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U.S. Forest Service


3rd Annual Camp Onji-Akiing another Success!

By Lisa Klaus on Jul 7, 2011

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A high ropes course teaches the students to meet challenges and problem solve.

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GLIFWC Botanist shows students the traditional use of plants as dyes.

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Students participate in traditional tribal experiences, such as drumming during an opening ceremony.

Ottawa NF and GLIFWC sponsor a 3-day residential camp for tribal children at Camp Nesbit.

You wake up at 6:00 a.m. The sun is coming up over a beautiful lake and the birds are rushing you to get out of bed. You throw back the covers, jump down from your bunk, and rush out to take part in the morning's first activity: a nature walk in the northwoods along Lake Nesbit. It's going to be another great day at Camp Onji-Akiing!

This year, the Ottawa National Forest and Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) hosted 42 tribal children at Camp Onji-Akiing. This 3-day camp experience was designed as an opportunity for students to become immersed in an outdoor classroom. Programs are designed to offer students a unique hands-on learning experience. During their time at Camp Onji-Akiing, students gain a better understanding of the natural and cultural aspects if the Great Lakes area, environmental sciences, and natural resource career opportunities. Through team-building and personal growth activities, students learn the skills and attitudes they'll need to succeed in the future.

Forest Service employees provided programs on aquatic ecology, wildlife, botany and forestry, as well as fishing, GPS and orienteering sessions. A high-ropes course teaches the students how to face challenges and overcome obstacles. GLIFWC Wardens are also on hand to support archery, cultural exploration, and team building exercises. Over 20 Forest Service and GLIFWC employees volunteered of their time and skills to help create a learning and caring environment. It was another great year!

Plans are already in progress for next year's event and the kids are lining up! Many of these students will tell you that their experience at Camp Onji-Akiing has been life-changing in some ways. And, you know what? The Camp Counselors, volunteers, and support staff will tell you the same thing!

Camp Onji-Akiing is a cooperative effort between the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) and the Ottawa National Forest. The goal is to introduce tribal and non-tribal children to their natural world through integrated educational and recreational programs. The 3-day camp is hosted at Lake Nesbit, a residential camp facility nestled in the northwoods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.