“The experience created space for culture, identity, and education to come together — and set the tone for what’s to come.”- Shelby Lofton
OKMULGEE – The Mvskoke Traditions 4-H camp was held at the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) on July 30-31. The two day camp was a hands-on learning experience in Mvskoke traditions, art, language and foodways for youth in grades 3-12. The camp was open to all tribal youth- some of the campers were Mvskoke, Cherokee, Navajo, Osage, Yuchi, Paiute, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole, and Ojibwe.
The camp was a collaboration between the CMN Extension Program, Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension, OSU-Okmulgee County Extension, and the OSU Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP).
The camp reached full capacity, and according to Shelby Lofton (Cherokee) the good showing opened doors to have an official launch of a Mvskoke 4-H: Ocmulgee Club. Lofton explained, “The camp quickly reached its 25-student cap, with over 40 young people registering — highlighting the strong demand for culturally grounded youth programming.”
4-H is a national youth development organization coordinated through university extension programming. 4-H programs use hands-on projects in health, science, agriculture, and community work with an emphasis on developing the four Hs: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Lofton works as the OSU Extension Agriculture / 4-H Youth Development / FRTEP Educator for Okmulgee County and the MCN and coordinates the event.
“This camp was more than just a two-day event — it marked the first time CMN Extension and OSU Extension (through both Okmulgee County and the FRTEP Educator) partnered to offer 4-H programming to Muscogee youth. It was a milestone moment for both institutions and a meaningful success,” Lofton said. “Parent feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect their children with traditions and knowledge that they may not encounter elsewhere.”
The cultural atmosphere was set the first day of camp when campers were split into groups named after the Three Sisters: Vce (Corn), Tvlako (beans) and Tvhvyv (squash), and learned the traditional meaning behind their names.
During the two-day camp, CMN instructors and staff Ben Yahola (Mvskoke), Colton Wood (Mvskoke), Danielle Fixico (Chickasaw/Mvskoke), Thomas Berryhill (Mvskoke), and Matthew Yates (Mvskoke) lead activities in pottery, painting, and cultural games, like stickball. Instruction included traditional knowledge and details like traditional pottery-making techniques, and the Mvskoke clan system. Cassandra Thompson (Mvskoke) and the MCN Department of Education and Training led the campers in corn husk making
Campers were also introduced to the game of chunky. “The group then moved into a special session of chunky using two authentic chunky stones brought by Ben Yahola. One of the stones was from the Cahokia Mounds Chunky Court and dates back to 900 AD. The other was from the Wickliffe Mounds Chunky Court and dates to 1300 AD,” Lofton said.
“This marked the first time a game of chunky had been played by youth on the CMN campus. The experience of physically engaging with these ancient game stones and learning their cultural significance created a powerful connection between youth and their ancestors.”
Campers also got into the garden with an outdoor scavenger hunt led by CMN Extension Horticulture Educator Courtney Natseway (Mvskoke/Yakima/Laguna Pueblo). Youth were able to explore CMN’s garden while they identified different plants. After the game, campers did a personalized dish garden activity using a variety of plants either grown by CMN Extension and CMN Environmental Science Club or the Okmulgee County Community Gardeners and other local contributors.
“This gardening experience helped youth connect with where their food comes from, deepening their understanding of plants and land stewardship. It also introduced them to foundational ideas of food sovereignty — understanding how growing and caring for plants contributes to community wellness, independence, and cultural survival,” Lofton said.
To close out the 2 day experience, the camp ended with a pottery painting, story telling and music session with Yahola.
“Youth learned new Creek words and phrases, practiced songs, and reflected on their experience — wrapping up two full days of cultural learning, community building, and personal growth,” Lofton said.
The success of the camp has led to creating an official Mvskoke 4-H:Ocmulgee Club, which will serve youth from both tribal and non-tribal backgrounds. According to Lofton, “The club is a result of the growing partnership between CMN Extension and the OSU Extension FRTEP Educator for the MCN to deliver year-round youth programming that centers community, leadership, and Muscogee culture.”
“While open to all, the club is intentionally designed to blend Creek language, values, and cultural teachings into the proven structure of 4-H — giving youth the best of both worlds.”
This club will have their official launch on August 21 at CMN. Youth and families are able to attend, meet the team and learn about how to be part of this new chapter.
For more information you can contact Shelby Lofton at 918-756-1958 and her email is shelby.lofton@okstate.edu
