FAMcamp Sessions
Full list:
6–8-Year-Old FAMcamps 
Inspired By Nature 
June 3–7 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Alicia Smith (Xicana) 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

Explore nature through art and science! Your camper will discover the living landscape of the Southern Plains through hands-on activities, guest scientists and environmental advocates. Campers will also create works of art celebrating the magic of our ecosystem. Alicia is an internationally recognized artist and is an art teacher at Dove Science Academy. This is her third year with FAMcamps.  

Indigenous STEAM! 
June 10–14 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Theresia Mosier (Cherokee Nation) 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

First Americans have always been architects, engineers and inventors! Your camper will flex their STEAM-thinking skills through hands-on activities and design challenges that incorporate visual arts. Theresa is returning for her second year with FAMcamps. She has over 40 years of experience as a public-school librarian.  

Stoodis Sports 
June 17–21 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Ashley Stick (Chickasaw Nation) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 10 

Your young athlete will learn to appreciate healthy eating and living, build their teamwork skills, make new friends and discover the world of Indigenous games and sports. Campers will play stickball and other games that emphasize cultural values and being active. Known for her big smile, Ashley is a renowned stickball player and culture bearer. This is her second year leading FAMcamps. 

Garden Adventures  
June 24–28 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor: Native Farming Solutions 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

Can you dig it?! Learn about Indigenous plant science, healthy living and garden care in this fun-filled camp with our friends at Native Farming Solutions. Campers will leave this camp with a new appreciation for the natural world around them. This camp is led by Native Farming Solutions, an organization led by Travis and Torii Andrews (Navajo Nation).  

Dance Party 
July 8–12 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor: Briana Sayles (Delaware Tribe) 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

Let’s get moving! This session will focus on creative movement and connecting students with their own artistic expression. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various dances and work together to create a final performance that both represents and celebrates who they are and where they come from. Students will leave the class with a deeper understanding of the many ways dance and movement can be a significant and valuable part of culture and community, both in Oklahoma and around the world. Bri obtained both her BA and MFA in dance while researching and teaching students of all ages throughout Oklahoma over the last decade.  

Critter Camp 
July 15–19 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Alicia Smith (Xicana) 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

From butterflies to bison and river cane and rolly pollies, tribal nations in Oklahoma have always had close relationships with other living beings. In this camp, your young scientist will explore the plant and animal world through Indigenous eyes. Campers will learn the basics of biology, ecology and conservation through hands-on activities in the lab, on the FAM Mound and in the galleries. Alicia is an internationally recognized artist and is an art teacher at Dove Science Academy. This is her third year with FAMcamps. 

Story Jam 
July 22–26 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Alicia Smith (Xicana) 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

Make shadow puppets, zines, comics and more! Campers will tap into their inner author and illustrator in a series of fun-filled art activities. This camp is ideal for both bookworms and young readers still gaining reading confidence. Campers will also learn about First American storytelling traditions. Alicia is an internationally recognized artist and is an art teacher at Dove Science Academy. This is her third year with FAMcamps. 

Culture Crew with Ashley 
July 29–Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Ashley Stick (Chickasaw Nation) 
Imagination Studio | Capacity: 12 

With Coach Ashley, campers will engage in a range of art activities, traditional sports and dances while learning about the important cultural values they represent. Youth of all backgrounds will broaden their understanding of and respect for the cultural practices of 39 tribes in Oklahoma today. Known for her big smile, Ashley is a renowned stickball player and culture bearer. This is her second year leading FAMcamps. 

8–10-Year-Old FAMcamps 
Native Design Studio 
June 3–7 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor: Chad “Nish” Earles (Caddo Nation) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Explore a world of pattern, shape and color at FAM! Guest speakers will present on First American artistic traditions, such as Seminole patchwork, Plains parfleche design, or Sac and Fox ribbonwork. Using a variety of mediums, campers will then create striking designs. Chad has led FAMcamps for two years. In addition to his own artistic practice, he is the president of the Caddo Culture Club. 

