This invitation came from Candi Hettinger.  We're passing it along in case anyone is interested.  This might make a great Scouting activity.

Candi writes . . . . . . . I would like to personally invite the scouts from your district to attend the 3rd Annual SD Outdoor Expo on the State Fairgrounds in Huron, SD on June 12-13, 2010.

The SD Outdoor Expo is a free event that introduces families and children to a variety of outdoor activities. There is a strong educational and hands-on focus to this event. There will be dozens of activities for scouts of all levels to participate in. There are five main activity areas with many different activities to try in each. These areas include; Fishing & Aquatic Education, Shooting Sports, Hunting & Wildlife, Wildlife Management, and Camping & Outdoor Recreation.

Last year there were nearly 100 hands-on activities. Some past activities have included: panning for Gold, Dutch oven cooking, turkey calling/hunting, mineral identification, kayaking, archery, casting, tree stand safety, shotgun shooting, taxidermy, mock pheasant hunt, geocaching, exploration of wetlands, basic bird watching skills, using compasses, reading topographical maps, trapping, fire prevention, basic and advanced retriever training and fast draw shooting.

We would be very happy to work with you so that some of the offered activities will meet your requirements to earn a portion of a recognition, (try-it or badge). Between the interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations/speakers, we hope your troops will develop an understanding and appreciation for both conservation and outdoor recreation.

I would be most appreciative if you could pass the word about the event to all your troop leaders and encourage them to get the event on their calendar.  It is a one-of-a kind event as you are not going to find another hands-on outdoors event of this caliber in the region.

Your troop leaders should not only plan to attend the event, but also to camp at it.  They could plan activities for the evening(s), such as star gazing, a campfire, Dutch oven cooking, etc.  The fairgrounds has over 1250 campsites, all equipped with electricity.  For more information on camping at the event, email sdoutdoorexpo@state.sd.us.

I can't stress to you enough how great of an event this is for your scouts to attend!  If you have any questions, please call me at (605) 353-7354 or email me at candi.hettinger@state.sd.us.
 
For more information on the event or to view photos from last year's event, log onto the SD Outdoor Expo Website