ZUNI, NM (Mar. 28, 2024) — Thirty-three children ages 5-11 attended the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s 3rd annual Spring Break Camp in March. Each year, ZYEP partners with Tennessee-based St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School to offer this sister program to its popular 15-year-old Summer Camp.
“We are so grateful to teacher Rachel Malde, who coordinates the St. Andrews-Sewanee team and works closely with us on Spring Break Camp,” said Tara Wolfe, ZYEP’s program manager. “This wonderful opportunity for our kids wouldn’t be possible without her dedication and hard work.”
Held daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Mar. 11-15, the weeklong camp took place at Ho’n A:wan Park in the Pueblo of Zuni. Two SAS teachers and 15 of their high school students traveled to New Mexico to facilitate the eagerly anticipated program, which incorporated arts and crafts, science projects, sports, snacks, and a movie day.
Of the 33 children who attended Spring Break Camp this year, 11 were ages 5-6, 15 were ages 7-9, and seven were ages 9-11. According to Wolfe, the camp is a unique offering due to the ages of its youngest participants.
“I think this program is so special because we welcome these younger children,” she explained. “Understandably, families often are a little hesitant to allow their small children to attend camp for the first time, and the children might feel a little scared. It’s so cute to see the little ones start so timidly and then, by the end of the week, they are talking and doing cartwheels!”
One of those young campers was Madison, daughter of Leslie Gasper, a second-grade teacher at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School. Gasper said she and her husband felt a bit nervous about sending Madison to Spring Break Camp, a sentiment Madison shared.
“She tends to be more reserved and shy around groups of people she’s unfamiliar with,” Gasper said. “However, these fears were set aside as we were greeted with enthusiastic and caring individuals from ZYEP and SAS. They helped Madison feel right at home and included in her group.”
Gasper observed her daughter built friendships with the other kids in her age group. She developed more self-confidence and independence as well.
“Madison looked forward to attending Spring Break Camp every day to do activities, play games, and eat yummy snacks,” she said. “I hope this program is available next year, because she really enjoyed the experiences she had, and we know she is in a safe environment with people we can trust.”
There also are priceless opportunities for intergenerational bonding and cultural exchange. While participating in the program, kids connect with adult and teen role models and mentors. They also learn about SAS and life in Sewanee, which lies northwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau.
“While they are with us, the SAS teachers and students experience the beauty and strength of our Zuni culture, while our children are able to engage with people they might not meet otherwise,” Wolfe said. “They also are reminded of their own beauty and strength as they share their culture with these new friends.”
To learn more about SAS, visit www.sasweb.org.
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.
