The sun is shining, local Tribal ceremonies are in full swing, and it is time for another sunny traditional event. The 2025 UIHS summer camp, May-Gay-Tolh-Kwe– which means “the healing place” in the Yurok language– will be held at Sue-Meg State Park, just north of Trinidad from July 8-11. This year’s camp is for UIHS-eligible youth between the ages of 9 and 11 and is an overnight camping experience that is rooted in the traditions of local Tribes. At the camp, youth participate in a full range of cultural and educational activities while enjoying time outdoors.
Different departments from UIHS, like the Community Food Garden, Diabetes, Health Promotion and Education (HPE), Community Health Care, Suicide Prevention, and Traditional Tobacco programs, provide educational presentations to help our youth gain knowledge and skills as they mature. Community speakers also share their cultural experience with the campers. Youth participate in a variety of activities, from Brush Dance protocol, necklace making, beading projects, traditional games, and other cultural activities. A favorite event is the outing to Big Lagoon, where everyone enjoys kayaking on the lagoon and riding in the traditional redwood canoes, if available.
We usually host 60-80 campers each summer, providing a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet other Native youth from throughout our service area. In addition to serving youth, we also hire nearly 30 workers to help run the camp, including camp co-coordinators, adult counselors, peer counselors, security, and of course the cooks who feed our hungry campers and staff. . Campers participate in activities that promote and encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and many enjoy the camp so much that they return year after year, with some even coming back later to work as camp staff.
The Tribal and Cultural Health Staff would like to thank the UIHS Board of Directors and all the staff who help make the summer camp such a successful and valuable experience for our youth.