With the summer behinds us, we have jumped straight into fall sessions here at the FireLodge Tribal Youth Program. These include the:
Get Native Program – The tribal youth learned the histories of some of our neighboring native nations including the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe and the Sac and Fox Nation. After the classes were finished there was a Native Quiz Bowl with the winners receiving a prize. The Get Native Program is held two times a week and also includes a portion on Native arts, which helps youth develop a sense of creativity and cultural awareness through art.
Get Smart Program – Our after school homework help is designed to help each of our tribal youth program participants academically. This program runs from 4:15-5:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. for those who need extra help.
Each tribal youth member and their parents filled out the forms called ‘My Success Plan’ that will be a guide to help each youth set academic goals and to succeed during the upcoming school year.
Our college preparation course also began again. This program will broaden the youths’ knowledge of college life and opportunities. This program will also teach them about the circumstances facing them as college students and how to apply for higher education institutions and scholarship opportunities.
As part of our focused events, we will hold our annual Suicide Prevention Fun Run on September 24. We expect around 275 participants who will receive an event t-shirt and a water bottle. Participants can do the 1.5-mile course or the 5k run. The 5k is for the most serious runners with medals given in different divisions. We will also release yellow balloons to commemorate those lost to suicide.
The tribal youth department hosted the JA for the Day program at middle schools in Shawnee and Tecumseh. This program fosters work readiness and financial literacy for students.
Get Fit Program – The youth were introduced to yoga and basic exercises in order to get fit, including jump rope challenges and Native American lacrosse and stickball competitions. Each of our participants who complete their assigned work and academic programs during the week were rewarded with visits to FireLake Bowling Center, FireLake Mini-Putt and trips to the local pool while temperatures are still hot.
If you have a tribal youth that would be interested in our FireLodge Tribal Youth or PLACE programs, please call 405-214-5110 or email dgreene@potawatomi.org.