Native Youth ​Summer Camps 


​The Association on American Indian Affairs provides funding for summer camps who are connecting Native youth with cultural experiences as well as providing curriculum on health, wellness and self-care.  The Association began providing grants to Native Youth Summer Camps in 1963 as a powerful way for the Association to achieve its goals: to protect sovereignty, preserve culture, educate youth and build Tribal capacity. There is significant research that shows when young Native people are connected to their culture, they fare better mentally and emotionally than those who are not. Healthy and strong Native American youth will sustain strong Tribal cultures and protect Tribal sovereignty for years to come.

Please note that the Association's Summer Camp Funding is dependent upon the generosity of our donors. Funding may vary from year to year, therefore funding is not guaranteed.

2021 Applications Are Now Closed
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2022 applications are open!

The Association provides funding for Tribes and Native-run organizations that use innovative activities which intertwine the old with the new to strengthen traditional cultural knowledge and teach skills to live healthy and productive lifestyle. Applications for funding are based on the following required criteria:
  • The program must follow safety and security procedures to protect and care for the youth, including COVID-19 education, i.e., how the program will maintain social distancing and provide education for hand washing, mask wearing and how infectious disease can spread;  
  • The camp must provide summer camp programs to Native American Youth. The camp must designate the range of age up to 18 years;
  • The camp must include education on diabetes prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and/or other health and wellness topics;
  • The camp should include education on culture, language and community building;
  • The camp must follow safety and security protocols and procedures to protect and care for the youth; and
  • The camp should involve Tribal Elders and/or have active community involvement.

Between 2003 and 2020, the Association has granted
$218,395 to 140 Camps!

See who we funded in 2020!

​In 2020, the Association provided funding for four summer camps that provided educational opportunities regarding health and wellness, cultural practices and languages. In total, the 2020 Summer Camps reached 933 youth from at least 19 Tribes! You can read more about our 2020 Native Youth Summer Camps in our REPORT.