Lakota Summer Science Field Institute blends culture and science

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Learning new scientific topics can be vital to the educational career of a child, the tricky part is getting kids interested enough in the topics to retain the information. One summer camp in Pine Ridge has a unique way to do just that.

The Lakota Summer Science Field Institute is a summer camp that lasts four weeks of the season and aims to teach Lakota youth about scientific topics as well as how they relate to cultural sites and traditions.

For example, on the first week of this camp, children will be taken out to the badlands to study the ecology and learn Lakota traditions of the area.

Additionally, the first week will focus on bow-making, helping the students get more acquainted to a tradition many may not know. This blend of culture and science was intentional.

“In merging the Lakota culture with the Western science it helps our young people relate more to the subject and their identity and when we’re growing up and going out into the world it’s really important for our youth to know where they come from and who they are,” Helene Gaddie with the camp said.

Those looking to sign up for the camp need to act fast, the final day for applications is on Wednesday. You can sign up here.

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