ZUNI, N.M. (July 14, 2026) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will conclude its 18th Annual Summer Camp with a community event from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School. The End of Camp Celebration will bring together ZYEP staff, activity leaders, counselors and families so they can celebrate their campers’ four weeks of learning, cultural exploration and personal growth together.
During the event, campers will showcase the traditional dances they have learned throughout the summer under the guidance of singers Mangaysha Kallestewa and Cyrus Lutse. According to ZYEP Executive Director Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, families look forward to this opportunity to experience camp alongside their children.
“Our campers have worked hard over the past four weeks, and we want their families to see everything they’ve learned,” she said. “This celebration is about honoring our youth, recognizing their accomplishments and giving our families the chance to share in those moments with them.”
Dancing is an important aspect of camp. During the celebration, campers will showcase the Navajo, Basket, Butterfly and Hunter dances for their families and community.
“We intentionally created intergenerational groups, pairing younger children with older campers so they could learn from and encourage one another throughout the summer,” Natachu-Eriacho said.
During this year’s Summer Camp, children also have learned weaving techniques, spent time outdoors staying physically active, and strengthened their understanding of Zuni culture and language. They prepared healthy snacks such as fruit salad, vegetable sushi, blue corn parfaits and no-sugar boba tea.
In addition, they participated in Fun Fridays on June 26 and July 10, visiting community partners including the Zuni Senior Center, Zuni Fish and Wildlife, A:shiwi Tribal College, the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center and Zuni Healthy Lifestyles. Campers even had an opportunity to learn from Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque when the popular hands-on science center visited Zuni.
As Summer Camp draws to a close, ZYEP staff members are conducting program evaluations to better understand campers’ experiences. The evaluations measure areas such as enjoyment of activities, healthy eating habits, physical activity, connection to Zuni culture, relationships with positive role models and the use of the Zuni language, providing valuable guidance for next year’s camp.
Natachu-Eriacho noted that Summer Camp wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships, especially within the local community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helps bring Summer Camp to life,” she said. “Zuni Public School District Transportation and Food Services ensure our campers can get to camp each day and receive healthy meals, and Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School generously provides the space that allows us to serve 120 children for four weeks. We couldn’t do this without their support.”
The Zuni Education and Career Development Center is another vital partner in supporting the development of Zuni’s next generation of leaders.
“The counselor experience in camp is just as significant as the camper experience,” Natachu-Eriacho explained. “They gain valuable work experience, learn how to be positive role models and strengthen their connection to the community.”
ZYEP’s 18th Annual Summer Camp is made possible through the support of the Colorado Plateau Foundation, McCune Charitable Trust, New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Behavioral Health Services Division, New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund, Newman’s Own Foundation, NoVo Foundation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Santa Fe Garden Club, Seventh Generation Fund, Zuni Education and Career Development Center, Zuni Public School District and ZYEP donors from across the country.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09).
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
