Youth Leadership Camp

PATHKEEPERS for

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

8TH ANNUAL PATHKEEPERS NATIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP WILL BE

JULY 19 - 26, 2020

APPLICATIONS MUST BE POST-MARKED BY MAY 1, 2020

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Pathkeepers for Indigenous Knowledge will host the

8th Annual Native Youth Leadership Camp from

Sunday, July 19, 2020 thru Sunday, July 26, 2020. Last year's Camp was an outstanding success, and we look forward to seeing returning campers and meeting many new members of our Native Youth!

The Camp will be held at a horse farm in Culpeper, Virginia, which is about 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

It is an overnight Camp. Campers must be between 11 and 17 years old and enrolled in their tribe or be able to show direct descendancy from any American Indian tribe.

The Camp provides Native youth with opportunities to experience traditional and cultural activities, identify healthy and sustainable food and life choices, and understand how environmental and conservation sciences are reflected in our Native cultural knowledge and in our traditional uses of environmental resources. We also prioritize explorations of campers' personal interests, educational goals, and tribal identity.

The Camp includes a field trip to Washington, D.C. to tour and meet with federal agencies, Congressional staff, and White House officials related to Indian Affairs. By providing these opportunities, we aim to build Native youth’s appreciation and understanding of traditional lifeways and environmental stewardship, but to also build their self-esteem, leadership and consensus skills, educational interests, and health and wellness.

Some of the activities of the Camp include: (1) identifying plants and herbs used by Native peoples, preparing traditional foods, and making traditional medicines like salves, teas and poultices; (2) experiencing Native physical fitness activities like lacrosse and Native horsemanship; (3) exploring artist expression, like painting, basket-making, beading, regalia design, traditional and contemporary Native music, storytelling and poetry; (4) building educational goals through our “College Day” event and other educational activities; and (5) taking a field trip to Washington, D.C. to tour and meet with federal agencies, Congressional staff, White House officials, and visit museums and other significant sites related to Indian Affairs.

Food offered at the Camp is all-natural, healthy and nutritious with emphasis on traditional Native foods. Campers are encouraged to participate in traditional food preparation as part of their camp experience. Campers are also able to take the results of many activities home with them, for example herbal salves, jewelry, beadwork, canned food, artwork, documentaries/interviews, journals, etc.

Applications are due by May 1, 2020. There is no fee to attend the Camp. If parents or your tribe has ability to contribute, we ask for a donation of $100-$500 if your child is accepted to Camp. There is a $10 Application fee per youth. Pathkeepers will cover the costs of all meals, lodging, transportation during the Camp and supplies. We do not pay for travel to and from the Camp. The Camp Application and Brochure are available by clicking the buttons above.

We look forward to Summer Camp 2020!!