ABOUT
When camp was founded in 2015, we were stuck on a name. How do you name something that doesn't yet exist? After months of trying to come up with something that would represent the dream of camp, we settled on Summer Youth Corporation, with the plan to change the name as soon as one that better represented camp came along. All around camp, little prairie dogs poke their heads up to see what our campers are doing each day. In addition to their adorable nature, prairie dogs have many attributes that represent our campers. They are known for living in close-knit communities, like the one we create at camp. Prairie dogs are also known for their ability to communicate with one another effectively, something we practice daily.
As a team, we selected the name DlóÌœóÌœ' Yázhí Day Camp! The Diné (Navajo) words “dlóÌœóÌœ' yázhí” translate to “little prairie dog” in English. At camp, kids build resilience, self-esteem, and connections with peers, role models, and community.
TEAM
Hesston
Counselor
Hesston is from Smith Lake, New Mexico and studies early childhood education at NTU. A fun fact about Hesston is that he eats his burgers totally plain! Hesston is back for his third summer at camp and returns because camp and the activities are not only fun but provide an opportunity to learn a lot with the kids.
Kauhnilaiyah
Counselor
Kauhnilaiyah is from Gallup, NM. She graduated from Miyamura High School and is currently attending Louisiana State University. She is a big foodie and is willing to try almost any new food at least once. She loves to watch sunsets, hangout or play with friends, and dance. She's excited to help create fun memories with the kids at camp that they'll cherish forever.
Nate
Co-Director
Nate is from Thoreau, NM. For the past 15 years he has been in the education field and enjoys working with youth in the summer. He likes horse back riding, sports, the outdoors, and likes to barbeque. He can never go without coffee and tabasco sauce. He also likes any food with green chili. He would really like to see this camp grow because it helps our youth make positive choices.
Heaven
Counselor
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Star
Art Specialist
Star likes to draw and make art projects. She has been at camp for 9 years! She hopes to see the tradition of songs, games, and fun being remembered as well as making this year of camp a year to remember.
Kirsten
Counselor
This is Kirstens third year participating in the summer camp and she is so happy to be back! She missed singing songs and doing hama beads. When she's not at camp she works as a high school geometry teacher. She likes to make stickers with a cricut and enjoys painting little designs on nails. She is really looking forward to meeting all of the new and returning campers this summer!
Sword
Counselor
Kaelyn
Counselor
Kaelyn's hobbies include sewing, singing, and staying active. She was a counselor in 2021 and is returning this year! She is looking forward to meeting new kids and doing a sewing class with them.
Katherine
Nature and Science Specialist
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Joaquin
Counselor
Joaquin A.K.A. Rocky is from Gallup, NM. He loves being outdoors and learning about new things everyday. His goals are to teach parts of the Navajo language/culture to the campers, to instill good values and to stress the importance of sociability
Princess
Counselor in Training
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Lizzy
Cooking Specialist
Leah
Co-Director
Leah is from Chicago, IL and taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 5 years at Mariano Lake Community School. She loves reading, writing, and her dog Wrigley. Her favorite time of the year is June/July because it means it's time for CAMP!