Chikasha Apihchi Ikbi Program (Youth Leadership) members spent the past two months learning more about higher education and the dangers of drug and alcohol during the March and April sessions.
Touring the University of Oklahoma campus, a Sooner basketball game and a visit to the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, all in Norman, Okla., were highlights of the March session.
Twenty-seven CAIP Chickasaw students, including five new members attended.
The day focused on higher education. A tour of OU's campus kicked-off the activities.
The group's tour guides were seven Chickasaw college students, who are members of the OU Chickasaw Nation Learning Community (OUCNLC). They also explained the mission of the collegiate group to the high school students.
The mission of the Learning Community is to help students successfully transition from high school or community college to the OU and learn what it means to be Chickasaw.
The program also nurtures Chickasaw pride and culture and builds a core group of students who are willing to give back to their tribe.
Watching the OU men's basketball team take on Texas A&M and exploring the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History rounded out the day.
The April session focused on drug and alcohol awareness.
To illustrate the effects of drugs and alcohol, Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police officers Andy Hill and Clint Sutton provided an obstacle course. Students donned vision impairment goggles and attempted to navigate it.
Allen Ogles, a Customer Service trainer for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce also shared some facts about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
He related the group the problems associated with the drugs and alcohol and how either one can damage and mar dreams and goals for a lifetime.
"I enjoyed talking with the kids tremendously, they were awesome," said Ogles.
A new student Jayson Hogland, of Tuttle, joined the group.
"(The session) was very fun and I enjoyed having something to do on a Saturday. I liked that we would do something educational for a while then do something fun. I look forward to the next meeting."
The next CAIP meeting is May 8 in Ada. It will focus on media production.
Learning to Serve
Members of the Leadership group spend many hours working on service projects within their communities.
Last month members volunteered at the Youth Arts Month Celebration and the Children's Fair, both conducted in Ada.
The group plans to volunteer and participate in other tribal events this year.
