Rocker Connections

August 26-28, 2022

Organized by Student Engagement, Rocker Connection is open to all new, incoming students. Rocker Connection is an opportunity for first year students to meet one another, experience the Rapid City region, and form connections with returning students, faculty, and staff.

Space is limited for each trip. Students can sign up for a Rocker Connection via their New Student Checklist! Please Note: Each student may sign-up for only one adventure. Once registration and payment are received your spot is reserved; no refunds will be issued. Payment must be received within 48 hours of submitting your registration. Due to limited space, students are strongly encouraged to submit their payment during the initial registration process to make sure their spot is secured. While we will make every attempt to keep to the activities and timelines listed, changes to the schedules may occur. All changes will be communicated to the registered students.

*Registration for trips is now open, sign-up on your new student checklist (item #10) *

Friday, August 26th

STEMinist Adventure Retreat sponsored by POET

All new women students are highly encouraged to attend this adventure-packed weekend with Women in Science and Engineering. We’ll escape to the cabins at Cedar Canyon Camp in Rapid City to make s’mores around the camp fire, watch movies on the lawn, try out sunrise yoga, chill and play games in the coffee shop and if you’re brave, zoom down a waterslide in the woods in the dark (affectionately known as the “backwoods luge”). Attendees can also test their limits and experience the Black Hills from new heights on the zip line and high rope courses. More of the nature walk and read a good book type? That’s fine. All social activities are optional. Plus, WiSE mentors from every department will be there to offer words of advice and help you jumpstart your college career. Sorry guys, this weekend is for STEMinists only. All participants will receive an exclusive STEMinist gift. We’ll stay in cabins, but make sure to pack your sleeping bag and a towel. Food and transportation provided. Meeting instructions will be emailed. Friday, August 26 (5 pm)-Saturday, August 27, (12 pm) Cost: $10.00 plus tax.(open to all first-year women). No Limit.

 

Intro to Paddle Sports: Sponsored by Black Hills Paddle Sports  
Get a taste for all things paddle sports including kayaking, paddle boarding, and pack-rafting from certified ACA instructors. Learn about hydrology, river features, and experience the differences between paddling calm, flat water, and moving water. We will meet at Canyon Lake on the west end where Rapid Creek flows into the lake. Participants can try out any discipline they prefer to explore, instructors will be available to assist with each. All necessary equipment will be provided including boat/board, paddle, PFD, helmet, and splash gear. Participants will need to provide appropriate footwear (old tennis shoes, hiking sandals or aqua shoes) and dress appropriately to get wet, bring a towel and perhaps a change of clothing for after class. Leave Mines at 3 pm in front of the Surbeck Center via van. Travel to Canyon Lake by 3:40 p.m. Leave Canyon Lake at 6:30 p.m. Return to Mines by 7 p.m. Friday, August 26 4pm- 7pm. Cost: FREE.  Limited to 15 participants.

 

Stars and Rockets
 South Dakota is the perfect place to see the stars at their best and brightest! Come join the SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) chapter to launch model rockets high in the sky and then view various celestial bodies through telescopes. You won't want to miss this evening's spectacular views! Meet at 5:45 PM in Surbeck Center Upper Level by Fireplace. Friday, August 26, 6 pm – 10 pm. Cost: $10.00 plus tax. Limited to 22 participants.

 

Exploring and Camping in the Black Hills  
Exploring, Fishing and Hiking in the Black Hills: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship invites you to come away for some fun camping, fishing, hiking and exploring. We will gather at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 26 on the east side of the Surbeck Center to drive to our camp site in the Black Hills.  We will be joined by 2 Faculty who especially enjoy fishing in the Black Hills.  From our camp site there are several hike options.   Transportation, tents, food, fishing equipment and guidance will be provided.  You may bring your own camping and fishing equipment.  You will need to have some shoes for hiking and sleeping bags.  We have some sleeping bags available.  If you want to fish, please check out this site, Take me fishing, for information. We will return to campus before noon on Sunday, August 28.  Friday, August 26- Sunday, August 28th. Cost: $39.00 plus tax. Limited to 20 participants.

 

Hike and Fire  
Join the Ski and Snowboard Club hiking on the flume trailhead by Sheridan Lake. Following this we will have some food and a fire at one of the nearby campsites. We will meet in Surbeck parking lot at 5pm on Friday the 26th, please bring water and comfortable shoes. Not overnight. Friday, August 26 5pm. Cost: FREE. No Limit.

 

Saturday, August 27th

Grill Out at the Lake with Steel Bridge and ASCE  

 The American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter and Steel Bridge Team will be going to canyon lake to have lunch together and getting to know Steel Bridge and ASCE from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We will be providing lunch and transportation to all students. Freshman will get the chance to put together the steel bridge and learn about what ASCE does. This event is open to all majors who are interested in the Steel Bridge CAMP team, as well as Civil Engineering majors. We will be meeting at 10:45 AM behind the Civil/Mechanical Building (The South Side).Saturday, August 27th 11am-4pm. Cost: FREE. No Limit.

 

Lake Day with Concrete Canoe

Have you ever paddled a concrete canoe before? Would you like to? Well then, Saturday the 27th we will be taking the canoe out to Sheridan Lake for a fun day of paddling, grilling and hanging out! Transportation, food, and lake supplies will be provided. Meet in front of Surbeck at 10:45 am on Saturday, Vans will be provided to drive everyone to the lake. Wear clothes you are comfortable being outside all day. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Saturday, August 27th 10:45 am. Cost: FREE. No Limit.

 

 

Drive Day with Baja SAE & Formula SAE Teams  
Come learn about CAMP's Baja SAE and Formula SAE teams, see their past designs, and drive their vehicles. Long pants and sneakers are required. Lunch will be provided. Meet in front of the Civil/Mechanical Building. Saturday, August 27. 8AM. Cost: $15 plus tax. Limit: 20 students.