First American Story Art 
June 10–14 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Johnnie Keel (Seminole Nation/Muscogee) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 12 

Discover the magic of stories through art and creative writing activities! Students will flex their literacy muscles through hands-on exploration of Indigenous children’s books while also creating illustrations, making zines and exploring the museum’s galleries. This camp is perfect for readers of all abilities and interests. Johnnie is a longtime teacher with Norman Public Schools and a volunteer tour guide for First Americans Museum. Her positive energy is infectious! 

Stickball 101 
June 17–21 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw Nation/Cherokee) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 10 

Let’s get ready to rumble! In this action-packed camp, your camper will learn basic skills and strategy through demonstrations, drills and scrimmages. During the heat of the afternoon, campers will visit the exhibitions, enjoy art activities and cultural demonstrations. Campers are required to bring their own opaque mouth guard to camp each day.  Coach Ace is a renowned stickball player, coach, performing artist, powwow dancer, youth mentor…the list goes on. Ace is on staff as the museum’s Cultural Ambassador.  

Wearable Art 
June 24–28 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Alicia Smith (Xicana) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Campers will learn about customary First American fashions and be inspired to create their own works of wearable art with screen printing, natural dye techniques and more. Visits to the museum’s exhibitions will provide new ideas and insights. Alicia is an internationally recognized artist and is an art teacher at Dove Science Academy. This is her third year with FAMcamps. 

Cultivating Culture 
July 8–12 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor: Native Farming Solutions 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Let’s get GROWING! Learn about Indigenous plant science, healthy living and garden care in this fun-filled camp with our friends at Native Farming Solutions. Campers will leave this camp with a new appreciation for the natural world around them and Indigenous practices that have sustained us since time immemorial. This camp is led by Native Farming Solutions, an organization led by Travis and Torii Andrews (Navajo Nation).  

Science Studio 
July 15–19 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Theresa Mosier (Cherokee Nation) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Art meets science in this tinkering camp for young inventors! Campers will hone their design thinking skills as they create their own contraptions and learn how First Americans have always been scientists and engineers. Theresa is returning for her second year with FAMcamps. She has over 40 years of experience as a public-school librarian. 

Wellness Adventure 
July 22–26 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Ashley Stick (Chickasaw Nation) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 10 

A healthy me means a healthy we! Your camper will learn First American values that relate to wellness, self-confidence, and treating others with respect. This session will engage youth of all interests through art activities, traditional games and sports, and storytelling. Known for her big smile, Ashley is a renowned stickball player and culture bearer. This is her second year leading FAMcamps. 

Culture Crew with Ace 
July 29–Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw Nation/Cherokee) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 12 

With Coach Ace, campers will engage in a range of art activities, traditional sports and dances while learning about the important cultural values they represent. Youth of all backgrounds will broaden their understanding of and respect for the cultural practices of 39 tribes in Oklahoma today.   Coach Ace is a renowned stickball player, coach, performing artist, powwow dancer, youth mentor…the list goes on. Ace is on staff as the museum’s Cultural Ambassador. 

10–12-Year-Old FAMcamps 
Stickball Heroes 
June 3–7 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw Nation/Cherokee) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 10 

Let’s get ready to rumble! In this action-packed camp, your camper will learn basic skills and strategy through demonstrations, drills and scrimmages. During the heat of the afternoon, campers will visit the exhibitions, enjoy art activities and cultural demonstrations. Campers are required to bring their own opaque mouth guard to camp each day.  Coach Ace is a renowned stickball player, coach, performing artist, powwow dancer, youth mentor…the list goes on. Ace is on staff as the museum’s Cultural Ambassador. 

Drawing & Painting Studio 
June 10–14 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Erin Shaw (Chickasaw Nation/Choctaw) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Burgeoning artists will learn new techniques as they explore a range of media, including pencil, pastels, charcoal, tempera and watercolor. Studio time and visits to the exhibitions with renowned First American artist Erin Shaw will inform and inspire. Erin is an internationally recognized artist and former assistant professor of visual arts at John Brown University. She loves working with young students! 

