Serving the children of the Navajo Nation, Leah Strelsin, Claire Opel, and the staff of Thoreau, New Mexico’s “Summer Youth Corporation” organize and implement programs that explore and develop areas of interest and activities for children. The premise of the camp is that “all children have the brilliance and potential to be leaders” and their goal is that these campers leave every day feeling happy and accomplished as they learn essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Through activities in sports, art, music, culture and interactions with nature, kids develop a sense that there are many ways to be successful and grow their self-esteem.

Thoreau, New Mexico is in a rural area 30 miles from the nearest grocery store yet in a magnificent part of our country. The majestic Red Mesas stand over the community, and horses roam freely across the land. The camp serves the Navajo Nation area’s children where poverty is widespread. The “Summer Youth Corporation” sees education as a great equalizer, but with local schools underfunded many of the programs focusing on culture, sports, art and music have been dropped. Students are hungry for creative activities, and this summer program gives them the opportunity to learn and develop those skills.

The “Summer Youth Corporation” is founded on the principle that there are infinite ways to learn and infinite subjects to explore. The children are taught about their Dine language and arts, and their distinctive Navajo culture. They are encouraged to embrace this unique culture and pass it on to the next generation.

www.summeryouthcorporation.org