Our Crowdfunding Groups
Health Disparities
The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted American Indian health disparities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Indians and Alaska Natives are:
Furthermore, one of every 168 American Indian and Alaska Native children experienced orphanhood or death of caregivers. Compared to White children, American Indian and Alaska Native children were 4.5 times more likely to lose a parent or grandparent caregiver.
These data underscore the urgent need for primary prevention and support of American Indian youth!
The goal of our program is to promote healthy lifestyles among Arizona's American Indian youth and their families.
Our program is a Tribal/Urban Indian community-based, family-focused intervention.
The program is six months long and focuses on nutrition education, exercise and fitness training, cultural activities and games, and mind-body skills building.
"One thing that I have learned is to let my emotions out rather than keep them in. Talk with someone I trust." -Kurt, age 15
We introduce ways to make exercise fun, consistent and habitual, and foster self-efficacy and resiliency.
"I have learned that it is important to be physical every day...to keep yourself healthy." -Daniella, age 14
Our program emphasizes American Indian values, beliefs and traditions.
"Through camp I am learning how to become healthy and I am able to spend more time with family." -Yesenia, age 12
Our program also focuses on parents and the entire family to help youth sustain gains and to maintain healthy behaviors at home.
Community Engagement and Training
The Camp Team includes Tribal partners and students. Your support helps to sustain these important collaborations and training opportunities.
YOUR SUPPORT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES
Our Camp program does not generate revenue from participants. We depend on generous individuals, like you, to help American Indian youth attend our program and to engage their families.
Every contribution is appreciated!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Share your support for our camp on social media or by emailing our links to your friends and families.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIWellness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIWellnessCamp
Learn more about our curriculum and activities:
https://www.fcm.arizona.edu/outreach/american-indian-youth-wellness-initiative
Make your check or money order payable to:
University of Arizona Foundation, FCM: Youth Wellness Initiative.
Mail to:
The University of Arizona Foundation
For the benefit of the AI Wellness Camp (Gachupin)
PO Box 210109
Tucson, AZ 85721 - 0109
Provides hygiene items (shampoo & conditioner, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, hand sanitizer and sunscreen) for each camper.
Provides arts & crafts materials (paints, paint brushes, canvases, clay), gardening supplies (seeds, soil, pots and stakes) and more!
Each camper receives a jump rope, Frisbee, a choice of basketball, dodgeball or football, a Camp t-shirt and a water bottle.
Covers lunch and healthy snacks for one camper for five days.
Provides staples (beans, rice, pasta, sauces, nut butter) to prevent hunger for participating families (4 - 6 persons per household) experiencing food shortfalls.
Covers all costs for one youth to participate in our one week residential camp. The residential camp kicks off our six month intervention with fun activities and structured learning in the Prescott mountains.
Your contribution helps with sustaining engagement with families to provide health education and outreach.
Support a camper for the entire six months by helping us with curriculum printing, materials, supplies, shipping and ongoing follow-up.
Provide financial support for a Native summer student to learn about research methods, tribal community networking, youth mentoring and results dissemination in a culturally respectful manner.
