Rocker Connections
Aug. 29-31, 2025
Organized by Student Engagement, Rocker Connections is open to all new, incoming students. Rocker Connections 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 opens July 1 & ends August 26
*Note, the registration link takes you to your "New Student Checklist" you will need to be signed in with university credentials to access it.
Friday, August 29
Rappelling with ROTC
Join the Mount Rushmore Battalion Army ROTC for an afternoon of rappelling down a tower. Participants will learn how to tie a Swiss seat and safely rappel down a 60’ tower. Conquer your fear of heights and get an adrenaline rush! It is required to wear long pants, a shirt that can be tucked in (long sleeve recommended), and closed-toe shoes/boots. Students will be shuttled to and from the rappel site from the front of the Classroom Building, starting at 3 pm until 7 pm, so if you have classes, you can show up later. Participants will be contacted with additional transportation information.
Friday, August 29th 3 pm. Cost: Free. Limited to 40 participants.
WiSE Trip
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 smores around the campfire, play some volleyball on the lawn, create goals and set intentions for the school year, chill and play games in the coffee shop. Attendees can also test their limits and experience the Black Hills from new heights on the zip line and high ropes courses. More of nature walk and read a good book type? That's fine too! 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 WiSE gift. We'll stay in cabins, but make sure to pack your sleeping bag and a towel.
Friday, August 29 (5 pm)-Saturday, August 30, (12 pm) Cost: $15.00 plus tax. No Limit, open to all first-year women.
Outlaw Ranch, Custer South Dakota
Taste the best pizza West River (Lintz Brother's, Hermosa) on the way to Outlaw Ranch Bible Camp in Custer, SD which is 1.5 hours’ drive from Mines. We will stay in cabins (bring sheets/ blanket or sleeping bag for twin bunk beds). Shower House and toilets are a short distance from cabins. We will toast marshmallows that evening and cook breakfast over campfire Saturday morning if it’s not too dry. After breakfast, we will explore Outlaw Ranch and pack a lunch. Then off to drive the wildlife loop at Custer State Park where we will hopefully catch sight of the bison. Our goal is to enjoy God’s creation in the beauty of the Southern Hills. Pack a towel, pillow and personal items. Feel free to bring a camera and binoculars if you have them and close-toed shoes. All are welcome - all faith traditions and denominations.
Leave Friday, August 29, 2025, around 5 pm and return before dark on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Cost: $25. Limited to 20 participants.
Camping, hiking, fishing in the Black Hills
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship invites you to come away for some fun camping, fishing, and hiking. We will gather at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 30 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, take me fishing.
Friday, August 29th at 5pm, we will return to campus before noon on Sunday, Sept.1. Cost: $29.00 plus tax. Limited to 15 participants.
Saturday, August 30
Lead the Charge: Paintball with ROTC
Sponsored by the Military Science Department, students will enjoy the great outdoors, while using paintball markers to learn team building skills, and meet their peers during simulated military missions and problem-solving adventures that will require leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills. The adventure will be conducted at West Camp Rapid, and will pit participants against time, terrain, and each other, with the assistance of experienced Cadets in simulated military missions! This adventure is moderately strenuous and requires participants to 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. Water bottles and lunch will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to the top team. Students will meet in Classroom Building, Room 117 at 8:00 am, to be transported to the training site.
Saturday, August 30th 8am. 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 close-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. We will be meeting in the Civil Mechanical Building in room CM209. The easiest way to get to this room is to enter through the East Facing door of the building near the King Center.
Saturday, August 30th at 8am. Cost: $30. Limited to 20 participants.
Hiking, Swimming, and Mass with the Newman Club
You're invited to join the Newman Club as we hike the scenic Sheridan Lake Flume Trail, celebrate mass in the stunning Black Hills, swim, and share a picnic. This is a fantastic chance to connect with Newman Club members and cultivate Christ-centered friendships. Transportation and food will be taken care of, so just bring/wear your swimsuit, a towel, water, and anything else you need for a fantastic day outdoors! Meet us at the Newman Center Saturday, August 30th at 9:00 AM.
