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.

Between 2003 and 2019, the Association has granted
$212,395 to 136 Camps!

GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2020 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL 2020 ON THIS WEBPAGE.

See who we funded in 2019!

​In 2019, the Association provided funding for ten summer camps that provided educational opportunities regarding health and wellness, cultural practices and languages. In total, the 2019 Summer Camps reached 527 youth from at least 82 Tribes! You can read more about our 2019 Native Youth Summer Camps in our REPORT.
​We look forward to receiving proposals from 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. The Association can provide seed money for a small number of Native Youth Summer Camps. Applications for funding are based on the following required criteria:

  • 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.

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

  • The Association generally does not have the ability to provide funding of entire camps.
  • The Association currently provides very small seed grants for critical portions of camps such as transportation, honorariums and supplies, not extras such as t-shirts, backpacks or water parks.
  • Please be specific in your request.
  • Grant requests should be no greater than $1,000.
  • Native Youth Summer Camps that are approved for funding must submit a 2-3 page report at the end of the camp to describe activities of the camp, how Tribal Elders or Native communities were involved, and how many Native youth and which Tribes were represented.