From an introduction into the Youth Ambassador’s Program to archery, the children attending the 2011 Summer Jam event have already filled their days with educational activities, arts and crafts, and special events.

“Summer Jam is a six week summer day camp,” explains Suzy Farmer, youth development coordinator for the Oneida Nation Recreation Department. “We have a variety of electives this year. We have drama, cooking, golf lessons, archery, Youth Ambassador Program, and fishing. And the kids get to choose, with their parents, what they wanted to learn this summer.”

The program, open to Nation Members and Health Center clients who are entering grades 3 to 7 in the fall, began on July 5. Highlights included visiting Peterpaul Recreation in Rome, Big Don’s Wild River Mini Golf in Cicero, RockVentures in Rochester, Thunder Island in Fulton, and Six Flags Great Escape at Lake George.

“It’s a different learning setting than schools. We also incorporate team work, sportsmanship, manners and respect,” said Suzy.

Among the topics covered this summer is bullying, a subject which seems to be dominating the headlines this year. Each Tuesday, representatives from Behavioral Health work with Summer Jam participants to cover the topic, addressing the benefits of feeling good about themselves and others, discussing how not to be a bully, and explaining how to avoid a bully with positive thinking.

“Good sportsmanship is huge with us. We really want them to have special skills,” Suzy added. “We want to teach the children manners and respect. That way, they’re more successful through life too.”

Summer Jam is just one of many programs held during the year for students. Others include after school programs, the Youth Ambassador Program, the Junior Youth Ambassador Program, and school break activities.