MISSION
to provide culturally based youth development opportunities for American Indian children and their communities
VISION
that all Native American children have access to culturally competent youth development opportunities
Field of Plenty provides camp experiences for Native children and youth in urban and reservation areas. Through the camps, we seek to enhance well-being and self esteem via emphasizing and preserving Native culture, values, and heritages. Field of Plenty serves children and their communities in Pine Springs, Arizona and St. Louis, Missouri, as well as providing partial support in numerous Native communities across the United States.
Field of Plenty employs local artisans and storytellers to keep the culture alive through traditional teachings, arts, theatre, and sports. Field of Plenty is dedicated to passing Native history and tradition from one generation to the next by employing members of the Native community. The Native youth are able to see a connection between the preservation of their heritage and their future as Natives.
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children." -Sitting Bull
History
Field of Plenty began as one summer camp in Arizona. Peggie Sevem, a dedicated educator and visionary searching for an additional avenue in which to serve children, found her answer in Native American community of Holbrook, Arizona. In the summer of 2001, the Sisters of Good Shepherd welcomed her with open arms. Singlehandedly, Peggie recruited volunteers, enlisted local artisans and found donations to put together a camp that has grown steadily over the years.
Beginning in 2005, Peggie partnered with Deborah Horsfall-Morley, a non-profit management consultant, to assist with forming an organization to provide more of these camps and to expand them to include other art forms like drama and movement. Stephanie Kettler, Program Manager for the Kathryn M. Buder Centerfor American Indian Studies at Washington University in Saint Louis, also signed on as a volunteer with hopes to include the MSW Buder Scholars as practicum students with Field of Plenty. Peggie left Field of Plenty in 2007 and has continued to run the Holbrook camp.
Field of Plenty now operates two camps: one in Pine Springs, AZ, and the other in Saint Louis, MO at the Cahokia Mounds historical site. We hope to continue to grow each year by adding additional urban settings and reservations as we gain financial and volunteer support.The summer camps are for children aged 5 to 15, take place during the summer break for 1 to 2 weeks, and employ local artists, storytellers and other artisans to teach their art and keep their culture alive.
By organizing a camp format that can be duplicated and utilized in many locations, both on reservations and in other areas of need, we hope to provide the summer art camp experience to children who would not otherwise have this opportunity. Seeing the children thrive during their time with us and preserving cultures sustains us!
Board Members
Pine Springs
Pine Springs, Arizona is a strong Navajo community near Window Rock. Their camp started in 2005 and now involves 25-30 children, youth and their families during a one-week camp in July. Weavers, potters and community artists, along with elders and their families continue to pass on their Navajo traditions and culture.
For more information about the Field of Plenty Pine Springs camp or to view photos from years past, click here.
Cahokia
St. Louis, Missouri is an inter-tribal urban community camp that started in 2007 now serving approximately 20-25 children in July and throughout the year. This camp emphasizes the importance of Native identity and what that means in an urban area. Cultural preservation, leadership and self-esteem are vital components throughout their camp experience.
For more information about the Field of Plenty Cahokia camp or to view photos from years past, click here.
Cultural preservation, leadership, and self esteem are vital components in changing the future of our nations Native youth. It is a travesty that so many generations of Natives have suffered crippling rates of poverty, homelessness, suicide, unemployment, and educational dropout.
Field of Plenty is doing something today to stop more Native youths from becoming another sad statistic. By supporting Field of Plentys mission, you are not just supporting another summer camp program; you are helping to rescue and repair a legacy for the next generation.
Your support is gratefully appreciated by either providing us with funds to buy lunches for the children, gift them with a new backpack filled with school supplies or to sponsor the cost of a child or volunteer to the camp. There are many ways you can help!
The following are ways you can help:
BE A SPONSOR
When you sponsor a child, you are not only allowing them to experience the fun and enjoyment that a summer camp experience provides, but also a validation and a growing awareness for American Indian traditions and values. For only $150 you can sponsor a child for a week of camp activities.
VOLUNTEER
There are many ways that you can help. We are always looking for volunteers, artists, teachers, tutors and anyone with a genuine interest to promote and enhance Native American culture are welcome. Pleasecontact usor fill out the form to the right if you are interested in volunteering.
DONATE
Click here if you would like to donate with PayPal.
You can also help by donating supplies that can be used in many ways at Field of Plenty. Click here to see our Wish List. If you are interested in donating supplies, please contact us.
// Contact Us
550 Warren Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63130
314-401-9270info_fieldofplenty.org
314-401-9270
info_fieldofplenty.org
••or••
Fill out the form below:
©Field of Plenty 2009
