CUSTER, SD – Jewel Cave National Monument has received an Open OutDoors for Kids (OOK) grant from the National Park Foundation to offer virtual programs, classroom visits, and in-person field trips through the 2023-2024 school year. 

“This grant will allow Jewel Cave to expand our reach to students in the Black Hills and surrounding areas. Some funding may also be available to Title 1 schools to provide transportation for field trips to the park,” said Chief of Interpretation, Aimee Murillo.  

Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA), a non-profit partner with the monument will assist with the funding and programs. “BHPFA is looking forward to helping our partner manage these funds and bring more students to the monument. This is a vital tool in Jewel Cave’s outreach programming,” states BHPFA Director Patty Ressler. “We really hope all area schools can take advantage of this opportunity!”    

The National Park Foundation’s OOK program builds on a child’s innate wonder and curiosity of the natural world, immersing students in national parks through field trips, classroom engagements, and educational activities.  

Details and updates on park operations will be posted at www.nps.gov/jeca, as well as on social media through Facebook at www.facebook.com/JewelCaveNPS/ and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jewelcavenps.