Culture Connections Camp
Connecting Native Youth Through Culture, Wellness, and Community
Culture Connections Camp brings Native youth together for a day centered on cultural connection, wellness, learning, and community. Through hands-on cultural activities, wellness experiences, sports, storytelling, and mentorship, the camp creates space for young people to explore their identity, build meaningful connections, and learn from community leaders and knowledge keepers.
Each Culture Connections Camp is shaped by the community where it takes place, creating opportunities for youth to experience culture, wellness, and connection in ways that are meaningful to them.
Culture Connections Camp 2026
Tulsa, Oklahoma | September 26, 2026
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Lindy Waters III Foundation hosted its third Culture Connections Camp in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bringing Native youth together for a day of cultural learning, wellness, mentorship, and connection.
Held in partnership with the Native American Bear Foundation and Tulsa Public Schools Indian Education, the camp provided youth with opportunities to explore Native culture, build relationships with peers and mentors, and connect with members of their community.
Throughout the day, participants took part in hands-on activities including stickball, basket weaving, film and storytelling, basketball, and one-on-one mentorship through the Foundation’s College Prep Program.
We are grateful to our partners, session leaders, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this day possible. Together, we created a space where Native youth could learn, connect, and celebrate culture and community.
Take a look at photos from the camp below.
Culture Connections Camp 2025
Oakland, California | June 7, 2025
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Lindy Waters III Foundation hosted its second Culture Connections Camp at Think College Now in Oakland, California, in partnership with the Intertribal Friendship House.
Designed for 6th–12th grade students, this free day camp offered youth a meaningful space to explore identity, build community, and engage in mindfulness, cultural learning, storytelling, and wellness activities.
The day brought together Native youth for opportunities to learn, reflect, connect, and celebrate culture in a welcoming community environment.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make this camp a meaningful and memorable experience for the youth who attended.
Take a look at photos from the camp below.
Culture Connections Camp 2024
In Fall 2024, the Lindy Waters III Foundation hosted its first Culture Connections Camp in Norman, Oklahoma, bringing Native youth together for a day dedicated to mindfulness, cultural learning, mental health awareness, and wellness.
Norman, Oklahoma | Fall 2024
The inaugural camp created opportunities for youth to participate in both cultural and wellness activities, including:
Stickball
Basket weaving
Yoga
Developing personalized mental health plans.
Each attendee received yoga mats, notebooks, shirts, and bucket hats, fostering a sense of community and support.
The event was made possible through the support of Rise Above and Norman Public Schools. Together, the organizations helped create a space where youth could connect with cultural traditions, explore wellness practices, and build meaningful relationships.
Take a look at photos from the camp below.
