Award-winning illustrator S.D. Nelson will share insights into his latest work, "Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills," written by Donna Janell Bowman and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. He will discuss his artistic process and reflect on his childhood connections to the Dakotas and the Standing Rock Reservation.

Selected as the South Dakota Humanities Council’s Children’s One Book of the Year, "Wings of an Eagle" tells the inspiring true story of Billy Mills, a Native American gold medalist whose resilience and determination led him to Olympic victory. Born an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation, Mills struggled with hardship and self-doubt. Before his father passed, he left Billy with a powerful message:

"You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper—beneath the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you."

Nelson’s vivid illustrations bring this moving story to life, capturing the spirit and perseverance of a champion. In addition to this work, he is the author and illustrator of "Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way" and the illustrator of "Dance in a Buffalo Skull," both published by the South Dakota Historical Society Press.

Dig into history this summer! Archaeology Camp is a three-day, hands-on adventure where campers will explore the exciting world of archaeology.

Dates: June 10–12, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location: Pierre, SD
Who Can Attend? Students entering grades 4–6 in the 2025–2026 school year (no exceptions).
If a camper cannot attend all three full days, please do not sign up to allow others to fully participate.

Registration Details
Opens: Thursday, May 1, at 8:00 AM CT
Closes: When the camp is full OR by May 3, 2025 (whichever comes first)
⚠️ Spots are limited! In past years, registration filled within 20 minutes.
⚠️ Only 20 new campers will be accepted.

⚠️ If your child has attended before, they can join the waitlist by emailing their name to katie.wasley@state.sd.us between 8:00 AM on May 1 and 5:00 PM on May 3. Past campers will only be considered if fewer than 20 new campers register.

What to Expect
Campers will experience real archaeology with activities like:
✅ Excavating an actual archaeological site
✅ Cleaning and sorting real artifacts
✅ Throwing atlatls (prehistoric spears)
✅ Exploring historic sites
✅ Creating metal decorations, ceramics, and more!

Don't miss out on this unique summer experience! Be ready to register right at 8:00 AM on May 1 to secure a spot.