The Chickasaw Nation is gearing up for an exciting summer of camps, clinics and academies. The divisions of youth and family, culture, education, health and others focus on providing educational activities for youth to explore new opportunities.
Many camps and academies have application deadlines approaching soon.
Planned Chickasaw Nation summer 2010 youth camps and clinics and deadlines include:
Environmental Camp
Ada, Okla.
May 25-28
Application deadline May 14
Be enlightened about the world during Environmental Camp, hosted by the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing and Tribal Development.
Students, ages eight to 12, get a behind-the-scenes look at many facilities that go unseen by the typical citizen, and learn on-going conservation methods.
Kid Play / Parent Caddy Golf Tournament
Lakeview Golf Course, Ardmore, Okla.
May 22
Registration on site begins at 12:30 p.m.
$15 green fee required
A junior tournament open to Chickasaw students ages eight to 18, this event helps golfers learn the game as they spend the day on the golf course with a family member, who serves as their caddie. Caddies must be 16 or older. Prizes will be awarded by age category: 10 and under, 11-14, and 15 and over.
Native American Junior Open
Lakeview Golf Course, Ardmore, Oklahoma
June 1
Registration on site begins at 1:30 p.m.
$20 registration fee required
This qualifying tournament, open to Native American youth ages eight to 18, allows youth to experience a tournament atmosphere without the pressures of a tournament. It also is a qualifying tournament for Chickasaw youth ages 12-18 for Team Chickasaw. Team Chickasaw will participate in various tournaments throughout the year. The $20 registration fee covers the cost of green fees, lunch and range balls. Pre-registration is not available.
Camp Survivor
Camp Classen, near Davis, Okla.
June 1-4
Application deadline April 19
Open to youth ages nine to 13, Camp Survivor is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise in a fun and positive camp atmosphere. Campers can expect to experience a variety of activities such as swimming, horseback riding, climbing wall, canoeing, fishing, hiking and stickball. There will be tribal councils, team building activities and competitions. For more information, contact Alan Elliott at 580-310-9661, ext. 83261.
Johnson Space School NASA's Space School
Houston, Texas
June 7-11
Application deadline April 15
This school designed to take students ages 15-18 through a challenging week-long exploration of their own engineering talents. Fields of study include engineering, space technology and aerospace science. It is conducted at NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Golf Camp
WinStar Golf Course, Thackerville, Okla.
Application deadline May 10
Beginner and Intermediate Camp- June 7-8
Advanced June 9-10
A beginners and intermediate camp and advanced camp is conducted at WinStar Golf Course in Thackerville, Okla. Along with an introduction to the game, participants will receive the tools needed to build a solid foundation for the game of golf and lessons in honor, integrity and sportsmanship. The camp targets 150 Native American youth ages eight to 18 and it is an overnight camp.
Space Camp-Alabama
Huntsville, Ala.
June 14-18
Application Deadline April 15
This challenging week-long school is conducted at Huntsville, Ala., and designed for students ages 12-14 to discover their engineering talent. Participants get hands-on training, as well as learn about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face. Fields of study include engineering, space technology and aerospace science.
Entrepreneurship Academy
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
June 14-18
Application deadline May 8
For Chickasaw students ages 15-19 who have an interest in business; the academy is a partnership between Southeastern Oklahoma State University's John Massey School of Business and the Chickasaw Nation. It is conducted on the SOSU campus. Upon completion of the academy, students graduate with a completed business plan and the tools and knowledge to write future business plans.
Tennis Clinic
Ada Tennis Center, Ada, Okla.
Session I – June 14-17, 8 a.m. to noon, ages 8-11
Sessions II – June 21-24, 8 a.m. to noon, ages 12-18
Application deadline May 10
Two clinics are offered, a beginner, and an intermediate. The goal of these clinics is to provide Chickasaw youth the opportunity to learn the sport of tennis, which can be played for a lifetime.
Both sessions are open to Chickasaw
youth ages eight to 18 and are conducted at the Ada Tennis Center in Ada, Okla. Campers may only apply for one session.
Chokka-chaffa' Chikashshanompoli Albinachi (Family Speaking Chickasaw Camp)
Chickasaw Language Immersion Family Camp
Tatanka Ranch,
Stroud, Okla.
June 20-22
Application deadline May 28
This overnight camp is designed to promote the use of the Chickasaw language within Chickasaw families. Camp activities include kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and other activities with primary instruction being through Chickasaw language. Camp participation is limited to ten families on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or an application, contact Rachel Wedlow, Language Outreach Coordinator, at 580-272-5540.
Chickasaw Nation Space and Aviation Camp (CNASA)
Ada, Okla.
June 28-July2
Application deadline April 15
CNASA is a learning program designed to encourage Chickasaw students interested in aviation, space, science or math to pursue careers and opportunities in their fields. Students spend the week flying in simulators, learning through hands-on demonstrations, and have a chance to fly in a real plane CNASA is day camp is open to fifth through 12th grade students.
