July 29 – August 1, 2024 – Camp dates
July 27 – August 3, 2024 – Volunteer dates including travel
About the Camp
Pejuhutazizi Family Learning Camp (PFLC) was launched in 2013 to provide a chance for children from the Baltimore Presbytery and the Upper Sioux Community in Granite Falls, MN to get to know each other and keep their minds active during the summer months. We provide a variety of learning activities including STEM, Reading and Dakota Art & Culture.
Camp Format
The camp is 4 days long, from 10:00 AM until 2:30 PM, and is divided into three age groups – early elementary, upper elementary, and middle and high school. Family and community members are invited to Family Night for dinner and sharing of camp activities on Thursday.
Opportunities for Building Fellowship and Mutual Understanding
The Baltimore and Dakota Presbytery participants have many opportunities for fellowship during the week. The Baltimore and Upper Sioux campers find many times during the week to play sports and hang out together at the Upper Sioux Community Center. An intergenerational kickball game and pizza dinner was one of the highlights of the 2023 camp season. On Sunday we worship at the Pejuhutazizi Presbyterian Church, believed to be the longest continuously operated Presbyterian Church west of the Mississippi River. In the evenings Upper Sioux elders and other members of the community speak about their art, other cultural practices and history. Community members also drop by for dinner and to chat.
Volunteer Requirements
Pejuhutazizi Family Learning Camp offers a family experience where entire families are invited to participate as either campers or volunteers. We are seeking 15 volunteers and 4 to 6 campers for the PFLC camp. Volunteers will be comprised of a mixture of high school and college students, parents, and other adults of all ages. Camp staff must have finished 9th grade by the end of the school year. Some background with children is helpful as camp staff members need to be comfortable around children and interested in forming relationships with the campers and their families.
New Volunteer Interviews: April 6th 10:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:00 at Brown Memorial, Spears Room or via Zoom
Training
Mandatory staff training is provided so that all staff members will feel prepared for a successful learning camp week. The training will include mandatory child protection training, including background checks, mandatory cultural sensitivity training, staff building experiences, and information regarding the camp.
Mandatory Staff Training Dates:
- Saturday, June 30th 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Brown Memorial or via Zoom
- Saturday, July 14th – 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Brown Memorial or via Zoom
Accommodations
Volunteers stay at the Upper Sioux Community Center gymnasium or, if sleeping on cots is a hardship, at a local motel. In general family units and teens are expected to stay in the Community Center. All meals will be eaten together in the Community Center.
Opportunities for Learning, Travel, and Fun
Various field trip opportunities are available for volunteers, including visits to the Lower Sioux Interpretive Center and Pipestone National Monument and the Upper Sioux Wacipi on August 2, 2024.