Understanding and feeling connected to one's culture is vital to the development of resilience. IHCRC's Youth Program strives to provide educational and experiential cultural activities. From stickball to our Restoring Resilience Powwow, IHCRC's programs connect youth and families to American Indian culture without focusing on tribally specific traditions.

FITNESS AND FAMILY STRENGTHENING

In addition to the ever-popular Running Strong Club, IHCRC offers individual and group youth fitness classes focusing on weight control, strengthening, and movement. Youth sports camps help round out the fitness program during the summer months.

NUTRITION EDUCATION

IHCRC understands that changing the destiny of diabetes and obesity in Indian country means changing not only youth behavior and lifestyles but the behavior and lifestyles of entire families. The Youth Nutrition Program focuses on health and nutrition through hands-on activities and food experiences. IHCRC teams with Eagle Adventure Program for its younger youth. Older youth and families are introduced to Indigenous foods including edible plants and berries through a program entitled Plant Teachings.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

IHCRC works directly with local schools assisting with Indian Education Summer Camps, cultural programs, and classroom teachings. Topics include resilience, intimate partner violence, suicide prevention, bullying, and other topics relevant to today's youth. The American Indian Youth Summit held in the fall is the ultimate in development and empowerment for American Indian youth in Northeastern Oklahoma.

IHCRC Youth Program is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

IHCRC family running day at the park with kids running on path

UPCOMING EVENTS

From family fun & fitness days, to cooking classes, summer camps, or zoo visits, each event we offer at IHCRC includes a nutrition education, healthy meal, and a fun activity to get people moving. Check out our upcoming events below.

SEE ALL EVENTS

YOUTH LEADERSHIP & MENTORING

Developing future community leaders is at the heart of IHCRC's Youth Program. Programs focus on four primary areas:

Assisting American Indian Student Associations in Local Schools

Involving Youth Through the IHCRC Youth Council

Pairing Youth with Mentors from the American Indian Community Committee

Utilizing Youth to Plan and Implement the Restoring Resilience Powwow and American Indian Youth Summit.

For more information, contact our Youth Program at youth@ihcrc.org or call 918-382-2207.