ZUNI, N.M. — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will host its 18th Annual Summer Camp from June 22 to July 17, offering a four-week program designed to provide deeper, more intentional learning experiences rooted in culture and community. Camp will take place Monday through Friday—with no camp on June 29, June 30 or July 3—and conclude July 17 with a social-dance celebration at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School.
Registration is now underway for the program, which serves children ages 6-12. It will remain open until all 120 spots are filled.
This year’s theme, “Tse’mak Kokshi, Tse’mak Tsu’mme,” reflects the heart of Summer Camp. The phrase translates directly to “good thoughts and feelings, strong thoughts and feelings,” but its meaning extends further: With positive thoughts and intentions, young people can build the strength and capacity to navigate challenges and succeed in their lives.
“The staff who developed this theme care deeply about helping our youth build resilience,” said Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP’s executive director. “We want them to understand that how they think and approach the world matters. When they practice positive thinking and intention, they are preparing themselves to handle whatever life brings.”
She noted that the ZYEP youth development team is applying that same intentionality to this year’s Summer Camp structure. For example, the team has adjusted the daily schedule to better meet the needs of campers and their families; instead of maintaining an 8 a.m. start time, camp days will now begin with breakfast between 8:30 and 9 a.m., creating a more accessible start to the day.
The team also has streamlined the curriculum to focus on depth rather than breadth. In previous years, campers rotated through three activity areas per day, often on a tight schedule. In 2026, they will participate in two activity areas per day, allowing more time for engagement, reflection and skill-building.
Natachu-Eriacho confirmed six core activity areas for this summer: Traditional Dance, Traditional Art, Zuni Culture, Nutrition (which includes gardening), Physical Activity, and Free Time. Among these, Zuni Culture continues to stand out as a cornerstone of the program. Led by Willard Zunie, the activity received especially strong feedback in 2025.
“Ninety percent of our campers said it was their favorite activity,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We’ve never seen numbers like that in our historical data.”
In addition to regular daily programming, campers will have opportunities to participate in two “Fun Fridays.” Scheduled for June 26 and July 2, these experiences will connect youth with local organizations and resources, including the Zuni Senior Center, A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center, A:shiwi College and Career Center, and Zuni Healthy Lifestyles.
In some cases, campers will travel to Fun Fridays locations. In others, partners such as Albuquerque-based Explora will come to Zuni.
“These experiences show our kids what’s possible,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “They get to see the resources and opportunities—and even career paths—that are available to them.”
The popular ZYEP Camp Store also will return this year. With Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa at the helm, this initiative recognizes campers for demonstrating Zuni values; youth earn tickets for positive actions and can redeem them for games and small rewards, reinforcing both personal responsibility and cultural teachings.
Behind the scenes, ZYEP is building a team of 22 Summer Camp counselors, ages 16 to 24, who will guide and mentor participants throughout the summer. Twelve counselors will be returning to the program, while the others are new to the experience.
According to Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP tries to maintain a roughly 50-50 split each year. Returning counselors play a key role in modeling expectations, supporting their peers and creating a consistent, strengths-based environment for both campers and staff.
“Our returning counselors provide continuity and mentorship, while new counselors bring fresh energy,” she explained. “That combination is important for the kids and the health and sustainability of the program. We’ve also had many wonderful full-circle moments when former campers come back and apply to be counselors.”
The Zuni Education and Career Development Center (ZECDC) continues to be a critical partner in this effort, funding half of this year’s counselor positions. ZYEP is supporting the remaining roles.
“For many years, ZECDC has proudly supported the ZYEP Summer Camp by helping create employment opportunities for camp counselors from our community,” said Bernadette Panteah, division director for education and training at the Pueblo of Zuni. “Rooted in Zuni values of working together, supporting our youth and strengthening our families, the work ZYEP does uplifts both children and young leaders. These opportunities help our youth grow, give back and carry forward our traditions.”
Shannon Vicenti, an employment counselor with ZECDC, also emphasized the impact of the partnership.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” she said. “I love seeing each youth grow into their own. Both programs give our youth the confidence to want to make a change within our community. Our community should be our playground of dreams, where there are endless possibilities for all to be successful.”
As ZYEP prepares for the start of camp next month, the focus remains on creating a program that is both meaningful and sustainable. As Natachu-Eriacho points out, Summer Camp’s impact extends far beyond the summer months.
“This work is about building something that lasts,” she said. “When we create space for kids to feel supported, to learn and to grow, that stays with them.”
ZYEP’s 18th Annual Summer Camp is made possible through the support of the Colorado Plateau Foundation, McCune Charitable Trust, New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Behavioral Health Services Division, New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund, Newman’s Own Foundation, NoVo Foundation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Santa Fe Garden Club, Seventh Generation Fund, Zuni Education and Career Development Center, Zuni Public School District and ZYEP donors from across the country.