Native American Academic Summer Program

Dear Friends,

NAAF’s Summer Adventure Program was a big hit this year, with more than 40 kids participating at the Al Jek and Sells Recreation centers. This year we partnered with the USDA and Arizona Department of Education to bring our kids delicious and nutritious meals every day, and we are proud to report that we are the recipients of the Summer Sunshine Award for the category of Reaching Rural, Tribal, and/or Underserved Communities, which recognizes sponsors who operate exemplary summer meal programs. What a great way to recognize all the hard work and dedication our staff and volunteers put into an outstanding summer program!

In a community where over 70% of the adult population lives with diabetes, it is so important to make health and nutrition part of the educational process. Through NAAF’s partnership with the USDA and AZDE, we were able to present healthy, balanced meals that provide the much needed fuel the kids need to have a happy and active lifestyle. The kids enjoyed the meals, and put their energy to good use, playing sports and swimming, and engaging in academic studies.

In addition to health and wellness, our Academic Summer Adventure Program seeks to keep kids engaged in academic lessons through the summer. We focus on teaching reading, writing, math, technology, science and other STEM activities, and health education. Also incorporated are the teaching and development of traditional Tohono O'odham art, handcrafts, language, gardening, and cultural history. The program also combines physical and psychological safety, supportive relationships, appropriate structure, athletics, opportunities to belong, positive social norms, support for efficacy and mattering, opportunities for skill building, and integration of family, school, and community efforts into the program. 

This year, the kids had a blast going on some very exciting field trips, too. From touring the local radio station, to visiting the Pima Air and Space museum and chatting with WWII veterans, to swimming the public pools at Ajo and Sells to beat the summer heat, the kids stayed active mentally and physically and had a good time doing it. It was a fantastic summer, with great new memories and important life lessons.

The Academic Summer Adventure Program does so much good for so many deserving kids, and you are a big part of making that possible. Thanks to your kind and generous donations, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of these incredible kids. On behalf of the entire NAAF staff and volunteers, and all of the kids and families involved in the Summer Adventure Program, thank you so much for your continuing support. We continue to see positive changes in a community that struggles with high dropout rates, diabetes, and substance abuse by keeping kids engaged in healthy and growth oriented activities, and we couldn’t do it without your help. Thank you!