Rocker Connections
Adventure Awaits: Aug. 28-30, 2026
Organized by Student Engagement, Rocker Connections is open to all new, incoming students. Mines student organizations and departments offer up a variety of awesome adventures - from hiking and fishing, to Baja racing and ziplining. Rocker Connections is an opportunity for first-year students to meet one another, experience Rapid City and the Black Hills region, and form connections with returning students, faculty, and staff.
Space is limited for each trip. Students register via their New Student Checklist.
Registration opens July 1
*The registration link takes you to your "New Student Checklist." You will need to be signed in with university credentials to access it.
A description of each adventure is below.
2026 Adventures
Friday, August 28
Rappelling with ROTC
Step out of your comfort zone and take on a new kind of challenge with Rappelling
with ROTC! From 1500 to 1900 (3-7 pm), participants will experience the thrill of
controlled descents while learning essential skills used in military training. Guided
by experienced ROTC cadets, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in proper rappelling
techniques, safety procedures, and equipment use. Whether it’s your first time on
the ropes or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, this event offers an exciting
opportunity to build confidence, trust your training, and conquer new heights.
Required Attire: Long-sleeve shirt, Long pants & Closed-toe shoes
Get ready to face the edge, rely on your team, and enjoy an unforgettable evening
of adventure and personal growth with ROTC. Participants will be contacted to determine
when they are available to rappel and notified when to report. Link up will be in
Classroom Building, Room 117, and participants will be shuttled to/from the rappel
site.
Friday, August 28, 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 40 participants)
Camping, Fishing and Hiking at Sheridan Lake
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship invites you to come away for some fun camping, fishing,
and hiking. We will gather at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 28, to drive to our camp site
at Sheridan Lake North Campground. This is a beautiful campground in the Black Hills.
We will be joined by 2 Faculty who especially enjoy fishing as well as several upperclassmen.
From our camp site there are several hike options. Transportation, tents, food, fishing
equipment and guidance will be provided. You can 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 for
information: license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Licensing/Catalog.aspx . We will return to campus before noon on Sunday, August 30. Meet at 5pm, Friday on east side of Surbeck.
Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30
Cost: $35.00 plus tax (Limited to 12 participants)
Saturday, August 29
Lead the Charge: Paintball with ROTC
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled day of strategy, teamwork, and action at Lead the
Charge – Paintball with ROTC! From 0800 to 1600 (8 am-4 pm), participants will step
into the boots of a cadet and experience the thrill of simulated combat missions led
by current ROTC members. Throughout the day, you’ll navigate rugged terrain, coordinate
with your team, and take on immersive paintball scenarios designed to challenge your
leadership, communication, and tactical skills. Whether you’re charging the front
lines or covering your squad, every mission brings a new objective and a new test
of your abilities. No need to worry about supplies—free food and water will be provided
to keep you fueled and mission-ready all day long. At the conclusion of the event,
prizes will be awarded to the top-performing team, so bring your competitive edge
and aim for victory! Important Gear Requirements: Durable pants (no shorts permitted)
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for rough terrain. If you’re looking for an unforgettable
experience that combines excitement, camaraderie, and a taste of ROTC life, this is
your chance to step up, gear up, and lead the charge. Meet in Classroom Building,
Room 117 no later than 8 a.m. to receive instructions, split into teams and ride to
the training area.
Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 30 participants)
Hardrocker Racing Drive Day
Have you ever wanted a chance to get behind the wheel of high-performance vehicles?
This is your chance! Fuel your need for speed with the Formula team and triumph over
any obstacle with the Baja team. Participants will start the morning with a meet and
greet of both teams before splitting up and spending a few hours with either Baja
or Formula on closed driving courses. Lunch will be provided. After lunch groups will
switch and spend a few hours with the other team. All Participants must have closed-toe
shoes, long pants (No synthetic materials such as nylon), and a shirt with no large
openings. You will likely get muddy/dirty on the Baja Track, so it is recommended
that you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Meet in CM209 at 8:00am.
Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.
