Local Coushatta youth are hoping to reconnect with their past while sharing their traditions, customs and culture with others this summer as part of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana’s annual Camp Coushatta.

The free, single-day camp will be held 9 a.m. – noon Tuesdays and Thursdays in June beginning June 6, on the tribe’s reservation, just off Powell Road, three miles north of Elton. The camp will be canceled in case of inclement weather.

“A lot of people are still surprised and don’t know that there is a tribe here,” Camp Director Rayne Langley said. “We want to open people’s eyes up and let them know we have a tribe and reservation here with a different culture. We want them to know that we still exist out there and that we want to share our culture with them.”

About 70 Coushatta youth between the ages of 10-17 will serve as camp staff. They will conduct demonstrations and presentations about the Coushatta Tribe.

“The Coushata youth who will be working the camp are so excited about sharing their culture with others,” Langley said. “This is their chance to share their story with others and show them the traditions of their ancestors.”

Native American Tom Strong Buffalo of Walker, who makes many of the games for the camp and restores the huts, said it is important for the Native American youths to “know where they came from, so they can plan for the future.”

“These things are important because one day they might need it to survive,” he said.

He also feels it is important to share with others.

“Most people don’t have a clue what Native Americans are about, so this is a chance for the youth to show them that we are about more than running around playing cowboys and Indians,” Strong Buffalo said.

The camp features more than 20 hands-on educational stations posted throughout the wooded campground offering visitors insight into the history, traditions and customs of the local tribe, including basket weaving, cooking, storytelling, Native American drums and more.

Visitors can enjoy archery, throwing tomahawk and spears, making beaded jewelry, tasting fry bread and learning about the Koasati language. There will also be basket weaving, a nature station, a Palmetto village, a weapons and tools display, games and more.

Every camp session ends with a performance by tribal dances in full regalia showing different native dances and drum sounds.

A concession stand featuring snow cones, popcorn, candy and drinks will be open during the camp.

No pre-registration is required, but large groups are asked to notify the camp in advance of their visit.

For more, contact Coushatta Social Services at 337-584-1433.