PROGRAM INITIATIVE

Mochik Ania - Camp Turtle

"An opportunity to slow down like a turtle and re-connect to the land"

In August each year we host an arts and sustainability-focused 4-day camp for Native families of all ages. A special gathering where everyone gets to relax, eat healthy, share, learn, and have fun together at a secluded solar-powered off-grid homestead deep in the woods of the Finger Lakes.

Camp participants engage in:

Fire making skills
Nature walks building relationships with the forest and pond
Morning exercise and yoga
Plant, fungi, and water relationships teachings
Camping in a giant tipi or own tent
Stargazing by a bonfire
Art (past workshops include corn husk dolls, solar photograms, and songwriting)
Outdoor kitchen meal preparation
Photovoltaic (solar power) hands-on projects

and more!

Named in honor of Ralph “Turtle” Panaro, a Seneca bowmaker and outdoorsman. He loved sharing his passion for nature and traditional ways with all ages, but especially young people.

Parents and family members are welcome to bring youth (and elders) of any age. Our goal is to provide a healthy, wholesome, educational, and creative experience that’s accessible to everyone, whether experienced campers or not. Strengthening families through connection with the natural world and fun camp memories for a lifetime!

The Mochik Ania - Camp Turtle Intention and Vision

The camp exists to empower young people and their families by focusing on our original teachings as stewards of Mother Earth. Self-discovery and artistic expression are grounded in the land, traditional knowledge, and culture, while also including the wide world of sustainability and media arts technologies.

What Happens at Camp?

Native families have an opportunity to immerse themselves in a fun, supportive, empowering, and creative environment, where they can re-member their relationship with the land, learn empowering practices for self and community care, and experience hands-on learning with the arts and sustainable lifeways.