Day Camp Inspires Navajo Girls: Silly Games & Talk Circles Instill Confidence & Healthy Relationships

Eve’s Fund is a five-year old community-based non-profit organization that promotes programs for  literacy, injury prevention, mental health and education for young Native Americans. Eve’s Fund is named in memory of Eve Erin Crowell who died in 2005.

Eve’s parents, Dr. Bob Crowell and Barbara Crowell Roy, Darlene Begay and Echohawk Lefthand joined the GLI leaders and nine counselors to guide campers through an inspiring and memorable week.

In the Red Mesa School, shortly after the young campers filtered into the classroom, Assistant Director of GLI, Julia Loonin, got the all the girls into a big circle for an icebreaker. Throwing her head forward and her arms askew, she called out “Shawagoowy,” and the girls mimicked her. Then Julia leaned back with “Shawaloopy,” and again the girls followed. Then to the right, then to the left, and suddenly it was a big silly dance. And then it was a room full of happy dancers, all swept away together in sisterhood. 

Other fun and empowering activities included mask making, volleyball, writing about feelings, races, spontaneous singing and dancing.  Many games ended in mayhem and laughter. Everyone was silly together.

At other times, campers and counselors broke out into small groups to sit on the floor for interactive discussion. One such session was led by a California counselor on the topic of family customs. She talked about traditional foods at Christmas. A Navajo girl’s favorite was blue corn mush for a particular ceremony. Another described the elaborate preparations and ceremonies to celebrate a Navajo girl’s puberty.  Both counselors and campers spoke about the “amazing” and “fascinating” daily intercultural sessions.

The evening hike on top of Red Mesa was a high point for many of the participants. The glorious Navajoland sunset dazzled the counselors. Then everyone gathered near the Hogan, where Darlene and Bernice, Echo’s mom, prepared mutton shish kabob and fry bread, which was much acclaimed. After the meal, Darlene described some Navajo traditional figures such as Trickster Coyote and Monsterslayer.

What were the results of the day camp? Almost all the campers said they were delighted with the program and would recommend it. During the camp, some Navajo girls changed from reticence to smiling, energetic activity. At least two girls proclaimed they had made new best friends.

Two substantial lessons were learned: Lack of transportation to the school decreased attendance, and rented busses will increase the turn out.  Also, further modification of the curriculum to the Navajo tradition may increase attendance.