St. Joseph’s Rising Eagle Day Camp Returns with F-U-N

Rising Eagle Day Camp returned to the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School this summer after a two-year, pandemic-related hiatus. School staff and student counselors reveled in the return of the sound of children at play and the joyful energy they brought. The final week of camp started on June 20.

For the camp to take place, counselors make a 120-mile round-trip bus run to collect children from the Crow Creek (May 31 to June 10) and Lower Brule (June 13 to 24) Reservations who wait at stops for the camp bus. “It’s good to be back,” said St. Joseph’s Indian School Rec Center Coordinator Bryan Reinhardt. “Here, this is what summer is for.”

A camp day consists of culture, arts and crafts, Lakota Language lessons, games, swimming and nutritious meals and snacks. Throw in a silly song and an antic or two, and it spells F-U-N.

Asked why they come to Rising Eagle, attendees weighed in: “Swimming. It is nice and cool, and I love to swim. I want to swim all day.” “I like the donuts for breakfast.” “It’s fun to go far away.” “I love the playground here.” “There are lots of friends my age here, and I like when we get to play games like basketball.” 

And St. Joseph’s Indian School likes to once again partner with Native American families to provide an enjoyable camp experience for the children of Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations.