Kë Gbéshmen 2024

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Department Menu
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Camp Registration for Kë Gbéshmen will open May 4 at 10 a.m.

Camper spots are held with online registration and all camp forms completed and submitted.

Letters will go out by email or mail (preference selected by parent) the week of May 27.

For additional questions or for a camper's registration status, please contact (269) 462-4229 or email Pokagon.SummerCamp@PokagonBand-nsn.gov.

2024 Fillable Camp Forms

Participation Agreement

Medical Information and Authorization Form

Camp Form PIck Up~Drop off

Authorization to Photograph

Aquatic Activities and Target Archery Opt-Out Form

Email to Pokagon.SummerCamp@PokagonBand-nsn.gov
Fax to 269-782-0985
Mail to 58620 Sink Rd Dowagiac, MI 49047
Drop of at the Department of Education

At Gage Lake Campus | 26466 Gage St. Dowagiac, MI 49047
(only for 2024 summer)

Our youth summer camp is called Kë Gbéshmen, which means "let's camp."

Kë Gbéshmen aims to grow Bodwéwadmi zhetthkéwen, a sense of community, and stewards of the environment for the next seven generations. It is our mission to ensure every Kë Gbéshmen camper:

  1. Has a healthy and enjoyable camp experience.
  2. Gains enthusiasm for their Potawatomi ways and environmental concerns.
  3. Receives new experiences, develops new skills, and forges life-long friendships.
  4. Leaves camp an emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically stronger person.
  5. Establishes a stronger connection with Neshnabe history, culture, and language.
  • Week 1 | June 20 or 21 Ages 7-9 1 day only
  • Week 2 | June 25-26 Ages 13-17 2 day camp (overnight option for 17 year olds or 2024 seniors)
  • Week 3 | July 8-9 Ages 5-6 1 day only
  • Week 4 | July 11-12 Ages 10-12 1 day only

Please note: Ages 5-12 must select 1 day to attend only. You can only register/attend one camp session. Camp session exceptions will be considered upon request to accommodate maturity/grade level.

ACTIVITIES OFFERED AT CAMP

  • Archery for ages 8+
  • Arts and crafts
  • Campfire
  • Canoeing ages 8+
  • Environmental skills
  • Field sports
  • Longhouse teachings
  • Science
  • Swimming
  • Traditional arts
  • Traditional sports
  • Traditional teachings
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STAFF

Rebecca Williams
Center for History & Culture, Camp Director

Susan Doyle
Department of Education, Camp Director

Daniel Stohrer
Center of History & Culture, Assistant Camp Director

Kristie Bussler
Department of Education, Assistant Camp Director

Kë Gbéshmen Policy and Procedure Manual