LAKOTA
Youth Development
Youth Rise Through Wolakota
~ Since 1992 ~
Our grassroots Native non-profit has served the people of the tribal nations in South Dakota.
Our Camps
Nacan Iyecel Opi'iciyapi
In a safe non-judgmental, nurturing environment, activities include instruction and awareness activities in Lakota spirituality, prayer and home dwelling construction, traditional gathering and food preparation, and traditional Lakota ceremonies, arts, dance, song, language integration, games, storytelling and sports.
Emphasis is placed on healthy traditional foods and active outdoor exercise through modern sports as well as traditional games.
Wolakota, the Lakota way of life.
Capacity for each camp will be determined by the updated CDC guidelines. If we have already filled our capacity, youth can be added to wait list.
All youth 16 years and older must provide proof of full vaccination.
2021 Camp Schedule
May 14 - 16, 2021 Chaperone training
June 7- 10, 2021 Spring Harvest Camp
June 21 - 24, 2021 Isnati (Coming of Age Ceremony)
July 12 - 15, 2021 Leadership Camp
July 19 - 22, 2021 History Camp with Joseph Marshall III
July 26 - 29,2021 Bow & Arrow Camp
Aug. 9 - 12, 2021 Summer Harvest Camp
Horse Camp- TBA
Aug. 16 - 19, 2021 Theater Camp with Cornerstone Theater Company
Sept. 10 - 12, 2021 Hunt Safe Certification Camp
Oct. 8 - 10, 2021 Hunt Weekend
Leadership Camp
Activities focus on the 4 core principles of traditional Lakota Leadership and equine life skills certification.
Isnati Awica Lowanpi
"First Moon" Ceremonial Camp for Girls
This coming of age ceremony is conducted by the mother, grandmothers, and elderly grandmothers of the community. The girls are taught the roles and responsibilities of a Lakota woman and how they are to take on those roles and carry these teaching throughout their life.
Summer Harvest
Camp
Youth harvest edible and medicinal plants and learn how to prepare them. They also learn healthy eating through a decolonized diet.
Hunter Safety and Certification
Youth receive state required "Hunt Safe" certification training, traditional Lakota hunting, processing and storage. This camp is a prerequisite for fall hunt camp