Saturday, August 30th 9am. Cost: Free. No limit on participants.
Lake Day with Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge, and American Society of Civil Engineers
Join three clubs for an exciting day at the Sheridan Lake! Test out your paddling skills in an award-winning Concrete Canoe, learn how to construct a modular Steel Bridge, and play yard games with American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)! Bring a towel, swimsuit, water bottle, sunscreen, and a good attitude! Food and drinks will be provided. Leaving at 10 am Saturday, August 30th from the Surbeck Center parking lot returning around 3-4 pm.
Saturday, August 30th 10am. Cost: Free. Limited to 32 participants.
A Breath of the Wild
Have you ever wanted to try out some of the activities from your favorite fantasy stories and video games? If the answer is yes, then here's your chance! Come join the Dinos and Dragons Sci Fi and Fantasy Club for a day of outdoor fun at the Game Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus. We’ll practice archery, fishing, and fire building (weather permitting), then end the day by roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and making s’mores. This event will be on Saturday August 30, from 10 am to 3 pm. The address is the Game Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus at 4130 Adventure Trail. The event is completely free, and all resources will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday, August 30th 10am. Cost: Free. Limited to 25 participants.
Moonrockers' Disc Golf and Gill Out
Calling all Hardrockers! Do you enjoy a good round of disc golf? Are you a beginner that wants to learn more about the fastest growing sport? Do you like space, robotics, or anything in between? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, this is the outing for you. The Moonrockers' lunar rover mining team welcomes you to sign up for an afternoon disc golf excursion to Jackson Park to connect with fellow students and explore off campus. Jackson Park is a quick 15-minute drive from Mines with an 18-hole disc golf course with lots of trees and water hazards! We plan on playing a round disc golf and having a grill out at the park afterwards. We will provide discs, but feel free to bring your own. The winner will receive a Mines themed disc golf disc! We plan on departing campus at 2:00 PM in front of the Surbeck Center. The event is expected to last 3-4 hours depending on disc golf round length and grill out time.
Saturday, August 30th 2pm. Cost: $10. Limited to 25 participants.
Group Hike at Boulder Hill (3.5 miles)
Looking for a fun outdoor activity and a great way to meet new people? All students are welcome to join the Garden Club for an afternoon hike at Boulder Hill! Boulder Hill is a moderate hike that boasts gorgeous views and is a great introduction to the Black Hills. The hike will take place on Saturday, August 30th, and any participants can meet in the main entrance of the Surbeck Building at noon, where we will carpool to the trailhead together. Those interested should bring comfortable shoes to hike in and plenty of water and sun protection. Snacks and transportation will be provided for you. The estimated time for hiking and travel is about 3.5 hrs. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, August 30th 12pm. Cost: Free. Limited to 12 participants.
Beach Volleyball with Beta Delta Mu & Lambda Chi Alpha
Lambda Chi Alpha and Beta Delta Mu will be hosting a beach volleyball event at Founders park on Saturday August 30th. All students interested in either organization or just wanting to have a fun time are encouraged to come and enjoy the sunny weekend with both groups. It will be a great opportunity for incoming freshman to network within these groups and find get some helpful words of advice for their time in college! The trip will start at 4pm at the Greek Rock on Campus near the Classroom Building, rides to Founders Park will be provided.
Saturday, August 30th 4pm. Cost: Free. No limit on participants.
Ultimate Frisbee Fun
Come hang with the Dark Matter Ultimate team for a full day of frisbee, food, and fun! Whether you're brand new to the sport or a seasoned handler, this is a great chance to meet the team, play some pickup, and learn what Ultimate at Mines is all about. We’ll have opportunities for everyone to improve their game and learn something new. Just bring water, cleats (or running shoes), and a good attitude—we’ll provide the frisbees and the food. Come find us at the O'harra Stadium Field at the east end of campus.
Saturday, August 30th time TBD. Cost: $10. No limit on participants.
