Quk' Taz' un Outdoor Leadership Camp 2025

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The Quk' Taz' un ('the sun is rising') Outdoor Leadership Camp connects young people to the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina people of Qizhjeh Vena. This camp celebrated its 10th successful year this past summer 2024. After each camp we evaluate how the camp went, we hear from the students on what they enjoyed and what we might improve and make adjustments according to both staff, elder and youth feedback. Two summers ago we added a new component by hiring 3 young adult mentors to take a leadership role by teaching a class and supporting the students. The mentors have been participants of the camp over the years. The theme for the camp 2024 was: Gratitude and Remembrance. We honored and celebrated those who have passed and held a Memorial Potlatch for respected elder Butch Hobson who passed in the Spring of 2024. Butch attended every camp, provided unconditional support and taught many classes revolving around traditional knowledge. Butch was greatly missed this past summer, yet we are grateful for all we have learned from him over the years and will carry on all he taught us, especially kindness, respect and telling a good story with a great sense of humor. Every camp has different activities, include the Dena'ina language and values and revolve around a theme.