’t-miss event of the year! Enjoy two days of aerial acts and some of the greatest airframes in the military inventory. This year’s show is headlined by the Navy’s own Blue Angels! Ellsworth Air Force Base. SATURDAY 21

Fruhlingsfest

Welcome spring and warmer weather with this annual tradition. Local merchants, microbrews, food, and live music all gather in Main Street Square for the perfect family outing. 1-5 p.m. Main Street Square, Rapid City. SATURDAY-SUNDAY 21-22

Custer State Park open house and free fishing weekend FRIDAY 27 (GOES ALL SUMMER)

Legends in Light Laser Light Show

Crazy Horse Memorial® is excited to kick off their nightly light show for the summer: Legends in Light. This show will dazzle and amaze viewers of all ages as lights are displayed on the 500-foot face of Crazy Horse Memorial. 9:30 p.m. FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY 27-29

Sasquatch Baseball Season Opening Kick off the start of summer with the Spearfish Sasquatch as they take on the Badlands Big Sticks. Friday night is the first home game of the season as well as the first fireworks night. Spearfish. SATURDAY 28

Storybook Island Opening Day SUNDAY-MONDAY 29-30

Back When They Bucked

Head to Deadwood for two full days of rodeo fun! Back When They Bucked is produced by the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation to raise funds in support of their efforts, including scholarships, community organizations, and public services and education. Days of ‘76 Events Complex, Deadwood. MONDAY 30

Memorial Day

DAILY After School Maker Studio (ages 5-12) 3-5:30 p.m. Registration required, $5.50 ($4.40 for members) TUESDAYS Open Makerspace hours 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the backroom of the gallery. Author Talks AT 12:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room or via Zoom.

Rapid City Public Library 1ST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Storytime with the Rapid City Fire Department (all ages), 9:30 a.m. TUESDAYS Little Owl Storytime (ages 2-5), 9:30 -10a.m Storytime & Crafts with Jane (all ages) 10:15-11a.m. WEDNESDAYS Little Artists (ages 3-5), 10:30 a.m THURSDAYS Baby Bumblebee Storytime (ages 0-3), 9:30-10 a.m.

Custer County Public Library SATURDAYS Storytime (all ages) at 10 a.m.

Hill City Public Library THURSDAYS Imagination club at 3:30 p.m.

Sturgis Hometown Market FRIDAYS Downtown Sturgis hosts a vendor market featuring homemade, handcrafted, and locally sourced products from artisans and crafters. 4-7 p.m. 1123 Main St. Sturgis.

Sturgis Community Center

EVERY OTHER SATURDAY Free family friendly movies at 1 & 7p.m. March 5: James & the Giant Peach March 19: The Little Rascals (1994) April 2: Inside Out April 9: Aladdin (2019)

The Journey Museum STEAM Weekends

WEDNESDAYS - SATURDAYS Journey into Space (all ages) 11a.m. & 2 p.m. SATURDAYS Toddler Time (ages 2-4) 10:30 a.m. & 2:45 p.m. Discovery Expedition (ages 5-12) 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. SUNDAYS Toddler Time (ages 2-4) 1:30 p.m. Discovery Expedition (ages 5-12) 2:45 p.m. Journey into Space (all ages) 2 p.m.

FRIDAYS Storytime at 9:30 a.m.

Sturgis Public Library 1ST MONDAY OF THE MONTH Lego building (all ages) 3-5 p.m. TUESDAYS Toddler Storytime (ages 0-3) at 10:00 a.m. WEDNESDAYS Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6) at 11:00 a.m.

Autism Society of the Black Hills 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Support group meetings, hosted at Run Wild in Summerset, 5-7p.m.

JOIN US AT

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THEMONUMENT, MONUMENT,444 444MT. MT.RUSHMORE RUSHMOREROAD, ROAD,RAPID RAPIDCITY CITYSDSD SD THE THE MONUMENT, 444 MT. RUSHMORE ROAD, RAPID CITY THE MONUMENT, 444 MT. RUSHMORE ROAD, RAPID CITY SD THE MONUMENT, 444 MT. RUSHMORE ROAD, RAPID CITY SD (605) 342-4195/ //WWW.YOUTHANDFAMILYSERVICES.ORG WWW.YOUTHANDFAMILYSERVICES.ORG (605) (605) 342-4195 342-4195 WWW.YOUTHANDFAMILYSERVICES.ORG

(605) 342-4195 / WWW.YOUTHANDFAMILYSERVICES.ORG (605) 342-4195 / WWW.YOUTHANDFAMILYSERVICES.ORG Youth & Family Services is a United Way partner agency. Youth Youth & Family & Family Services Services is a is United a United Way Way partner partner agency. agency.

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