Governor Bill AnoatubbySummer camps, academies offer challenge, fun, friends
Though it is only the first week of March, now is the time for parents and children to begin consideration of our Chickasaw Summer Camps and Academies.
Application deadlines are as early as April 4 for the popular Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy. Inside this issue of the Chickasaw Times you will find a listing of all our camps and academies along with deadlines, descriptions and contact information.
We began our summer camps and academies a number of years ago. Our thinking was to engage our young people during the summers and expose them to all sorts of subject matter.
The programs have been tremendously successful! When we started, we served principally young Chickasaws from within the Chickasaw Nation. Now, we regularly welcome summer participants from across the country. Our camps and academies are great ways to make connections with other Chickasaws. These are friendships that in many cases will last a lifetime!
Our Chickasaw students are immersed in many areas designed to educate, challenge and possibly create a career interest.
For example, the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy offers students courses in dance, creative writing, video production, vocal music, drama and more. Students dedicate two weeks to learning about these disciplines and really “diving in” to energize their creative natures.
Environmental Camp focuses on the world around us, and the many important conservation aspects of which students may not be aware. Environmental Camp students also visit the National Weather Center in Norman and the Oklahoma Science Museum. This day camp is great for all students.
Our Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy is very popular with students interested in aviation, aircraft, space exploration, science and mathematics. Students fly actual flight simulators and participate in an airplane flight.
For those math and science students who desire a terrifically exciting challenge, NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., fills the bill. Students are engaged in challenging engineering seminars, and learn about the intricacies of space travel and astronaut training.
Our summer athletic camps are favorites of many of our student athletes. The tribe offers Golf Camp, the Native American Junior Open (golf), Tennis Clinic, FCA XTreme Camp, Marksmanship Camp, Champions Football Clinic and Champions Cheerleading Clinic. Regardless of your favorite sport, you are likely to find the athletic camp that is just right for you!
Our roster of camps and academies has grown through the years. We have listened to our parents and students regarding the summer activities they desire. We now have a reasonably comprehensive lineup, and participation is growing.
This summer, take advantage of one or more of your Chickasaw Nation camps or academies. You’ll be glad you did!