Archery Clinics
July 6 - Ages 8-9
July 7- Ages 10-11
Application deadline May 15
These clinics teach the fundamentals of archery, including proper aiming and shooting techniques, and safety tips. Two, one day clinics are open to Chickasaw youth ages eight to 11. For more information, contact Chenae Lippard at 580-421-7711 or email chenae.lippard@chickasaw.net.
Champions Football Camp
Ada High Football Complex, Ada, Okla.
July 8-10, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Application deadline May 10
Led by veteran coach Ken Heupel, this day-clinic teaches the fundamentals of football, teamwork and leadership. Open to male students ages eight to 18, this clinic features former University of Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel and other special guests. Highlights of the clinic include offensive and defensive drills, flag football, and a competition where each student may select one guest to join them in the game.
Champions Cheerleading Clinic
Ada High Football Complex, Ada, Okla.
July 9-10, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Application deadline May 10
At this clinic, a team of Day of Champions cheerleading coaches will instruct female students on motion, jumps, spirit, rhythm, health and fitness. The experience will include mentoring in the areas of character, responsibility, goal setting, dedication, hard work and integrity. Cheerleaders ages eight to 14, will be able to enhance their abilities and learn basic cheerleading fundamental geared to their skill level.
Chikasha Sayah (I Am Chickasaw)
Camp Goddard, near Davis, Okla.
July 11-14
Application deadline May 10
Chickasaw heritage and culture lessons are top priorities at this camp, which is open to Chickasaw students ages 10 to 12. Students also learn about their responsibility in caring for the environment. Swimming, boating and volleyball are also planned for this overnight camp.
Youth Basketball Clinics
July 15-17
Family Life Center Gym Ada, Okla.
Ardmore Middle School Gym, Ardmore, Okla.
Application deadline May 10
The Basketball Clinics are open to Chickasaw girls and boys ages eight to 14. Students have the opportunity to learn basketball techniques from current and former high school and university players and coaches. Students may only attend one clinic.
Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy (CSAA)
July 19-30
East Central University, Ada, Okla.
Applications deadline April 5
CSAA is a two-week academy that provides youth opportunities to gain experience in visual and vocal arts. Students ages eight to 19 are eligible to audition for the academy. Auditions for the sixth annual academy are:
Saturday, April 17
University of Central Oklahoma, School of Music
100 N. University Drive, Edmond, Okla.
Or Saturday, May 1
East Central University, Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center
1100 E. 14th St., Ada, Okla.
Students ages 13 – 19 must schedule an audition time in order to be eligible for acceptance into CSAA. All students ages 8 - 19 are invited to audition, but students ages 13 – 19 are required to audition.
Applications can be found on the www.chickasaw.net website.
For more information, contact Laura Stewart at 580-332-1092 or email laura.stewart@chickasaw.net.
Tanumpo Hosa Apisa (Marksmanship Camp)
Three separate one-day clinics
Ada,
July 21-23
Application deadline May 10
This day clinic teaches the fundamentals of archery and gun safety and marksmanship techniques. Students use Olympic-style air guns and compound bows to learn Olympic-style target shooting from certified instructors. The camp is open to Chickasaw youth ages 12 to 18.
Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Youth Academy
July 26- 29
Lighthorse Police Headquarters, Ada, Okla.
Application deadline June 28
Open to Native American youth ages 13 to 17, the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Youth Academy provides an excellent opportunity for Native American youth to explore a career in law enforcement. Students will hear from law enforcement personnel and will also learn life skills such as CPR, communication, safety and crime prevention.
Forty Native American youth will be selected. Chickasaw youth will be given first priority for the camp. Return applications to the Lighthorse Police Headquarters, 1130 West Main, Ada, OK, 74820. For more information, contact the Lighthorse Police Department at (580) 436-1166.
Yakni Moma Alphisa
Justice for a Nation Court Camp
Aug. 2-3
Ada Community Center
Application deadline June 11
A two-day clinic that educates students, ages 10-18, about the operations of the tribe's court system, this camp emphasizes leadership and personal growth. Students will also tour the Chickasaw museum and Capital building in Tishomingo to learn the history of the Chickasaw legal system. A mock trial is scheduled for the second day.
For more information, contact Connie Tillery at 580-235-0281 or email Connie.Tillery@chickasaw.net.
Himitta Alhiha Hoochokoshkomo
"The Youth Are Playing" Language Sports Camp
August 5 - grades 1-6
Community Center, Tishomingo, OK
August 6 - grades 1-6
Old Gym – Carter Seminary, Ardmore, OK
August 7 - grades 1-6
Comanche / Duncan area, Location To Be Determined
Application deadline July 23
Himitta Alhiha Hoochokoshkomo is designed to promote the use of the Chickasaw language in an interactive, athletic environment. Camp participation is limited to 30 campers per day and participants must have transportation to and from camp. For an application and more information, contact Rachel Wedlow, Language Outreach Coordinator, at 580-272-5540.
All applicants must include a copy of the camper's Chickasaw citizenship card. Submitting the application does not guarantee selection to the camp.
For more information or obtain an application, contact the department of youth services at 580-310-6620. Return application to Youth Services, 231 Seabrook Road, Ada, OK 74820; phone (580) 310-6620; fax (580) 310-6626.