Cost: $30 (Limited to 20 participants)
Badlands National Park Hiking Trip
The Paleontology Club will be taking a day trip to Badlands National Park! This trip
is geared towards paleontology and geology fields since those will be the topics covered.
Anyone who is interested in joining the paleontology club or has an interest in paleontology
are welcome to come! We will be hiking around and exploring the Badlands. We will
also see the visitor center and the preparation lab. Bring your own lunch! We will
be finding a nice spot to eat lunch after hiking or taking a break when hiking. We
will be discussing the paleontological history of the area and the past life. This
trip is free and is open to any first-year student. We will be leaving the campus
at 7:30AM and returning around 5PM since the drive is 1 hour 30 minutes. Bring closed
toe shoes (preferably hiking shoes) and lots of water as well! This will be an all-day
event weather permitting. Students must meet in front of the Paleontology Research
Lab (the museum side) before 7:30AM with their own lunch and plenty of water. Pack
properly for an all-day hike!
Saturday, August 29, 7:30 am - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 20 participants)
Hike and Mass at Black Elk Peak with the Hardrocker Catholic Club
You're invited to join the Hardrocker Catholic Club as we hike up Black Elk Peak,
celebrate Mass in the stunning Black Hills, and share a picnic on top of the mountain.
This is a fantastic chance to connect with fellow Christian students and cultivate
Christ-centered friendships to start the year out right! All are welcome, regardless
of faith background. Transportation and food will be taken care of, so just bring
hiking clothes, a water bottle, and anything else you need for a fantastic day outdoors!
Meet us at St. Carlo’s Catholic Student Center Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 am.
Saturday, August 29, 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Free (No limit on participants)
ASCE Competitions Lake Day
Join the American Society of Civil Engineers, Steel Bridge Team, and Concrete Canoe
Team for an unforgettable day at the lake filled with food, games, swimming, and team
bonding before the busy competition season begins. Whether you're a returning member
looking to reconnect or a new student interested in getting involved, Lake Day is
the perfect chance to meet other civil engineering students in a relaxed and welcoming
environment. Spend the afternoon enjoying yard games, building a steel bridge, paddling
a concrete canoe and hanging out by the water while learning more about ASCE projects,
competitions, and travel opportunities throughout the year. Not into water activities?
No worries, there will be plenty of space to relax, listen to music, eat good food,
and enjoy the outdoors with friends. Transportation, food, and drinks will be provided.
Be sure to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, a towel, water shoes, and anything else
you need for a fun day at the lake. All experience levels and majors are welcome!
Come make memories with one of the most active student organizations on campus! Please meet us in the Surbeck Parking lot at 10:00 am to carpool over to the lake!
Saturday, August 29, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $45 (No Limit on participants)
Day in the Hills
We’d love to warmly invite you to spend the day with the Campus Ventures crew! We’re
a campus ministry made up of great people working together to figure out life and
faith, and we’d be excited for you to join us. Come along on Saturday, August 29th,
as we head out for a day near Mt. Rushmore. You’ll have the chance to try rock climbing,
go for a hike, take in some incredible scenery, relax in a hammock, play spike ball,
and enjoy good food together. We’ll meet in the Surbeck parking lot at 9:30 Saturday
morning, and we’ll stay out as long as people are still climbing, talking, and hanging
out. Bring your hammock—and your sense of adventure!
Saturday, 29, 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $5 (Limited to 40 participants)
Mountain Biking Day
Students with an interest in mountain biking are encouraged to sign up for this morning
of mountain biking at M-hill. We will spend a few hours with up to 12 students taking
turns riding on some of M-hills' trails and the jump park. 4 club bikes are provided
but if you have your own mountain bike and gear, please bring it. We will meet at
10am on Saturday August 29 in the Quad on campus and drive to M-hill for a few hours
to ride some of the trails. Please wear closed-toe shoes and good clothes for mountain
biking. Bring a water bottle.
