Scouting in South Dakota facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scouting in South Dakota
Sioux Council Office

Scouting in South Dakota has a long and exciting history, starting way back in the 1910s! Today, Scouting helps thousands of young people learn new skills and have amazing adventures. These programs are designed to fit the environment of South Dakota, helping kids explore the outdoors and become great leaders.

How Scouting Grew in South Dakota

Scouting began in South Dakota over 100 years ago. In the early days, many different local groups, called "councils," were formed. For example, the Centerville Council and the Mitchell Council both started in 1917. Over time, some of these smaller councils joined together to form larger ones, making Scouting stronger and able to reach more kids across the state. This helped Scouting grow and become more organized.

One important council, the Sioux Council, was founded in 1927. Many smaller councils eventually merged into it, like the Southern South Dakota Council and the Hiawatha Council in 1927. This merging continued for many years, helping to create the larger, more stable Scouting groups we see today. For instance, in 1978, the Pheasant Council joined the Sioux Council.

Boy Scouts of America in South Dakota Today

Today, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has local groups called "councils" that serve young people in South Dakota. These councils help organize all the Scouting activities, from camping trips to community service projects. South Dakota is part of the BSA's Central Region.

Black Hills Area Council

The Black Hills Area Council started in 1930. It helps over 3,700 young people in Western South Dakota and parts of Eastern Wyoming. This council is focused on providing great Scouting experiences in the beautiful Black Hills region.

What the Black Hills Area Council Does

The Black Hills Area Council has one main area it focuses on, called the Rushmore District. This district helps organize local Scout troops and packs.

Outdoor Adventures at Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch

Since 1976, the Black Hills Area Council has run a special place called Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch. This is a camping facility that is open all year round! It's a fantastic spot for Scout groups and families to go camping and enjoy the outdoors.

Mid-America Council

The Mid-America Council helps Scouts in 58 counties across Nebraska, Iowa, and parts of South Dakota. This council was formed in 1965 when two other councils joined together. Scouting in this area actually started way back in 1918!

Northern Lights Council

The Northern Lights Council serves Scouts in North Dakota, and also in some counties in South Dakota, northwest Minnesota, and northeast Montana.

Sioux Council

The Sioux Council helps Scouts in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. It's one of the largest councils in the area, offering many programs and activities.

How the Sioux Council is Organized

The Sioux Council is divided into several smaller areas called districts. These districts help manage local Scouting groups. Some of these districts include:

• Buffalo Ridge District
• Five Rivers District
• Lewis and Clark Trail District
• North Star District
• Pheasant District
• Prairie Hills District

Sioux Council Camps

The Sioux Council runs several awesome camps where Scouts can go for outdoor adventures:

• Lewis & Clark Scout Camp in Tabor, SD
• Camp Iyataka in Wilmot, SD
• Newton Hills Camp south of Canton, SD
• Camp Shetek in Currie, MN

Order of the Arrow: Tetonwana Lodge

The Tetonwana Lodge is a special group within the Sioux Council called the Order of the Arrow. This group focuses on cheerful service, leadership, and camping. The Tetonwana Lodge started in 1937 and helps Scouts in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. In 1978, it merged with another lodge, Iyatonka Lodge, when the Sioux Council and Pheasant Council joined forces.

Girl Scouting in South Dakota

Girl Scouting in South Dakota
Map of Girl Scout Council in North Dakota, South Dakota, and part of Minnesota

Just like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts also have councils that serve girls in South Dakota. There are two main Girl Scout Councils in the area.

Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons

Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons helps about 11,000 girls and has 4,100 adult volunteers. This council covers North and South Dakota, plus parts of northwestern Minnesota and Lyon County, Iowa. Its main office is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

History of Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons

On July 1, 2007, several Girl Scout councils from South Dakota and North Dakota came together to form Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons. This merger helped create a stronger, larger council to support more girls.

Girl Scout Offices

Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons has several offices to help serve girls in different areas:

• Bismarck, North Dakota - Northwest District
• Fargo, North Dakota - Northeast District
• Rapid City, South Dakota - Southwest District
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Southeast District

They also have smaller field offices in Minot, North Dakota and Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Girl Scout Camps

Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons operates many camps where girls can have fun, learn new skills, and enjoy nature. Some of these camps include:

• Camp MOE - near Thief River Falls, Minnesota
• Camp Neche - near Bismarck, North Dakota
• Camp Ocankasa - near Mandan, North Dakota
• Camp Owetti - near Minot, ND
• Camp Sakakawea - near Pick City, North Dakota
• Camp Tonweya is north of Valley City, North Dakota
• Wall Lake Camp is near Sioux Falls, SD
• Camp Nyteepeota - on Lake Kampeska in Watertown, South Dakota
• Camp Arroya is near Mitchell, SD
• Camp Woodlands - near Huron, South Dakota
• Robin's Nest is near Aberdeen, SD
• TDAF (Tom and Danielle Aman Foundation) Lodge is near Aberdeen, SD
• Cedar Canyon Camp is near Rapid City, SD

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

The Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa council also serves some girls in South Dakota, specifically in Union and parts of Clay counties.

See also

• Scouting in North Dakota