Seasonal, Ceremonial, and Custom Camps
This page consists of The Elder's Camp, The Young Women's Camp, and The Young Men's Camp.
These camps are held at different times of the year. Keeping the men and women separated creates a space for healing, building identity, learning and practicing traditional knowledge and lifeways.
The Elder's Camp
This camp was created to make space for our elders. They will be able to relax, meditate, and share stories. To reciprocate back to our respected elders, we hope this finds them healing and a strengthened connection to community and intergenerational communication when passing oral stories, history, and experiences to heal our communities.
The Young Women's Camp
A four day cultural camp centered on building up a foundational milestone in the lives of young Lakota women- the transition from girl to young woman.
This is done through demonstration (making foods or ceremony materials) or older mentors at camp (guidance on protocols and roles that have been part of our culture).
At the end of the four day camp, the young women will go through their Isnati Awicalowanpi (womanhood ceremony) where they will be dressed traditionally, use the foods they have made, and relfect on their time learning the importance they have in our Lakota culture and life.
The Young Men's Camp
A four day camp that is centered on building up a foundational milestone in the lives of young Lakota men- the transition from boy to young man.
Supporting koskalaka, "young men", in developing hunting skills, outdoor awareness, cultural understanding, and confidence in their identity. Youth will be guided through hands on experiences that emphasize the seven laws/virtues, respect for wildlife, traditional ways of learning, and Lakota lifeways.
Some activities including receiving a Lakota name (if they don't have one already), learn Lakota star knowledge, tipi set up, and going to inipi or sweat.
