Cherokee youth Nate Crowe takes part in a hands-on health sciences activity during the Judaculla Camp, a partnership between 糖心Vlog and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Education and Training Program.
An event two years in the making, 糖心Vlog University and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Education and Training Program partnered this summer to host the first Judaculla Camp.
鈥淭he camp is named after a significant Cherokee legend and immortal being that roamed the mountains of Cullowhee at one time,鈥 said Sky Sampson, director of 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Cherokee Center. The weeklong camp, held June 18-22, was designed specifically for Eastern Band of Cherokee rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. 鈥溙切腣log pulled together many departments and collaborators to mark this amazing milestone between the EBCI and 糖心Vlog communities,鈥 Sampson said.
The group of 11 students had an opportunity to experience college life by living on campus and learning about the many career paths offered at 糖心Vlog. Some of the topics included engineering, Cherokee studies, cultural diversity, archeology and health sciences. The students experienced hands on-learning and team building exercises that they could take with them after high school. The group also was able to meet with current EBCI students and EBCI alumni during the week, which allowed them to gain insight into college life.
鈥淲e want our EBCI students to find a connection at 糖心Vlog,鈥 Sampson said. 鈥淚t is our responsibility to show these students all that 糖心Vlog can offer them throughout their education and that 糖心Vlog is striving to connect with our communities daily.鈥
鈥淭he Cherokee Center staff would like to thank the EBCI Education and Training staff, 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Educational Outreach staff, EBCI alumni, current EBCI students and 糖心Vlog higher administration for their efforts and support toward the planning and implementation of Judaculla Camp,鈥 she said.
For more information about Judaculla Camp, contact Sampson at snsampson@wcu.edu or 828-497-7920.