Six St. Joseph’s Indian School students set out on an unforgettable adventure in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where towering monuments, rugged trails and one of the region’s most iconic events became the backdrop for learning, reflection and connection. From watching hundreds of buffalo thunder across the prairie to standing atop Crazy Horse Memorial, the weekend offered far more than sightseeing.
Ben, Residential Liaison for St. Joseph’s Indian School, wrote the following reflection about how the students embraced the beauty of nature, strengthened friendships and discovered some of the most meaningful moments happened in the quiet spaces between the big adventures.
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From September 24 through September 27, six Lakota (Sioux) students from St. Joseph’s Indian School, comprising of seventh and eighth-graders, and two chaperones embarked on a nature-focused weekend in the Black Hills.
The highlight of our first full day began long before sunrise on September 25 when we departed the cottage at 4:20 a.m. to attend the annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park. By the time we entered the park, vehicles were already lined up for miles along the winding roads. As we settled into the long wait, many drivers switched off their headlights, and the park was suddenly thrown into pure darkness. Through this darkness is when the sky came alive. Countless stars stretched overhead, creating a breathtaking display that alone was worth the early wake-up call.
At 6:30 a.m., the gates finally opened, and the procession of vehicles slowly began moving once again. After arriving at the large field that was temporarily serving as the event’s parking lot, we hiked to a spot overlooking the valley and settled in for another wait. Around 10:30 a.m., a distant rumble signaled that the moment was finally here. Soon, hundreds upon hundreds of buffalo appeared from beyond the hills, thundering across the landscape. Cowboys on horseback skillfully guided the massive herd through the valley below. Several times, bulls broke away from the herd and charged toward the riders. It was exciting to watch the riders’ teamwork and quick thinking as they protected one another and safely redirected the animals. Each successful effort drew cheers from the crowd around us. After one final charge into a smaller pasture, the roundup concluded safely, bringing an unforgettable experience to a close.
Following the event, we headed into Custer for lunch at Black Hills Burger & Pizza Co. We were fortunate to visit just before the restaurant closed for the winter season. With full stomachs and plenty to talk about, we spent the remainder of the day exploring Sylvan Lake. The students especially enjoyed climbing among the rock formations that surround the lake.
The weekend continued with more opportunities to explore the outdoors. Andrew, one of the chaperones and a houseparent who grew up in the Rapid City area (near where the Buffalo Roundup took place), led the group on an adventure through M Hill in Rapid City. The park includes over 300 acres of pine-covered hillsides and miles of hiking trails. Students spent hours exploring the area and taking in the views.
The trip concluded with a memorable experience at the Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch on September 27. Twice each year, visitors can walk directly to the Crazy Horse carving and out onto his arm. To reach the monument, we completed a 5K trek through the memorial’s trail system. At the top of the monument, the other hikers and our students could take in near-panoramic views of the Black Hills. The students took quite some time quietly taking in the scenery.
While the Buffalo Roundup and Volksmarch were incredible and unique experiences, some of the most meaningful moments happened in between. Whether the students were playing hide-and-seek, relaxing in the rocking chairs on the porch, exploring hiking trails or simply spending time together, the weekend provided an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the outdoors. Throughout the weekend, the group was comfortably settled into a shared mindset of embracing nature’s peace and beauty.
Learn more about another trip that takes students to the Black Hills and other sacred Lakota sites in this blog story about the annual Cultural Trip.