Saturday, August 29, 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 12 participants)
Sand Volleyball @ Founders Park
New students will drive out to Founders Park at sand volleyball fields for an afternoon
of games, food, and meeting new people. Burgers and hot dogs will be grilled on-site,
so you can grab something to eat while hanging out, playing volleyball, or just relaxing
in the sun. It’s a great chance to get off campus, make some connections early, and
start the year with a solid group of friends. Meet at Founders Park at 5 o'clock at
the sand volleyball pits.
Saturday, August 29, 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free (No limit on participants)
Drone and RC Plane Flight Day
Come out and fly with the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Hardrocker Aero Design
CAMP teams on Saturday August 29th from 9am to 12pm. Everything from micro drones
to 10ft wingspan planes will be there to be seen. There will be quads and planes to
fly as well as some demonstrations. Breakfast burritos and donuts provided by the
teams as breakfast! 9am Meetup in the Campus Quad then load the vans at 9:10am for
the flight field.
Saturday, August 29, 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 20 participants)
Art+Engineering Experience
Students will take part in hands-on workshops related to materials and art including
blacksmithing, metal casting, glass blowing, stained glass, and ceramic production/glazing.
As part of the event, students will be exposed to creative spaces on campus including
the campus makerspace and foundry building. These spaces sponsor weekly activities
for students to be creative with metals and materials. The workshop will start with
lunch and then students will get to rotate to different activities throughout the
afternoon. All students will create objects that they can take with them. It will
be held from 12-4 pm on Saturday August 29. Space is limited so sign up early! SAFETY:
Students must not wear shorts or sandals to participate in the event. Students will
meet for Lunch at 12 PM in the Library Makerspace
Saturday, August 29, 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 (Limited to 30 participants)
Adventures & Connections with SWE & WiSE
Attention new students! Join Society of Women Engineers and Women in Science and Engineering
for an adventure-packed day. We'll escape to Cedar Canyon Camp to enjoy a piece of
the Black Hills right in Rapid City’s backyard. You can play games in the coffee shop,
zoom down a waterslide in the woods, and make smores around the campfire. Attendees
can also test their limits and experience the Black Hills from new heights on the
zip line and high ropes courses. More of the nature walk and read a good book type?
That's fine! All social activities are optional. Plus, current members of SWE, peer
mentors, and WiSE students will be there to offer words of advice and help you jumpstart
your college career with some planning sessions and Mines insider information. All
participants will receive an exclusive WiSE and SWE care bag with goodies. This is
a day trip sure to be filled with awesome adventures and a fun way to create long
lasting connections during the beginning of an exciting new chapter for new students!
Dinner will be provided by Cedar Canyon Camp. If needing a ride, meet at the front
of Surbeck at 12:30 p.m. If driving self, meet at the snack shop patio at Cedar Canyon
Camp. ()
Saturday, August 29, 1:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $15.00 plus tax (Limited to 70 participants)
Sunday, August 30
Gold Panning in the Black Hills
Join the Mining and Mucking Team for a gold panning excursion deep into the Black
Hills! We'll provide all the gear you need—just bring along water and sunscreen. Midway
through, we’ll stop somewhere for lunch. Whether you're a seasoned prospector or just
looking to explore, this is the perfect chance to experience the natural beauty of
the Hills and connect with fellow students. Who knows? You might even find a little
gold! Information for meetup will be sent out closer to the trip!
Sunday, August 30, 8:00 a.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 12 participants)
Little Elk Creek Hike
Join avid hikers, Shelly Tupper from the Dean of Students Office and her husband,
Seth, for a fun hike along Little Elk Creek! This scenic canyon trail follows the
creek for the entire hike and offers beautiful views along the way. This is a moderate-level
hike on an out-and-back trail, allowing us to decide how far we’d like to go. If we
complete the full trail, the total distance will be approximately 6 miles. Please
wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking or tennis shoes. NO sandals, please! Be
sure to bring a water bottle or CamelBak to stay hydrated during the hike. Some light
snacks will be provided. We will meet in the parking lot on the east side of Surbeck
(main entrance) at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 30, 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Free (Limited to 20 participants)