“I wish camp was longer … or I wish we could stay at camp forever!” exclaimed Kenzi, an attendee of St. Joseph’s 2018 Rising Eagle Day Camp (REDC).
Every summer, St. Joseph’s Indian School hosts REDC as an outreach programs for Lakota (Sioux) youth on the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Indian Reservations. The camp takes place on St. Joseph’s campus the first four weeks following Memorial Day.
This summer, we were able to provide…
• 1,142 children over 3,000 meals, including breakfast, lunch and a snack.
• Opportunities to have fun learning the Lakota language.
• Time for creativity during arts and crafts.
• A way to cool off from the summer heat in the pool and with other water games.
Mainly, we were able to provide a safe and secure environment for kids to be just that – kids.
And like Kenzi suggested, it’s a lot of fun!
But what keeps children looking forward to coming to REDC every summer? Depending on the camper you ask, you’ll hear a different answer.
“I like that we get lunch every day. I like the food a lot. It’s good!” said Evana.
“I like swimming at the pool,” said Breydan. “Swimming is the best!”
While others, like Samaya, like camp to connect to their Lakota culture with the hands-on activities.
“I like camp for arts and crafts and the language class,” she said. “I like learning new Lakota words.”
It might not be a favorite part of camp, but it’s definitely important: St. Joseph’s transports students back and forth 120+ miles every day by bus so they can attend camp without worrying about transportation.
“The kids were outstanding and had a great time,” said Mark, REDC Director. “We appreciate all of the support we receive for REDC and can’t wait for next year!”
It takes a village – not only to run REDC, but also to fund it, because families are never charged a fee for children to attend camp every day. We are so thankful for the support of you, our loving donors, who give to make programs like this possible.
Wopila tanka — many thanks — for helping St. Joseph’s reach out and provide hope to Lakota (Sioux) children all year long!
Thrilled to hear that the children had a wonderful time at camp! So much love is put into everything you all do for St. Joseph’s! I wish I lived closer so I could actively help out! Blessings on all!
Thanks, Madelyn! Blessings to you, too!
Am very PROUD we are able to help in a small way, throughout the year.
Thank you for what you do in the lives of these children!
Also, thank you for the “Dream Catchers” you send occasionally!
I have 11 hanging in my office.
Thank you for your continual support, Lee! We’re glad you enjoy the dream catchers!
I so wish I could physically be there to see the smiles on the children’s faces. I am not Lakota. I am of Cherokee and Powhatan….but, I don’t think I would be turned away. These children are awesome. May the Great Spirit/Wakan Tanka always keep these children protected.
Thank you for your kind words! Blessings to you, also.
Seeing the smiles on those children made my day! It is exciting to see what they do with their time at camp. They are having such a good time.
Thank you for the fun gift packages! I use everything. I do love the dreamcatchers, too. I have loved them since I was a child.
I keep all of my newsletters. All of the children’s drawings and messages to me. I don’t get mail anymore except bills. So it is a joy when it comes.
Thanks for everything you send, all the sweet surprises!
Judy, that is wonderful! We are so glad you enjoy the materials enough to keep them!
The pictures and activities are really great, gives this Ole guy much pleasure seeing them. 120 Miles per day shows real commitment by you folks, you are to be greatly commended for your efforts. I am sure it will be returned someday, perhaps in a different form! I love the Dream Catchers , at 76 I tend to nap a bit.
Thanks, Charles! We’re glad the dream catchers come in handy for you! Sweet dreams!
Thank you for showing me the highlights of the powwow. My health kept me from returning as I had planned. Hopefully next year will bring me the improvement that I need to come back to St Joseph’s again.
William Graff, San Francisco, CA
Hi, William! We’re sorry to hear your health is not 100%. We will keep you in our prayers and hope to see you at a future powwow.