Our Story
A New Vision for the Youth in our Community
When UAII began operations in 1974 on Skid Row in Downtown LA, there were many American Indian families battling issues of alcoholism, violence, and poverty. UAII leadership wanted to provide an opportunity to show the youth something different - outside their concrete jungle. Through the vision of Robert Sundance and David Rambeau, opportunities were created for the youth to introduce them to a "larger" world beyond Skid Row.
In 1990, UAII held its first summer camp with only a handful of kids, 2 staff, and donated food. From those humble beginnings, we have grown to become a youth summertime institution in Los Angeles. Thousands of youth from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Diego, Inyo, and Arizona have joined us at camp and shared in our tradition. Our motto for our program is "Different Clans, One Nation, Our Dream for Future Alcohol-free Generations."
The camp is comprised of youth ages 5-12 (85%), and teens ages 13-18 (15%). Supported by all the programs of United American Indian Involvement, Inc., and our partner organizations, we provide a week-long residential camp that offers outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping. Social activities like arts/crafts, theatre, and games offer our youth a relaxing environment to get to know other American Indian youth. What makes our camp unique is our shared American Indian culture which is infused into all our programming.
Camp update
This year's camp is full!
On June 23rd our camp application process reached capacity. Our registration process opened in April and we have now reached our limit. Thank you to everyone that submitted your application and remember all documents must be completed by our due date: July 18th.