Congratulations on being selected to travel on the South Dakota: Native America – Frontier Faces. Led by Jan Flaska and Jeannette Boudway, this program provides students the opportunity to explore the rich natural, historical, and cultural contours of this spectacular and complex western landscape that is the ancestral home of the Lakota Sioux.
The program begins in Rapid City, where students will gather before heading to Pine Ridge – a Lakota Reservation – and then on to a multi-day cycling and cultural journey. Early highlights include a shakeout ride through Badlands National Park, camping at Sage Creek, and meaningful visits to the Pine Ridge Reservation and Wounded Knee Memorial. From there, students will ride sections of the Mickelson Trail, beginning in Edgemont and traveling north through Pringle and Custer, while experiencing the natural beauty and history of the region. Along the way, they will camp at Plenty Star Ranch and spend nights in hotels or campsites that showcase the diversity of South Dakota’s landscapes.
As the ride continues, students will combine outdoor adventure with cultural and historical exploration. Stops include Wind Cave National Monument, Hot Springs, a hike up Black Elk Peak, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore. The journey culminates with longer stretches on the Mickelson Trail, including rides from Hill City to Dumont and finally into Deadwood, where students will have time to explore the historic town. The program concludes with a return to Rapid City for departure, leaving students with both physical achievement and a deeper appreciation of the cultural and natural heritage of the Black Hills region.
All forms will come in a DocuSign email.
Please review the following Health and Safety information
A letter from Dr. Bryant Benson provides important guidance on health preparations for travel. View Letter
2. Travel Insurance
All students are covered by Deerfield Academy’s International SOS travel insurance policy while on the program.
May 25
United UA2627
Hartford 4:50pm – Chicago 6:39pm
United UA4726
Chicago 7:50pm. – Rapid City 9:37pm
June 3
United UA5811
Rapid City 6:00am – Chicago 9:34am
United UA 2195
Chicago 11:03am – Hartford 2:24pm
Pre-Trip Information:
Moving out of campus and departing for the CSGC trips is always a team effort, and for this to be a smooth and successful departure process, we are reaching out to families and students with reminders on how to “finish strong” and go on the summer travel programs without leaving behind more work for others!
On May 25, 2026, Students and Program leaders will meet at the Deerfield Campus to travel by coach bus to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT arriving in Rapid City, SD, on May 25, 2026. Students and Program Leaders will go on a biking expedition along the Mickelson Train from Rapid City to Deadwood, SD.
Post-trip Plans: Post Trip Plans Form due March 1st, 2026.
Post – Trip Information: On June 3, 2026, Students will fly out of Rapid City, SD and return to Bradley Intl Airport in Hartford, CT.
Please note that this trip ends on June 3 in Bradley International Airport.
Families should plan to meet their students at the airport or arrange for them to be transported to nearby family or friends for the remainder of the Summer break. Please discuss with your family your post-trip plans, and fill out this form before March 1st, 2026.
All payment information, including non-refundable deposit amount, comes via email through a DocuSign envelope.
The remaining balance of the program fee will be billed to your student account on December 12, 2025 and due in full by January 1, 2026.
Please contact the Finance Office at finance@deerfield.edu with any questions or the Center for Service and Global Citizenship via email csgc@deerfield.edu or phone: 413-774-1435.
This page contains enrollment information for students who have been selected for one of our 2026 travel programs. If you are interested in other Global Studies programs or future travel opportunities, please contact The Center for Service and Global Citizenship.