A young raccoon frolics with a camper during a visit from Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation staff at the Make A Change Summer Youth Camp at Jones Academy.
Choctaw Nation, Jones Academy host 90 children at three day event
By ZACH MAXWELL
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
DURANT, Okla.– Ninety children attended the second year of Make A Change Summer Youth Camp held at Jones Academy hosted by the Choctaw Nation.
This represents an increase in participation over the inaugural 2013 event in which 80 children took part. The camp is a new take on the summer retreat concept focusing on culture, fitness, nutrition, and self-respect.
“We just wanted to give the kids a positive outlook on life, give them some confidence and social skills. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since working at the Choctaw Nation,” said Raina Sparks, coordinator of the youth camp. “A lot of these kids have never been away from home until they come here. We have different grants that help cover it.”
Unlike most other Choctaw Nation youth camps, Make A Change was open to all children between ages 8-12 living within tribal boundaries. Participation was made available on a first-come, first-serve basis advertised through the public schools.
World record holder and Native American inspirational speaker Brian Jackson addressed the group and helped the children set a record for paper football making.
“I want to teach you to hold onto something you love to do – and never let that go,” Jackson said to the children. “Impossible situations will come at you in all shapes and sizes. When we get a second chance handed to us, what we do with that second chance is completely up to us.”
Participants were treated to a variety of events and activities over the two-and-a-half day camp. Choctaw culture was on full display with Dr. Ian Thompson showing kids how to make flint arrowheads, as well as native beadwork.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation staff member Dalton Lyons brought live animals to teach the children about nature. Indoor and outdoor physical activities included tug-of-war, taekwondo, and a nighttime, one-mile glow-run.