Program Accomplishments:
Native American Tribes must  maintain and prove a continuous cultural identity to be state or federally recognized as a tribe. North Carolina has the highest percentage of Native Americans east of the Mississippi.  There are seven state-recognized tribes and one federally recognized tribe. Columbus County is home to the Waccamaw Siouan, a state-recognized tribe. Tribal elders and concerned young people are constantly working to ensure the continuity of the tribe. 

A daycamp for Waccamaw Siouan youth, 8-12 years of age, was offered in the St. James Community.  Coordinated by Nakoma Simmons, 4-H agent, and Marshia Ward, 4-H EFNEP program assistant, the camp had two objectives: 1) to help preserve the culture of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe by cultivating its young people, and  2) to enlighten youth on health issues facing Native American people (heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes).  This pilot program was a collaborative effort between 4-H, St. James Volunteer Fire Department, Concerned Citizens of Lake Waccamaw, Inc., and Native Health Initiative (NHI is an organization which recruits volunteers internationally to aid  indigenous peoples in North Carolina).

It cost over $5,000 to run the camp and host a luncheon.  But, with donations of materials, the help of volunteers, and donation of facility for a week, the out-of-pocket cost for youth was $25 per participant.  Therefore total cost for the week was reduced from $5,000 to $450.

During the week, 18 Native youth created crafts from natural materials, learned Tribal dances, learned to identify customs of their tribe, and learned to identify their clan.  Since storytelling is part of Native American culture, elders from the community shared their tribal legends and their personal experiences of being Native.  The camp also provided an opportunity to educate youth on the benefits of eating healthy at an early age.

Under the direction of the 4-H EFNEP assistant, youth explored new foods and different methods of food preparation. The menu for the week included cuisine from Norway, Latin America, China, and the Native American corn tribes.  Youth learned to read food labels, determined portion sizes, and explored MyPyramid.  During the day camp, the 4-H program assistant was able to limit participants' sugar intake by 50 percent, by incorporating more water, natural fruit juices, and fresh fruits in their diets.  In addition to nutrition, youth explored health issues facing Native people.

The NHI provided a medical student from Norway to assist with the day camp.  She provided health education on heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes for the youth.  The volunteer provided simple diagrams to explain how the body works, and the importance of diet and exercise. 

To end the week, a Sunday luncheon was held. A demonstration of the week-long activities was presented to over 100 elders, community leaders, parents, and friends by the youth who participated.   The most frequently asked question after the demonstration, “Are you going to do this again?” Volunteers are working to expand the program to include more youth, a longer time frame, and more international volunteers.

The camp was a big hit with the youth.  The second day of camp was July 4.  Several parents came in early to pick up their children, but the children pleaded to stay until the end.  Youth preferred spending the day at camp rather than going to the beach,  the lake, water skiing, boating or grilling.  

An interesting development of the camp was the international culture exchange between the Waccamaw Siouan  people and a Norwegian volunteer.  She was hosted  by a 4-H family.  Her week-long stay gave her time to interact with the people within the Waccamaw Siouan community.  For most participants, this was the first time they were able to personally interact with someone from a different country.  Two very distinct and difference cultures were able to exchange customs and traditions, as well as recognize similarities as they learned to appreciate each other.

This program:
·       Addressed significant diversity issues in relation to current state and national issues/initiative
·       Made innovative efforts to attract and reach diverse and/or targeted audiences
·       Demonstrated collaborative efforts
·       Utilized creative and unique strategies to market or publicize the program to reach diverse and/or targeted audiences
·       Made efforts above and beyond affirmative action program requirements
·       Demonstrated potential for replication by others