Learn. Lead. Succeed. Campthunderbirdsd.org

AS TOLD BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS… “There’s not much for them to do, especially in the summer. The dangers, of course, are alcohol, drugs and violence. Sometimes some of the kids don’t get enough food and especially nutritious foods. Some of the kids are badly neglected at home with parents going to gamble or drink. There are so few opportunities here that can give our kids hope from a young age.” “[It is difficult] getting them to want to apply themselves (especially the teenagers).” “[The kids face] gang activity, Tobacco use & organized fighting.” “Economics [is a challenge the kids face]”

WHAT IS CAMP THUNDERBIRD SOUTH DAKOTA? In 2008 Camp Thunderbird South Dakota was founded by a few caring teachers at He Dog School. Their intention was not to solve all of the problems, but to offer a tool to address them. With support from He Dog School and the Boys and Girls Club of Rosebud, the camp was able to hold summer camp on the reservation and become a source of learning, leadership, and success for kids. Mission: “Camp Thunderbird aims to empower the Native American youth of South Dakota through outdoor and extracurricular educational experiences that emphasize leadership, teamwork, and goal-setting skills and provide a nurturing space for campers to gain self-confidence, make new friends, and explore the natural world.”

WHO OPERATES CAMP THUNDERBIRD SOUTH DAKOTA? Camp Thunderbird SD is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors. An Associate Board works along side the Board of Directors, focusing on fundraising as well as other areas of need. Other important pieces of the equation are dedicated community members, the Boys and Girls Club of Rosebud, Teach for America South Dakota, and other generous donors. Camp Thunderbird South Dakota Board of Directors Camp Director and Co-Director Community VolunteersCamp Counselors Camp Junior Counselors Summer Campers Business Partners Associate Board

WHAT DOES CAMP THUNDERBIRD SD DO WITH THE KIDS? Since 2008 Camp Thunderbird SD has run three week-long summer camps for elementary-aged kids from the Rosebud Reservation, specifically the He Dog, Todd County, and Parmelee schools. Each camp session offered 3 days of Day Camp at He Dog School and a 3 day Trip Camp which included trips to Custer State Park, School of Mines, and more sites in the Black Hills. Camp Thunderbird SD intentionally plans and facilitates short-term activities that will allow the kids to be exposed to experiences that might change their lives in the long-term.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE Challenge Yourself Campers learn to make goals for their lives. Campers try new activities like rock climbing and camping. Work Together Campers take part in many group building/large group games. Campers accomplish many tasks (recreational and service- oriented) with their peers. Help Others Campers participate in a community service project. Campers learn to listen and respond to others. Keep Learning Campers are encouraged to extend their education by visiting the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD. Campers are exposed to new career options.

Volunteer Associate Board Raise $500/year. Tell others about Camp. Offer Ideas. Time and/or Talents to Summer Program. Work One week summer camp commitment in August. Mentor and lead students from the Rosebud Reservation. Stipend provided. Donate Monetarily Specific purpose (camper meals, transportation, etc.) General fund. By purchasing art prints from our Art Shop at campthunderbirdsd.org/artshop.html. Talk Tell others about Camp Thunderbird South Dakota and its mission. Help others to know about the important work that Camp Thunderbird South Dakota for the kids of reservation. How can I help?

FUTURE PLANS CTSD plans to stabilize and grow the Summer Camp program. We plan on doing this by growing in number of campers and camp sessions, as is feasible. Raising funds to hire a part-time Camp Director. CTSD hopes to move into offering other community- minded programs, in addition to summer camp. One of those programs is a college scholarship overseen by CTSD. Other programs might include youth leadership trainings, community outreach programs, and additional scholarship opportunities.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on Camp Thunderbird South Dakota visit our website at contact us via at or write us Camp Thunderbird South Dakota c/o Hannah Kinmonth-Schultz th Avenue Unit 104 Seattle, WA The Camp Thunderbird South Dakota Board of Directors thanks you for your support.