ZUNI, NM (June 28, 2024) — In preparation for the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s Wellness Week in late June and its 16th annual Summer Camp in July, 18 young people have been going through extensive counselor training with the Zuni-led nonprofit organization. The training, which took place June 3-21, included a three-day retreat and a series of classroom-based educational activities.
The counselors, ages 16-24, include lead counselors Brooke Poleahla and Aaliyah Kaamasee. Poleahla will oversee all 6- to 9-year-old participants, while Kaamasee will oversee the 10- to 12-year-olds.
The 2024 ZYEP Counselor Retreat, held in partnership with Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, took place on June 15-17. Youth Development Coordinator Kiara “Kiki” Zunie, Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa and Food Sovereignty Specialist Zachary James chaperoned the trainees, with Youth Development Leader Norene Lonasee joining the group on Day 2 as cultural advisor.
On Day 1, the ZYEP group traveled to the Cottonwood Gulch Basecamp in Thoreau, New Mexico, on the edge of the Zuni Mountains. The program dates to 1926, with founder Hillis Howie’s first “prairie trek”; it purchased the basecamp property in 1935.
“That first day, CG staff member Naina Panthaki led our young people in a series of bonding activities, which continued around the campfire that evening,” Zunie said. “We talked about what they wanted to take away from the retreat experience, what they wanted to contribute to this year’s Summer Camp, and the ways they plan to support our next cohort of counselors for 2025.”
On Day 2, the group traveled to Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, sacred land for the Zuni people. Upon arrival, they set up camp and visited Pueblo Bonito, the park’s most investigated and celebrated cultural site.
Centuries ago, Pueblo Bonito was the center of the Chacoan world. Built by the ancestral Pueblo people in AD 850-1150, it incorporates excellent examples of Chacoan great house architecture, and visitors are welcome to walk through the pueblo’s original rooms.
“Norene led an open circle so we could discuss the significance of Chaco, as well as our intentions and mindset while at the site,” Zunie said. “Our counselors had a chance to explore, and Norene shared so much valuable information about the history of Zuni, the sun dagger, and the meanings behind stars. We also did some journaling, giving each young person a chance to reflect on their own sense of purpose.
On Day 3, the group traveled to El Morro National Monument, where they hiked the 2-mile Headland Trail. The trail climbs 224 feet to the top of El Morro bluff and the ruins of A’tsinna Pueblo, which incorporated 875 rooms and was home to approximately 1,500 people in AD 1275-1350.
“For the hike, we paired each counselor with their co-counselor,” Zunie said. “We asked them to reflect on areas where they feel they need support, and then to set intentions for how they will support one another.”
The month of June also included intensive in-house training at ZYEP. These classroom sessions included CPR/First Aid training with Zuni Fire and Emergency Medical Services, an overview of ZYEP policies and procedures, “Tyler Time” group management activities, a ZYEP Food Sovereignty food demonstration — the counselors made barbecue chickpea sliders — and more.
The training sessions also included opportunities for bonding and reflection through ice-breaking activities and journaling prompts. Eliana Lowsayatee, who first served as a Summer Camp counselor in 2022, said this year’s training has been her favorite so far.
“We did a lot of team-building, and we really got to know each other,” she said. “I liked how open everyone was. I feel really confident for this year’s camp.”
ZYEP’s annual Wellness Week came to a close on Thursday, June 27. During the four-day program, 170 Zuni children enjoyed eight “mini-camp” activities: hiking, biking, football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, art, and Shiwi Chefs, a cooking activity.
Summer Camp for 120 children will kick off on Monday, July 8 with the theme “Dream, Believe, Achieve.” During ZYEP’s longest-running, signature program, 120 children will enjoy nine activities: traditional art, contemporary art, nutrition, greenhouse, physical activity, life skills, Wilderness Explorers, traditional dance, and self-love.
Every Friday during camp is a “Fun Friday,” and each will feature a fun activity such as arts and crafts, a visit to local radio station KSHI, and field trips to El Morro National Monument and the Zuni Senior Center. On Friday, July 26, ZYEP will host a Summer Camp closing celebration so campers have the opportunity to showcase what they have learned for their families and community.
This year’s Wellness Week and Summer Camp are made possible with support by the Zuni Public School District, Zuni Education and Career Development Center, National Recreation Foundation, Outdoor Equity Fund, MeowWolf Foundation, 7th Generation Fund, Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance, Nike, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Department.
Individual donors also are essential to the success of ZYEP’s popular summer programs, according to Executive Director Tahlia Natachu.
“We wouldn’t be able to host such large-scale programs for hundreds of Zuni children if it weren’t for our many friends around the country,” she said. “We are so grateful for their support. Almost half of our counselor applicants are former campers, and some of our staff are, as well — myself included. We can attest to how important it is for our youth to have access to these experiences and so many positive role models and mentors.”
To make a contribution this year’s Summer Camp, visit zyep.org/donate.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
