SlideShow

Approximately 170
students from ages 9-18 attended the camp which is intended to
provide cultural and academic experiences for Cherokee children in an
environment that fosters community and embraces Cherokee attributes. PHOTO BY
JAMI CUSTER


By JAMI CUSTER
Reporter

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Camp Cherokee was held July 18-23 at Sequoyah Schools, combining the Cherokee Nation’s Arts Institute and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM Camp. 

The camp’s mission was to provide cultural and academic experiences for Cherokee children in an environment that fosters community and embraces Cherokee attributes. 

In 2009, the camp was held at the Salvation Army Camp Heart O’ the Hills in Welling, but this year the camp was held at Sequoyah Schools. 

CN Director of Fine Arts Bill Andoe said the venue change was a cost-conscious decision and having the camp at Sequoyah allowed instructors and students to have more opportunities to conduct experiments and take field trips. 

Approximately 170 students from ages 9-18 attended the camp.

Cherokee Phoenix staff members volunteered to teach the photography class this year, as it did in 2009. Executive Editor Bryan Pollard said he was glad to volunteer his staff to teach the photography class. 

“The Cherokee Phoenix is proud to partner with Camp Cherokee to teach photography to our Cherokee youth. As a multimedia news organization we value the fun and artistry of photography, but more importantly we want to teach our kids multimedia skills that can be the foundation for careers in the media and digital arts,” Pollard said.

jami-custer@cherokee.org • (918) 453-5560