BIG ART 
June 17–21 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available 
Instructor: Chad “Nish” Earles (Caddo Nation) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Together with muralist and culture bearer Chad “Nish” Earles, students will draw inspiration from graphic design, street art, and First American artists to create monumental, collaborative works of art. Students will enjoy additional cultural activities such as social dances. Chad has led FAMcamps for two years. In addition to his own artistic practice, he is the president of the Caddo Culture Club.   

Stop Motion Animation 
June 24–28 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Nicole Emmons (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 8 

Working together with award winning animator Nicole Emmons, your camper will use stop motion animation techniques to tell their own stories. FAM will provide all the needed technology; youth will provide creativity! Nicole is a longtime educator and an award-winning animator. Her animations have been featured on Nickelodeon, Netflix, Discovery Channel, NBC, and other platforms. 

Stop Motion Animation 
July 8–12 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Nicole Emmons (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 8 

Working together with award winning animator Nicole Emmons, your camper will use stop motion animation techniques to tell their own stories. FAM will provide all the needed technology; youth will provide creativity! Nicole is a longtime educator and an award-winning animator. Her animations have been featured on Nickelodeon, Netflix, Discovery Channel, NBC, and other platforms. 

Indigenous Agriculture 
July 15–19 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor: Native Farming Solutions 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 12 

Do you know where your food comes from? Learn about Indigenous plant science, healthy living and garden care in this fun-filled camp with our friends at Native Farming Solutions. Campers will leave this camp with a new appreciation for the natural world around them and Indigenous practices that have sustained us since time immemorial. This camp is led by Native Farming Solutions, an organization led by Travis and Torii Andrews (Navajo Nation).  

Native Tech Quest 
July 22–26 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available) 
Instructor Johnnie Keel (Seminole Nation/Muscogee) 
Inspiration Studio | Capacity: 12 

Bouncing balls, swinging bridges, traveling in space: these are all Native contributions that impact our lives today. In this celebration of Native science, your camper will build a suspension bridge, program Ozobots, do experiments with gravity and space, sculpt and paint, create a bouncy ball and so much more. Johnnie is a longtime teacher with Norman Public Schools and a volunteer tour guide for First Americans Museum. Her positive energy is infectious! 

Creative Movement 
July 29–Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Before/After Care Available)  
Instructor: Briana Sayles (Delaware Tribe) 
Innovation Studio | Capacity: 12 

Together with Instructor Bri and visiting powwow and social dancers, students will have the opportunity to learn about various dances and work together to create a final performance that both represents and celebrates who they are and where they come from. Students will leave the class with a deeper understanding of the many ways dance and movement can be a significant and valuable part of culture and community, both in Oklahoma and around the world. Bri obtained both her BA and MFA in dance while researching and teaching students of all ages throughout Oklahoma over the last decade. 

Composition Academy (11 to 15 years old)  
June 10–14 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and required rehearsal/public performance Sunday, June 16 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 
Instructor: Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Chickasaw)  
Alliance Lounge | Capacity: 6 

This camp requires an application, which opens Monday, March 11 and closes Sunday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m. Families will be notified of their acceptance by Friday, April 10. Click here to apply.  

In this workshop setting, world-renowned composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate will teach the fundamentals of composing for classical string quartet with an emphasis on infusing scores with cultural influences. After five days of individualized instruction, participants will debut their new works for their community, families and friends. Student attendance at the Saturday morning rehearsal and subsequent afternoon performance is required.   

All prospective participants must be able to read music and play at least one instrument. Students will be provided with an electric keyboard and may bring other instruments of their choice. Each session is limited to 6 students.  

About the Instructor 
Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate is a classical composer, citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, and is dedicated to the development of American Indian classical composition. The Washington Post selected him as one of “22 for ’22: Composers and performers to watch this year” and raved that “Tate is rare as an American Indian composer of classical music. Rarer still is his ability to effectively infuse classical music with American Indian nationalism.” Tate is a 2022 Chickasaw Hall of Fame inductee, a 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from The Cleveland Institute of Music and was appointed 2021 Cultural Ambassador for the U. S. Department of State. This is Jerod’s third year presenting Composition Academy at FAM.