The Ihanktonwan Learning Camp will be returning to our community soon, on June 17th, earlier than it has in the past. A group of volunteers have come to us from Maryland since 2010 to offer fun and educational activities for children for a week. The camp is offered with the help and support of historic Cedar and Greenwood Presbyterian churches. Robin Bissell, who has led the camp since its beginning says “Special thanks go to Pete Kazena, Mary Antelope, Geraldine Provost, Reverend Jerry Zephier and many others. We are also holding special places of gratitude in our hearts for those who have helped us so much in the past. These include Natalie Medicine Bear, Karen White Horse and Robert Cournoyer.”

The camp leaders this year are Reverend Alison Peters from Cumberland, Maryland and Claudia Scarborough from Baltimore. Claudia has run a learning camp in Porcupine SD in the past few years. Alison, who is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Cumberland MD, says “We would like to welcome kids who are just finishing K through 5th grade. We are happy that we have enough volunteers this year to be able to again offer the learning camp in Marty, and in Lake Andes for the first time!”

The dates of the learning camp are Monday through Thursday, June 17 to 20, 2024. Activities will be offered from 9:30 to 2:00 each day. Breakfast will be available from 9:00-9:30 and Lunch from 11:30-12:30. There will be games and prizes and books to take home. The Learning Camp is completely FREE!!

Robin says “in 2022 we were honored to have special teaching from Ihanktonwan community members. We are again inviting community participation during the week. One of our themes will be celebrating community leaders.”

The two locations for the 2024 Ihanktonwan Learning Camp are Marty Community Center, Geraldine Provost, Director, and at Lake Andes Law Enforcement Building - Gym. Children are welcome through the week.

If you are coming to Marty, Pre-register with Robin Bissell if you can. 240-444-4219 rbissell444@ gmail.com. For Lake Andes, Pre-register with Alison Peters if you can. 814-715-1681 revalisonpeters@gmail.com. You will be asked to provide your child’s Name, Age, Last Grade completed. Name, address, and telephone (work and cell or home) of a responsible parent or guardian. It will be helpful to also know if other family members will be attending the camp, and if alternate caregivers