What is a Shindig?
A Shindig is an opportunity for conservative Christian homeschool families and singles to meet and enjoy fellowship with other like-minded families. The Black Hills Mini Shindig seeks to fulfill that need by providing Christian fellowship in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota in a safe and family-friendly environment. There will be encouraging biblical teaching, games, activities, and opportunities to meet with old friends and make new ones!
Who hosts this event and why was it started?
This Shindig is a ministry and labor of love from three area families and the many volunteers that make the event possible. After one of the families attended the 2013 Ozark Shindig hosted by No Greater Joy, they clearly saw the need for events of this nature that provided fellowship with like-minded Christians. They were inspired to do something in their region of the country. This led to a collaborative effort with other local families to organize the first Black Hills Mini Shindig in 2018.
We independently host the event and keep the costs for attendees as low as possible. In the 6+ years since we started this, we have seen many dear friendships made, the saints encouraged, new connections made, and fruit to God’s glory!
Why should I consider coming?
* You would like a family camp with solid biblical teaching and a laid-back schedule that provides ample time to fellowship with other families. Our time at camp is not overly packed with sessions and the schedule has plenty of free time and edifying activities.
* You would like to make new friends and connections. We welcome old and new friends alike, and you will find it easy to interact with like-minded folks you haven’t met before. Our schedule and activities specifically lend themselves to meaningful conversations and friendships.
Who will attend and what should I expect?
We expect between 200-350 people to attend. There will be Christian families and singles from across the US. While many of the families are from the Mountain West region of the US, we also welcome people from other areas including the Southwest, Midwest, East Coast, Alaska, and even Canada. We intend to be the most fun and friendliest camp you have ever attended! That’s what some first-time attendees told us last year about their experience, and we think you will say the same if you come!
What are the guidelines and expectations of this event?
This is a God-honoring event for conservative Christian homeschool families and singles. All conduct, speech, and attire should seek to glorify God and encourage others. Please follow all guidelines and instructions from the Shindig leaders and from the camp staff. Keep the camp areas you use clean and tidy.
Will singles be there?
Yes. We will welcome a good group of singles. Some singles come with their entire families and others come by themselves or with siblings. Our singles social events for those ages 17 and up have always been well attended. Last year’s format resulted in a lot of positive feedback from participants, and we plan to do something similar again this year. There are plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Our schedule and activities are setup to help facilitate a comfortable and positive environment.
What type of activities are available?
* Ranch hand relay ice breaker event on Thurs afternoon
* Paid activities hosted by the camp: These include the camp zip line, paintball, climbing wall, and high ropes.
* Bluegrass and musical jam sessions
* Gaga ball
* Volleyball: Join a team or form your own. There are players of all levels.
* Hymn singing
* Talent show: Do you have a skit, poem, musical piece, or song to share?
* Evangelism outing: Go on a team to hand out tracts and share the gospel in the Rapid City area on Sat afternoon!
* Singles activities and socials on Thurs and Fri evenings (ages 17 and up)
* Young adult hike on Fri and Sat before lunch: 1hr, moderately strenuous hike around the canyon.
* Square dance for all ages on Sat evening. Also, non-dancing activities at the same time.
* And much more! If you have an idea for an activity, let us know!
Are there any extra fees for free-time activities?
Yes. Paintball is $20 per person, and the Zip-line requires a $15 fee per person. The climbing wall is $10 per person with a minimum of 10 people from the Shindig signed up.
Is there a minimum age requirement for the zipline, paintball and climbing wall?
Yes. The minimum age requirement is 10 years old.
Is there swimming?
No. However, there will be other exciting activities to enjoy.
Are meals available?
Yes. Information on meals can be found on the “Details” page. Meals must be purchased before August 15th and are non-refundable. Meals are a great time to fellowship and get to know others. The camp does a great job with the food.
What type of activities are available?
Yes. There are limited cooking facilities available in Modern Housing. If you are needing cooking facilities, contact Angela Hovland at 605-673-5843, or email Angela at vernhovland@aol.com.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes. There are limited cooking facilities available in the Modern Housing facilities. If you will need cooking facilities, make sure you contact Angela Hovland: 605-673-5843 or vernhovland@aol.com
Is there a gluten-free option for food?
Yes. There is no extra cost, but you must sign up and pay for meals before August 15th.
It’s too far for me to drive. Can I fly?
Yes. Cedar Canyon Camp is approximately 30 minutes from the Rapid City Airport (RAP). If you need transportation to and from the airport on Thurs and Sun, contact us with your travel plans well ahead of time. We will work to accommodate your request if possible.
What is the General Store?
We will have a General Store available for families/individuals to offer items for sale that they have made. This could include items such as: honey, hand-crafted items, a book you have authored, clothing items, knitted or crocheted items, etc.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Pets are allowed but they must always be on a leash. Note that pets are NOT allowed in the Modern Housing facilities.
Can I stay at Cedar Canyon Camp after the Mini Shindig is over?
Yes, this is possible. If you plan to stay at the camp after the Shindig is over, please indicate that on the registration form.
Where should we check-in when arriving at Cedar Canyon Camp?
Check-in will be in the Camp Dining Hall.
When is the registration deadline?
The deadline is August 15th, unless sold out prior to that date.