Native American Academic Summer Program

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.