New camp director, full camping schedule at YMCA of the 7 Council Fires

MARKSVILLE – With a new camping director, an international seasonal staff, and new facilities, the summer camping schedule is in full swing at YMCA Camp Marrowbone in Marksville, SD on the Missouri River.

Nick Nathanson arrived at the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires (YSCF) in Dupree, SD, in February, 2024, to take the position of Camping Director for both family and youth camps combined with the position of Sports Director for the YSCF. He arrived with enthusiasm and passion stemming from his own personal experience as a camper during his youthful years growing up in Long Island, NY, and his experience staffing camps as an adult.

Nathanson attended Clemson University in Clemson, SC, for two years then transferred and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in history and political science. He then coached high school basketball in Los Angeles, CA, and in northern California for ten years. In 2022, he was named “Coach of the Year.” During summer breaks from high school coaching, Nathanson served as Athletic Director at several residential summer camps in the northeast US.

Last year he decided it was time for a change and pursued a position as a year-round camping director. He interviewed for positions in several different states and chose to relocate from Los Angeles to join the staff at the YSCF in Dupree. He says that the deciding factor for him was having the opportunity to join the exceptional team already on board at YSCF, which includes 8 full-time year-round staffers with varying roles and responsibilities.

For the summer camping season, YSCF imports about 30 seasonal staff members from all over the country and all over the world, including staffers this year from England, Ireland, Scotland, Poland, Hungary, Columbia, Argentina and Mexico. Nathanson describes the group as “diverse and eclectic,” bringing a wealth of knowledge and skills to the campers.

The staff arrived before the first camping session to be trained in Lakota culture and history. According to Nathanson, about 95% of the campers are Lakota. Non-native campers typically come from families who are very positive about inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism.

The YSCF website (www.siouxymca.org/) states, “YMCA Camp Marrowbone provides a safe environment for kids to learn, explore, and grow. Our goal is to teach life skills through the character traits of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and traditional Lakota values. Our camp experience results in new friendships, the opportunity to try all sorts of activities, and a place to call home.”

Nathanson said “I tell our (seasonal camping) staff, ‘Try to change one kid’s life this summer.’ We emphasize competence, confidence, and community. Life is about people and relationships, not things.”

The first camping session of the summer completed on July 3. Half-way through the second session when interviewed, Nathanson said, “The kids are amazing. The staff is amazing. Camp is an amazing experience.”

The 2024 summer camping schedule experiments for the first time with two-week camping sessions and family camps. Research shows that the longer a camping session lasts, the greater the positive impact for the campers.

The first family camp will begin on July 27 and continue through Labor Day. Nathanson is pleased to report that there are five new cabins at Camp Marrowbone, all with waterfront views, specially fitted and designed for families or other large groups. By the end of this summer, construction of a new dining hall will have been completed.

The website mentions that after camping season in the summer, the family cabins with the dining hall available are the perfect set up for family reunions, corporate or non-profit staff retreats, and getaways. For rental options, event planners can contact the YSCF at (605) 365-5232.

For the purposes of family camp, the term “family” is very loosely defined, according to Nathanson. A family group coming to camp together might be representatives from two or more generations within the same biological family. It could also be a group of friends who want to attend and enjoy camp together. When a “family” of any configuration attends camp, individual members of the family can participate in camp activities as much or as little as they choose.

The complete family camping program allows an immersive experience with the reservation, including opportunities to explore ranches, powwows, rodeos, and the great outdoors. Altogether, the camping experience allows families to bond and learn together while connecting with nature.

Each summer camping session accommodates 56 campers in cabins and when needed, platform tents can accommodate an additional 20 campers. Family groups can also bring their own RV’s and set up camp on the shore of the Missouri River. At press time, camps scheduled for later this season have not yet reached full capacity.

Nathanson noted that because of the generosity of donors and fundraisers, the great majority of campers come to Camp Marrowbone on scholarships. YSCF is happy to receive donations if campers’ families are financially able to contribute toward the cost of camping, but there is no expectation or demand for donations.

Another feature that makes it possible for campers to attend Camp Marrowbone on scholarships is the generosity of volunteers. The camp’s application for volunteers is at tinyurl.com/364wtb35. For more information about volunteering, contact Brittany Brooks at brittany@siouxymca.org.

According to Nathanson, future plans for Camp Marrowbone include a high ropes course to complement the current low ropes course at the camp.  He and others also envision the development of the waterfront which will make it possible to expand boating, skiing, and other aquatic activities. Clearly, Camp Marrowbone will continue to have a positive impact for campers, including children, youth, families, staff and volunteers.

(Contact Grace Terry at graceterrywilliams@gmail.com)

SOURCES:

Personal interview with Nick Nathanson

www.siouxymca.org/

The post New camp director, full camping schedule at YMCA of the 7 Council Fires first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

Visit Original Source