Camp Rules and Policies

The Natural Resources Camp is held at Oak Lake Field Station in Astoria. The Oak Lake Field Station is a 570-acre facility located in the heart of the Northern Plains on the Coteau Des Prairies. Oak Lake Field Station is a university-owned facility managed by the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University.  Campers are expected to adhere to all university policies, regulations, guidelines and all local, state and federal laws.  Campers are also expected to act in a professional manner and follow the Field Station and Camp Policies, outlined below. This document describes consequences of violating any of these policies. Above all, please practice respect and consideration of others.  Thank you!

1. State and federal laws:
   1. Including, but not limited to:
      1. Possession of illegal substances
      2. Assault
      3. Theft
      4. Unauthorized taking of plants and animals (The term 'take' means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct.)
   2. Consequence: If a camper is involved in any illegal activities or violates any state or federal laws, local law enforcement and the parent/guardian will be contacted. Illegal activities will result in immediate dismissal and no refund will be provided.
2. University and Oak Lake Field Station policies
   1. The following items are prohibited:
      1. Pets
      2. Fireworks
      3. Alcohol and/or illegal drugs
      4. Weapons, including, but not limited to:
         1. Center or rim fire firearms (including BB guns, pellet guns, shotguns, rifles, pistols or any other tool intended launch projectiles with the purpose of target shooting or hunting animals)
         2. Knives
         3. Compound, crossbow, long or recurve bows
   2. The following activities are prohibited:
      1. Hunting
      2. Removal or modification of vegetation (except for authorized camp activities).
      3. Campfires in non-designated areas (the middle of the camping area is the only designated area).
      4. Digging holes, taking samples, kill/harm/remove animals (except for authorized camp activities).
      5. Littering
      6. Release of chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials.
      7. Storage of chemicals or hazardous materials in the dining hall.
   3.  Campers are expected to keep the field station facilities clean and utilize recycling bins.  Students must clean up after themselves, including, but not limited to:
      1. Washing, drying, and putting away dishes.
      2. Cleaning countertops, table tops, and sinks after meals.
      3. Sweep floors if a mess is made.
      4. Clean and return equipment and classroom supplies.
   4. The consequence of violating any University and/or Field Station policies is dependent upon the severity of the infraction and is at the discretion of the Camp Coordinator and Field Station Director. Any illegal activities will be handled according to 1.b. in this document. For other violations, campers will be given a warning. If campers repeatedly violate these policies or the infraction is severe, campers will be asked to leave the field station for the remainder of camp with no refund. Parents/guardians will be contacted.
3. Camp Policies
   1. Campers will not be permitted to leave camp once they arrive.
   2. All personal vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area near the Administration building and kept there during the duration of camp.
   3. Campers will not be permitted to leave the living area (bunk house, camping area and nearby restrooms and sinks) after 10 p.m. (unless involved in a scheduled camp activity).
   4. Lights out will be at 11 p.m. (unless involved in a scheduled camp activity)
   5. Apparel and other items that depict alcohol, drugs or mature content are prohibited.
   6. Campers should be respectful to each other and anyone at the Field Station. Campers should not bully, harass, or discriminate against other campers, nor should they disrupt camp activities.
   7. The consequence of violating camp policies is dependent upon the severity of the infraction and is at the discretion of the Camp Coordinator. Campers may only be given a warning. If campers repeatedly violate these policies, campers will be asked to leave the field station for the remainder of camp with no refund.  Parents/guardians will be contacted.