FAMcamps | Ages 8–10

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.