Lakota Teca Ki Woitacan Ki Unspeic’iciyapi

Lakota Youth Leadership Camps

The purpose for the youth gatherings is to develop and build on the necessary cultural skills of effective Lakota youth leadership and recovery that empower them and their peers to acquire the cultural resiliency and leadership qualities and skills needed to support re-establishment of Lakota youth societies. The seven principles that will drive these experiences will be embodied in the following;

While the hands are busy the mind is open
Knowing your place in the camp circle is the foundation for knowing your place in the community, tribal nation and world
Personal, character and spiritual strengths once identified can be refined and developed to enhance youth life skills and personal growth
Only when we know who we are and where our people have been can we go forward into the future. ( i.e. personal, family and tribal history)
Development of cognitive problem solving skills are an integral part of “full circle” Lakota problem solving and decision making (i.e., thought, emotions, physical investment and spiritual consultation).

Lakota virtues and teachings must be shared and translated into today’s world experiences for youth to grasp their value
Adults must demonstrate commitment, respect, caring, support and protection for youth to have the needed environment for developmental and person growth.

The first camp consisted of core role models and mentors that are made up of staff and volunteers from the collaborating groups. The RST Wellness Court and NAAP identified 20 invited youth from both community prevention groups and wellness court youth. The camp took place over four days that required youth commitment for uninterrupted participation for the entire four days and three nights of camp. Youth signed a waiver for participation and completed an application that provided emergency medical information and parent/guardian information. The youth participating were ages 12 -17 years old. Youth participated in day activities and joint activities prior to camp to allow both youth and adults to begin to develop relationships before the camp was to start.

Activities for the four days included: recreational, fun based activities, cultural teachings, hands-on make and take projects and spiritual ceremonies. Youth left with tangible gifts to commemorate their experience and will be invited to the subsequent sessions at different locations with new cultural experiences.

The Primary staff for all camps are alcohol and drug free, have complete background checks and have basic skills and knowledge and experience to run the encampments. Staff include counseling professionals and paraprofessionals, RN’s, off duty police officers, first responders and crisis interventionists and Lakota song, arts and language instructors. Invited speakers offer culturally based information, teaching and hands on activities while at the encampments. Spiritual leaders/medicine men are also an integral part of the adult support system of the encampments.