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Canoes wait for the campers.
Counselors and campers in talking circle at Camp
Leslie Marrowbone.
Sponge relay on deck of main building
makes for good practice for KP duties.
Swimming is refreshing and fun.
View from the chapel area.
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YMCA Camp Leslie Marrowbone
Please note:
Due to a seven year
drought, the loss of the water front and vandalism, Camp Marrowbone
programs will take place in communities and with overnight camping
trips in the Black Hills and other locations. Watch for more
information
as decisions are made
about the site.
The following is no longer applicable at this time.
Please contact us as a group or as an individual volunteer for
community-based programs.
In 1973, the Sioux YMCA officially
opened Leslie Marrowbone Memorial YMCA Camp on the banks of Lake Oahe.
Since then the services and programs offered by Camp Marrowbone have
continued to grow so that at present we currently offer a unique
resident camp experience to all youth living on Reservations in South Dakota and
many non-reservation children. Campers have the opportunity to enjoy
sports, games, arts and crafts and friendship, while learning
important character values from a caring staff. Come this summer and
be part of the fun!
The Camp YMCA Camp Marrowbone is situated
on a hillside overlooking Lake Oahe surrounded by stunning, natural open
prairie. The 7-14 year old campers and their counselors live in
traditional teepees during their weeklong stay.
There
is a fully equipped kitchen with gas powered stove, electric refrigerators,
city water, phone/fax and
lights. There is also a library building and main building which
houses the staff room, infirmary and arts and crafts room. Meals are
eaten in an open pavilion that also serves as a meeting and activity area.
In 2001, a new, larger, cinder block storm shelter was built in case of severe weather
conditions.
Camp Marrowbone was
connected to water and electricity in 2003.
Plans for a shower facility and
additional roads improvements are projected to 2006. In 2004, TERRO ( a
Tribal training operation) used the camp road to train heavy equipment
road crews. The SD National Guard and local leaders assist the YMCA
with these projects. In the meantime, a "water buffalo" tank is filled
with city water, sun-warmed and connected to a sprinkler system
providing a refreshing shower. The seven years of drought has taken
the waterfront. Youth are transported to a nearby area for safe
swimming, fishing and canoeing.
The Staff The camp staff consists of five to
six counselors, a Camp Director and Food Service Director. Our staff
comes from the Reservation, all over the United States and from many
other countries. They are carefully screened and selected for their
enthusiasm and experience. All staff members must be certified in CPR
and First Aid and receive water safety training to ensure the safety
of our water activities. In addition, staff must agree to lead a Drug/
Alcohol Free Lifestyle for the duration of the program.
Activities
During the 5 to 6 weeks of
operation, a variety of camp activities are offered, including:
canoeing, swimming, hiking, archery, frisbee golf, fishing, arts and crafts, theatre, soccer,
basketball, games, and Lakota cultural activities. Programs are
designed to stress the four Lakota values of Generosity, Wisdom,
Bravery, and Respect. As the sun sets, the day ends with singing, stories and
snacks
around the campfire.
Camp Fee per Week
Camp
fees are $15.00 per resident reservation camper, $75.00 per off reservation
camper. Camp Fees should be mailed to the Sioux YMCA with the
registration form. The Sioux YMCA believes that all children deserve
the opportunity to attend camp regardless of financial situation.
Scholarships are available based on financial need. Please contact the
Sioux YMCA for registration and scholarship information. forms.
Transportation
Next to each session is noted the communities that will be provided
with pick-up that week. Should the camper choose to attend multiple
sessions of camp, it is the family’s responsibility to contact the
Sioux YMCA in advance and arrange pick-up and drop-off in Dupree or
Eagle Butte. Transport can always be caught in Dupree and Eagle Butte
but you MUST CALL the YMCA the week before the camp session (365-5232)
so we know to expect you.
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