The Learning Camp is coming soon! The dates are Monday July 11 through Friday July 15. Several volunteers from Maryland are returning. Many Yankton Sioux and other children have attended the Learning Camp before. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided. Breakfast is served 8:30 to 9:30. The classes begin at 9:30 and dismissal is at 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday and 1 PM Friday. There will be a later dismissal time and special activities involving horses for those who have completed 6th through 10th grade. The horse activities will be led by Hehaka and Perry Little. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:30 AM, Allen Hare will lead all of the grades in drumming, dancing and singing. JoMarie Garcia will teach the children about making good decisions. Reverend Jerry Zephier will work with all ages about spirituality. Robin Bissell, the camp leader since its beginning in 2010, says “We are excited to have these very generous community leaders come to join us and are looking forward to learning ourselves.” Volunteers from Maryland will teach lessons in math, reading, art and music and lots of fun and games. The Learning Camp is free and open to the public.

During the week, on Tuesday July 12 from 5:00 to 7:00, there will be a Community Picnic in front of the Girls Dorm in Marty. Food and games will be provided. All are welcome and it is free.

The camp is held in partnership with Cedar Church and the Greenwood Church. Dr Bissell says “We would not be able to continue doing this without the abiding support of these two historic Presbyterian churches. We want to especially thank Pete and Kathy Kazena, Geraldine Provost, Ida Brown, Jerry and Eunice Zephier, Lavena Cook, Mary Antelope, Natalie Medicine Bear, Robert Flying Hawk and Mike Horned Eagle. We are very grateful to community leaders John Beheler, Allen Hare, Perry Little, JoMarie Garcia, Heather Rouse, Jodi Zephier and Jason Cooke. Other longterm friends who were our angels on earth, Karen White Horse, Janet Hendershot, Edith Foolbull and Pat Brock will be greatly missed this year. We hope to honor their memory by returning this year”

Advance registration for the Learning Camp is appreciated. You can text or call Robin Bissell at 240-444-4219 or email her at rbissell444@gmail.com. Children must be age 4 or older by 9/1/22. Please send child’s name, age, last grade completed and name, address, and telephone (work and cell or home) of responsible parent or guardian.

If you don’t live in Marty, please try to arrange a carpool from your area. Let us know if you need to be connected to others to arrange transportation.