Abenaki Summer Happening Camp
Because educational opportunities are so important for our children, community members should be aware of the University of Vermont's annual Abenaki Summer Happening camp for Vermont's Native youth. The camp, an 11-year-old program, gives seventh to ninth graders a chance to learn about collegiate opportunities for Abenakis at UVM. Abenaki youth meet with faculty and staff and participate in a variety of fun and educational experiences, all the while learning about specific programs and scholarships available to Abenakis. Participants also get a half-day tour of St. Michael's College in Colchester.
August of 2001 saw about a dozen Abenaki youth from Swanton, Highgate and St. Albans take advantage of the camp to get a taste of the college experience and the academic options provided by UVM. 14-year-old Allison Dandurand of Highgate had this to say, "I learned that colleges have programs in place that support Abenaki students. I never knew that there were groups and people on campus to help us. I also never knew that colleges had scholarships for Abenakis. I think it's great (quoted in the Burlington Free Press)."
To coordinate the program, UVM recently hired Ken Maskell, an Abenaki with a background in health and education. Maskell will also serve as a liaison between the university and the Native community. He can be reached at UVM at 802-656-3819.
This website was funded through a Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.