Flight Day
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary Flight Day event, made possible by the Unmanned Aerial Systems Team and Aero Design Team, two aerial CAMP teams. This exceptional collaboration sets the stage for showcasing the very best in unmanned aerial systems and innovative aircraft designs right on campus. The Flight Day features a diverse range of flight activities and competitions, offering an incredible opportunity to witness various types of aircraft in action. From the lightning-fast racing drones to the 18-foot heavy lift planes, get ready to experience the full spectrum of aerial excitement. But that's not all. Participants will have the unique chance to get hands-on flying experience with these remarkable aircraft, navigating through a range of challenging obstacles. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a technology aficionado, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this Flight Day event has something for everyone. We will provide food. Meet at campus Quad.
Saturday, August 30th at 9:30 am. Cost: Free. Limited to 25 participants.
Exploring the Otho Mine
Interested in exploring an abandoned mine? Come and explore the Otho mine with the Mine Rescue Team! We’ll spend the day exploring the mine and hearing the story of why it has become what it is now. Then, we’ll have a picnic together and we can share stories of what the team has done + answer any questions you may have. Please bring sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing. We’ll provide you with a hard hat and cap lamp for underground safety! Transportation and food will be provided by us, as well. We will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the NMI loading dock or the MRT room (106c in the NMI building). They're right beside each other, so don't be worried about being left behind!
Saturday, August 30th 9:30am. Cost: Free. Limited to 12 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 is 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 7:30 am 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 weather permitting. Students must meet in front of the Paleontology Research Lab (the museum side) before 7:30 with their own lunch and plenty of water.
Saturday, August 30th 7:30am-5pm. Cost: Free. Limited to 19 participants.
Jumping With NSBE
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a student-led organization committed to empowering Black engineers and technologists to excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. (Anyone is welcome) NSBE is all about support, connection, and opportunity — whether it’s through professional development, networking, or fun and meaningful events. This weekend, we’re bringing that NSBE spirit to life with a laid-back and exciting get-together! It’s a chance to meet fellow members, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly competition. We’ll be hosting a free dodgeball competition — open to all skill levels — where you can team up, show off your skills (or just have fun trying!), and enjoy the good vibes. Whether you’re a long-time member or just curious about what NSBE is all about, this weekend is a great time to connect in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Come for the dodgeball, stay for the people! Go to the Frazier gym and there will be a sign-up form. Then you can just hop in a game and have fun.
Saturday, August 30th at 1pm Cost: Free. No limit on participants.
Sunday, August 31
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! Please be sure to check your school email for information as we near the trip!
Sunday, August 31st at 8am. Cost: $10. Limited to 6 participants.
Waterfalls & Ice Cream
Take a relaxing day trip with the Dean of Students, Dr. Joe, and his assistant, Shelly, through Spearfish Canyon. Enjoy a scenic drive and easy hikes to Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls, where you can take in some stunning views and unwind in nature. Finish off the trip with a stop at Leone’s Creamery in Spearfish for a scoop of locally made ice cream—perfect for a low-key, refreshing break. We will leave from the main Surbeck parking lot on the east side at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Look for the two vans.
Sunday, August 31st 9am. Cost: Free. Limited to 20 participants.
Triangle & ADPi Lake Day
All male and female students are welcome to attend this event! Alpha Delta Pi Sorority will be joining Triangle fraternity to host a lake day at Pactola lake. We will be grilling burgers and enjoying the breathtaking views and sunshine. Please bring a swimsuit if you want to go swimming. Additionally, we will have games to play and an optional small hike around the lake. This is a one-day event. We will provide transportation if needed. This is a great way to get connected to Greek life if that is something you are interested in or just to develop a community of friendly faces around you! We will leave school at 11:30 AM on Sunday, August 31st, drive to Pactola, eat lunch around 12:30 or 1 and enjoy the activities until we leave at 5 PM. Please meet at the archway in the center of the quad (in front of the library) if you would like a ride! We will leave at 11:30 AM from the school.
Sunday, August 31st at 11:30am. Cost: $5. No limit on participants.