Native American Academic Summer Program

Although summer is still several months away, the themes that guide NAAF’s Academic Summer Program continued to shape student learning throughout the year. Much of the fall was spent strengthening the cultural and language foundations that students build during the summer months. In October, students returned to weekly I:mig sessions where they practiced conversational O’odham, revisited traditional songs, and engaged in storytelling activities that helped maintain the confidence gained during summer immersion. These lessons remained a joyful part of the week and ensured that language learning stayed active long after camp ended.

Traditional games, a hallmark of the summer program, also continued to grow this quarter. In November, girls deepened their instruction in Toka, learning not only how to play but how to care for their sticks and understand the cultural responsibilities tied to the sport. Boys were introduced to Wuicuda, and staff began coordinating with a craftsman who can demonstrate traditional ball making. This preparation is an important step toward expanding traditional sports offerings in the 2026 summer camps and ensuring that students experience these games in their full cultural context.

December brought opportunities to connect cultural learning with community events. Winter break programming included arts and crafts days, games and strategy activities, and a basketball clinic at Al Jek Recreation Center, giving students a chance to participate in the same style of handson, multiage activities that define the summer program. Students also participated in Toka and Songiwuld at the Gu Vo field, giving them additional time to practice traditional games in a supportive environment. These gatherings helped maintain the sense of community and cultural pride that summer programming fosters each year.

Behind the scenes, staff spent the fall reviewing curriculum, strengthening partnerships, and identifying new cultural and language components for the upcoming 2026 camps. Planning efforts focused on expanding handson cultural activities, increasing language immersion opportunities, and ensuring that traditional games remain a central part of the summer experience. This preparation reflects NAAF’s commitment to offering a summer program that supports identity, wellness, and cultural continuity for O’odham youth. Summer can’t get here fast enough!

Well, summer sure came and went in a flash, and with it, another unforgettable season of camp here in the GuVo District. We’re excited to share a little slice of what unfolded during this year’s O’odham Camp, held July 7–11, and the Ce:ce:m A’al Summer Immersion for our littlest ones, which ran from June 16 to July 17. Both camps were full of laughter, learning, and a whole lot of heart.

One of the biggest highlights this year was welcoming Gertie Lopez and the T.O. Boyz to camp. If you’ve never heard live Waila music, it’s something special. Gertie, known as the Queen of Waila, brought her accordion and her energy, and the whole camp lit up. Kids danced, laughed, and learned about the history behind the music. For many, it was their first time experiencing Waila in person, and it left a lasting impression.

Throughout the week, campers rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on with traditional activities. They made cemaït (our beloved flatbread), shaped clay into dolls and vessels, and harvested saguaro fruit to make SITOL syrup. Archery and traditional games like Toka kept everyone moving, and we even took a field trip to the AK-Chin Circle Entertainment Center for a little fun off-site.

This year’s STEM projects were a big leap forward. Campers built hydraulic lifts using water, crafted solar system models, made rock candy to explore chemistry, and—perhaps most impressively—assembled working radios. Tuning into KOHN 91.9, the voice of the Tohono O’odham Nation, was a proud moment for everyone. These projects sparked real curiosity and gave campers a chance to see how science and culture can go hand in hand.

And for the first time ever, we packed up and headed out for an overnight camping trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. It’s a sacred place, rich with history and ecological beauty. Campers hiked, learned about native plants, and slept under the stars. Quitobaquito Springs, nestled within the monument, has sustained travelers for thousands of years and remains a spiritual landmark for our people. Being there wasn’t just a field trip—it was a homecoming.

We’re grateful beyond words, and we’re already dreaming about next summer. If this year was any indication, it’ll be here before we know it—and we’ll be ready.