The highly anticipated return of Rising Eagle Day Camp felt like a trip back in time to 2019 when things seemed so much simpler — like a breath of fresh air, as they say.
The first two weeks of camp served 372 children, ages six to 14 from the Crow Creek Reservation. The second two weeks of camp served 358 children from the Lower Brule Reservation. Calculate those together, and the total attendance this year was 730 children. If we do more math, that includes over 3,100 miles traveled and over 2,100 meals and snacks provided to reservation children in four weeks.
What did children do while they were here? A lot of cool stuff!
Each day began with the Lakota Flag Song and other traditional Native American songs performed. Each child then rotated through classes where they had Lakota language lessons, made arts and crafts, listened to traditional stories and discussed their meanings.
“I taught Lakota culture at summer camp. I loved watching the children from Ft. Thompson and Lower Brule embrace their culture and language,” said Nancy, a camp teacher. “Teaching at summer camp is my favorite thing to do. The little ones especially liked singing around the drum. It makes my heart full when I see them in the community and they tell their parents, ‘That’s my Lakota teacher!’”
Of course, there was ample time for movement outside of the classroom activities. All students had plenty of time to swim in the Rec Center pool, play sports in the gym, learn new group games outdoors or play on our beloved playground.
“Swimming is the best part of camp. I wanted to swim all day!” said Jordana, a child attending camp.
“I love the playground here,” said Travis. “There are a lots of friends my age here, and I like when we get to play games, like basketball.”
All in all, it was a wonderful welcome back of Rising Eagle Day Camp. Being blessed to host a camp completely free-of-charge to children is very gratifying and humbling. Everyone is thankful!
“The kids were outstanding and had a great time, staff were engaged and great relationships were made,” said Mark, camp director. “We appreciate all of the support we receive for summer camp and can’t wait for next year!”
Read more about Rising Eagle Day Camp and St. Joseph’s list of other outreach programs at www.stjo.org.
Glad to see that the children are learning their own language. I think it is important that they have this. Pool looks great. Kids look like they are having a lot of fun. I have a couple of large TV sets that I will be getting rid of. There is nothing wrong with them. I am getting rid of them because I bought a couple of smart TV sets that I have set up on YouTube. If you are interested, just pay for the shipping and you can have them. One is about 54” long and the other about 48” long. Just thought I would check with you before I give them away.
Thank you for the kind comment and offer of the TVs. We will pass this along to our Donation Processing department. Our needs fluctuate, but they will be able to determine if we could use this gift at this time. We appreciate your offer and generosity!
Your summer looked great, thank you for sharing it with us. Ours was not much fun. My wonderful wife and I have had several health problems. We seem to be improving some! We like to share some of our luck with things like yours school. We will try to send you a llittle more when we can.
Erika and I send small donations to all the places that seem worthy.
Love to you and your school and the kids
Watching all the kids and teachers having so much fun filled my ❤️ with love. You are giving the kids so much to remember and the love they so much need and want in there young life’s. It’s amazing. Congratulations. Boyce
FANTASTIC VIDEO! I LITERALLY HAD TEARS AFTER I WATCHED THE ENTIRE THING! YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF ALL THAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED! NOW, WHAT WILL YOU DO TO EXCEL NEXT SUMMER?
Sandy McCarraher
It looks like it was a Great camp and the children had a good time.
I would like to suggest,if you are not doing it now, that you also say the Pledge of allegiance to the United States of America starting each day along with the Lakota Flag Song.
Thank you ever so much. It was good to see all the little kids enjoying themselves. They are truly blessed to have St. Joseph’s to recuse their lives!
Hi! My husband and I thoroughly and thoroughly enjoyed watching the video and reading the article of Indian camp.
We are so happy to contribute to our children as on my side of the a family I do have Indian blood in me.
Another reason we contribute is in regard to our patron Saint KATERI
Fantastic to hear that the Lakota children are discovering their wondrous ancient history, culture and language. So many institutions in the past tried to negate those most important aspects of their lives. Some of us now see that their heritage was eons ahead of what exists in America today. So proud that I can at least contribute some help towards that great cause. Peace and Love to all the Lakota children and dedicated staff members.
So glad to see the children not only having a wonderful time but also learning.
They are so Blessed to have the school and everyone who works so hard to give them a better life
Thank you for all you do for them. Prayers for the coming school year. Many thanks and Blessings to all.
If I can ever afford it, I would love to visit the children.