The Voice of Southwest Louisiana News Magazine June 2017

My Senior Moment 2.0
CAMP COUSHATTA
SUMMER OUTDOOR FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
By Joyce R. Kebodeaux
How much do any of us really know
about our own culture or that of our
neighbors? In June a short trip to
Camp Coushatta near Elton, Louisiana would
be both educational and fun for all ages.
Several years ago Rayne Langley and other
members of the Coushatta Tribe thought
their children didn’t know about their
ancestors and the past. Thus the summer
outdoor camp was begun. First the oldest
children were taught skills; then became
counselors to their younger siblings, cousins
and friends. They in turn teach the visitors
at Camp Coushatta. Not only the skills and
crafts of their tribe are featured but those of
other Native Americans as well.
Over the years it was learned that by
teaching the skills and crafts to others the
young Coushatta participants retained
much more knowledge about their culture
than the camp founders had expected. The
camp brings together Coushatta Children;
separated from each other. Some living in
other states, others go to different schools
and participating in sports and many
different activities. Every year at camp they
come together, meet their relatives, making
new friends and learn about their past. The
camp, a teaching process, is now old enough
that the children, ages 10-18 who were once
the camp trainees are now the counselors.
Several weeks ago when the leaders and
staff were training for the program I spoke
to Camp director Rayne Langley who said
“The camp has grown to include 70 camp
workers, 16 supervisors and 20 stations. This
year again we’ll have archery, tomahawk
throws, jewelry-making, and basket weaving.
There is a weapons and tool display and the
nature station. A corn soup demonstration is
added to our program and also one for the
Koasati language, both new. The elders and
counselors are refreshing the children on the
language and perfecting the soup making”.
“The camp not only teaches our visitors
but our children learn as well. First they
understand and appreciate their own
culture. They gain experience and learn self
esteem. They learn to respect authority,
teamwork, and responsibility [for supplies
and equipment]. They learn public speaking
and work ethics. Also reuniting with relatives
is a big part of the camp and also the fun
they share.
A few summers ago I loaded four of my
grandchildren and headed there. The
campground spread out over a large area
but not so big as to become separated. It
is safe for small children. Our curiosity kept
us together as we got answers to our many
questions. The students and counselors had
done their homework. I had as much fun and
learned as much as everybody there. Archery
was as interesting to girls as to boys. We
learned about beads and even made small
items to take back with us. We spent several
hours going to all the stations and learning
about plants and trees on the way. A favorite
was the one making Indian Bread. We each
got a sample. [Yummy.] The camp ends with
a Powwow with the youth dressed in full
regalia showcasing traditional dance styles
and drum performances in the outdoor
arena. Again visitors are asked to join in the fun.
Growing up in Southwest Louisiana I never
knew there was a tribe here. A trip to the
Camp Coushatta is much different than
the movies we seniors saw as children with
Indians chasing cowboys and wagon- trains.
Families, groups and individuals are invited
to come out. With children on vacation
from school, visiting with grandparents,
we seniors look for activities that interest
them. Why not put on the walking shoes and
drive them to Camp Coushatta to enjoy this
wonderful gift our neighbors give us.
Free camp begins June 6-July 12
from 9am to noon on Tuesdays
and Wednesdays.
At the Coushatta Reservation off Powell Road
three miles north of Elton, la.
Drumming Station
Face Painting Station
Frybread Station
Language Station
Nature Station
Volume 4 • Number 9 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM June 2017 15