Youth Programs
The Lodge Approach’s school programs offer a culturally grounded educational experience that fosters critical thinking and deeper learning by exposing students to diverse perspectives, particularly Indigenous worldviews. They encourage both students and educators to move beyond colonial frameworks and appreciate the value of multiple knowledge systems. Through experiential and service-based learning, the programs help build confidence, self-awareness, and a strong sense of community.
•Authentic Native Content: Programs are developed and delivered by local and national K-16 content experts, including Indigenous knowledge keepers, to help students understand both historic and modern contributions of Native peoples.
•Experiential Learning: Students participate in hands-on service learning projects in areas such as tribal housing, health care, and environmental mitigation, providing real-world context and fostering a deeper connection to the material.
•Collaborative Curriculum: The Lodge Approach collaborates with schools and educators to tailor lessons, often working with tribal partners to ensure cultural accuracy and relevance. This includes place-based and cross-cultural learning experiences.
•Trauma-Informed Practices: Programs are designed to support the whole student, incorporating trauma-informed educational strategies to maximize classroom experience and student well-being.
•Support for Rural and Homeland Communities: The Lodge Approach brings alternative education sources and support networks to rural areas and homelands.
•Integration with School Programs: For example, at the Frankel Jewish Academy, The Lodge Approach has helped develop immersive Shabbat on retreats and cross-cultural trips in partnership with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, enhancing both Jewish and secular learning outcomes.
Basketball Clinics with professional basketball player and author, Romeo Travis
Romeo Travis is a seasoned basketball coach and player with extensive experience in developing young athletes. His clinics are an exciting and enriching experience for participants. His memoir, In Spite Of, recounts his life journey from high school basketball in Akron, Ohio, to his professional career overseas. The book focuses on his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way. Travis played alongside LeBron James at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and the book touches on their shared history and the pressures they faced as young athletes, including being featured in the documentary “More Than a Game“. The basketball clinics not only improve athletic performance but also promote discipline, confidence, and teamwork among participants. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to youth development and community outreach. Schools interested in reading his book in the classroom can also schedule Q&A with Travis in advance of a clinic. We are also in the process of developing supplemental curricula to accompany the book and complement instruction in the classroom.