Wings of America’s Summer Running and Fitness Camps (R&F) are designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices among American Indian youth, ages 6-18 years old. Held at schools and community centers in collaboration with local youth programs, educators and coaches, these FREE day camps underline the importance of regular exercise when many are tempted to enjoy their break in more sedentary ways. Encouraged by the fun of group games lead by high school and college-aged Native facilitators, Wings camps offer applied fitness and health education, as well as a glimpse at the rich history of Native running. Every R&F camp attendee receives a small incentive (bandana) in thanks for their participation.
Sample Agenda (2024)
As successful American Indian student-athletes, Wings R&F Camp facilitators are trained at the
2022 Summer Facilitators pose at the conclusion of their last camp in Flagstaff, AZ
beginning of each summer to provide a fun, safe and culturally appropriate environment for all camp participants. As peer mentors, Wings facilitators are uniquely positioned to convey messages of self-respect, self-betterment and cultural awareness. Seen as friends and role models rather than authority figures, Wings facilitators help camp participants find the inspiration they need to make a commitment to a healthy, active and culturally conscious lifestyle on their own terms.
Additional details, pre-registration links and flyers for R&F Camps are listed in chronological order below. Please note that some camps only offer onsite registration and some are not open to the public:
June 10th-11th: Jemez Pueblo, NM; Walatowa Youth Center; 8:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In collaboration with Walatowa summer youth program. (Camp not open to general public)
June 12th: Rio Rancho, NM; Mountain View Middle School; In collaboration with Rio Rancho Public School’s Native American Summer Academy. (Camp not open to general public)
June 13th-14th: Santa Fe, NM; Bicentennial/Alto Park (behind the pool); 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In collaboration with SFPS Native American Student Services’ summer program.
June 17th-18th: Shiprock, NM; Shiprock High School; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral & Mental Health & Shiprock High School Athletics.
June 24th-25th: Rehoboth, NM; Rehoboth Christian School (“KK” gymnasium/track/field); (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral & Mental Health & Shiprock High School Athletics.
June 24th-25th: Ojo Encino, NM; Ojo Encino Day School; (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Ojo Encino Day School summer program.
July 8th-9th: Ft. Defiance, AZ; Window Rock High School (Beeholdzil Fight Scouts Events Center); (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral & Mental Health & Window Rock High School Athletics. **Participants required to bring extra pair of “court shoes” to play on gym floor**
July 10th-11th: Pine Hill, NM; Pine Hill School; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am)
July 15th-16th: Kayenta, AZ; Monument Valley High School; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation CHR-Outreach Program and Monument Valley High School.
July 22nd-23rd: Crownpojnt, NM; Office of Dine Youth (ODY) Gym; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation CHR-Outreach Program and Crownpoint ODY.
July 29th-30th: Tuba City, AZ; Tuba City High School; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation CHR-Outreach Program and Tuba City Regional Healthcare Corporation Health Promotion Diabetes Prevention.
Dates To Be Announced….
Chinle, AZ; Chinle High School; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral & Mental Health & Chinle High School Athletics.
Newcomb, NM; Newcomb High School; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). In partnership with Navajo Nation CHR-Outreach Program & Newcomb High School Athletics.
Isleta Pueblo, NM; Isleta Pueblo Recreation Center; 9:00am-3:00pm. In collaboration with Isleta Pueblo Recreation Center and behavioral health summer youth program. (Camp not open to general public)
San Felipe Pueblo, NM; Soccer Field; 9:00am-3:00pm. In collaboration with San Felipe summer youth program. (Camp not open to general public)
Zuni Pueblo, NM; Zuni High School; 9:00am-3:00pm. In collaboration Zuni High School Athletics.
Shivwits, UT; Shivwits Paiute Tribe Community Center; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). Presented by Four Points Health.
Taos Pueblo, NM; Wellness Center; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). Presented in partnership with Taos Pueblo Diabetes Program. (Camp not open to general public)
Albuquerque, NM; Lynnwood Park; 9:00am-3:00pm (onsite registration from 8-9am). Presented in partnership with the Native American Community Academy.
In the last 10 years, Wings has hosted R&F Camps with community partners in South Dakota, Oklahoma, New York, Arizona and New Mexico. We are always open to new partnerships to serve Native youth. If you think your community might benefit from hosting a Wings R&F Camp, please contact our Executive Director, Dustin Martin, (dustin@wingsofamerica.org) for more information about the possibility of training facilitators from your community.