 

Leadership in Paintball  
Sponsored by the Military Science Department, students will enjoy the great outdoors, use paintball guns, learn team building skills, and meet their peers during these simulated military missions and problem-solving adventures that will require leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills. The adventure will be conducted on a local military training facility, and will pit participants against time, terrain, and each other with the assistance of experienced soldiers, in a simulated military mission! This adventure is moderately strenuous and requires participants to bring water, wear rugged clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, and to wear good shoes which you can be comfortable with hiking through rocks and wooded terrain. Lunch will be provided! Prizes will be awarded to the top team!
Meet at the Classroom Building, Room 117 at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27 8 am. Cost: FREE. No Limit.

 

Hardrockers & Reptiles

Explore the world's largest reptile zoo, right here in the Black Hills of South Dakota! With over 3 hours of fun & exciting activities, including: - Alligator Wrestling - World's Deadliest Snakes - Birds of Prey Show - Gigantic Tortoises Playground - Prairie dog Town - Tropical Atrium - A Huge gift shop! Saturday, Meet at Surbeck Center Fireplace at 8:30am on Saturday. Bring additional spending cash for snacks and gift shop. Saturday, August 27 8:30 am. Cost: $23.50 plus tax. No Limit.

 

Blackgate Tourney

Join SCA Blackgate for a day of archery tag, simulated combat with boffer weapons, and medieval fighting demonstrations. Lunch will be provided. Meet at the Fraser gym in the King Center at 10:00 am. Bring water and wear athletic clothes. Saturday, August 27th 10 am. Cost: $7. No Limit.

 
Laser Tag and Go Karts at Flags N' Wheels  
Enjoy a day of laser tag and go karting with the Student Senate. This weekend sends you to a few of School of Mines’ favorite places and activities around Rapid City. During the event, ask student senators about what it means to represent students to the university, community, and state government. Meet at the Student Senate office in lower Surbeck. Time TBD. Saturday, August 27. Cost: $25 plus tax.
 
Hike or Bike  
Join the Hardrocker Human Powered Vehicle Team for a Hike or Bike at Founders Park! If you would like to bring your bike, you are more than welcome to. If you aren't bringing a bike there will be a group going for a hike as well. Pizza will be provided. Meet at 10 am by the flag in front of the Surbeck Center, we recommend you bring water along. Saturday, August 27. Cost: FREE. No Limit.  
 
 

Geology Hike and Agate Hunting  
The Geology Hike and Agate Hunting event will provide students with an opportunity to observe and learn about the rich geologic history of the Black Hills region.  In the morning we will take a hike through a canyon that provides an excellent opportunity to observe some Black Hills geology first-hand.  In the afternoon we will hunt for agates in one of the well-known agate localities in the plains just east of the Black Hills.  Meet in the Surbeck Lobby at 8:45 am on Saturday so we can head to the vans by 9:00. Bring sturdy shoes, water and appropriate clothing based on the weather that day. Food will be provided. Saturday, August 27 8:45 am. Cost: $25 plus tax. No Limit.

 

Afternoon on Sheridan Lake in the Black Hills  
Come join Triangle Fraternity for a relaxing afternoon of hiking, kayaking, swimming, and grilling out in the Black Hills. Sheridan Lake is just over half an hour from campus, and it is a favorite spot by many Mines students. Food, transportation, and Kayak rentals will be provided. Meet at 12pm on Saturday, August 27th in the middle parking lot between Peterson and Palmerton Hall. Bring clothes to hike in, a swimsuit, a towel, and a water bottle. Saturday, August 27 12pm. Cost: $15 plus tax. No Limit.

 

Explore the Black Hills and See the Sights with Mine Rescue!  
Explore the rich history and beautiful scenery of the Black Hills on a day trip with the South Dakota Mines MRT! Stops on the scenic drive will include a tour of the Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone and a picnic at Pactola Lake. Transportation will be provided, and we will be leaving from the parking lot in front of the McLaury building at 9:00am and returning to campus in the midafternoon. Lunch will be provided as well, so please let us know if you have any food sensitivities or allergies. Please wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing, and bring a hard hat if you have one! Saturday, August 27 9am. Cost: FREE. No Limit.  

 

Crow Peak Hike  

7 mile (round-trip) hike of moderate difficulty that goes up Crow Peak, with great views of the prairie to the east and of the surrounding Black Hills at the summit. Meet Saturday, August 27th, at 9:30 AM just outside the upper doors of East Surbeck, depart at 9:45 AM. Trip is expected to last approximately 5-6 hours, including driving. Transportation, lunch, and water will all be provided. Students are advised to bring a small backpack with them to carry their lunch and water and any additional items like raincoats that they may want along on the hike. Saturday, August 27 9:30 am. Cost: $10 plus tax. Max limit of 20 students.

 

Sunday, August 28th

Spring Creek and Flume Trail Loop

Join the Dean of Students, Dr. Joe, and his assistant, Shelly, for a beautiful hike on the Spring Creek & Flume Trail Loop. This trail takes you through a gorgeous canyon along Spring Creek up to Sheridan Lake. There are several creek crossings on railroad tie bridges that don't have railings, so be advised. On the way back, the trail follows the old mining flume that once carried water 20 miles from Spring Creek to Rockerville. This part of the trail also takes you through one of the old mining tunnels. The loop is approximately 4 miles long on some uneven terrain, so please wear proper foot gear (hiking shoes or tennis shoes). NO Sandals! We will meet in the parking lot on the east side of Surbeck (main entrance) at 9:00 a.m. Transportation is provided. Bring a water bottle or camelback. Snacks will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Saturday, August 28, 9 am. Cost: FREE. Limited to 20 students.