Choctaw Nation wraps up another successful summer camp season

Kids and teens across the reservation had an exciting summer participating in camps offered by the Choctaw Nation.

The camps kicked off in May and concluded in late July, with over 2,000 total registrations. Camp options were vast and for various areas of interest.

From athletic to academic, there were opportunities for campers to find something they enjoyed. Elite coaches and instructors taught students fundamentals in different sports.

STEAM and cultural camps offered cultural and educational enrichment, completing a busy and impactful summer for all camp participants.

Youth Events and Activities (YEA) offered a brand-new camp this summer, Rodeo Camp, that proved to be a hit with nearly 100 registered participants. The camp was held on May 25 and 26.

In partnership with Choctaw Nation Commerce Division, two of Choctaw Nation’s sponsored athletes, seven-time PRCA World Champion Sage Kimzey and nine-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier Tilden Hooper, were surprise guests. Students learned the fundamentals of steer wrestling, bronc riding, bullfighting, bull riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and much more through hands-on activities.

Aside from athletic camps, Choctaw Nation hosted Cultural, Wildlife Conservation and STEAM Camps. Campers who registered for Cultural Camp learned and participated in pottery, beading, traditional archery and studied the Choctaw language.

The Wildlife Conservation Camp partnered with the Choctaw Nation’s Wildlife Conservation Department and Oklahoma Game Wardens to offer campers a chance to complete their Hunter’s Safety Course, learn about ATV safety, compete in skeet shooting and fish in the Tuskahoma village pond.

Hosted by Project Pelichi WILL, the STEAM camps offered workshops, college trips and tours, academic development and more.

Program Manager Javen White said, “In our department, we are blessed to have the opportunity to provide a fun and safe environment for our tribal youth to participate in activities throughout the year. It means the world to us to be a positive light in their lives and encourage the next generation of strong Choctaw people.”

Learn more about the camps and activities offered by the Youth Events and Activities program.

Photos provided