Seven Wonders

Miká means raccoon in the Omaha-Ponca language. The Omaha and Ponca tribes are closely related. They both are native to Nebraska and they speak the same language. The tribes were once united, but separated after the exhibition of Lewis and Clark. Raccoons are intelligent, nocturnal mammals that are able to easily adapt to their habitat. They are native to the central portion of North America, but now their population spreads across both North and South America.

Mindfulness Moment
Grounding activities calm anxiety and stress. This activity uses all five senses to identify specific items, engaging all parts of the brain. Begin with identifying five different things you can see. Then, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and finally, one thing you can taste. This activity can be especially impactful if you take extra time while identifying each item. Take deep breaths in between each sense.

Skiriki means Coyote in the Pawnee language. In Pawnee mythology, coyote is the trickster figure. The figure often takes both a human and animal forms. Pawnee stories with coyotes can tell light-hearted funny tales, but can range to more serious legends about the world. The Skiriki tree is a Cedar tree. Although many types of cedar trees are found in North America, they are not native to the continent. Cedar trees have adapted so their seeds are bad tasting, to protect themselves against squirrels! Skiriki can be found farther uphill from Lookout Point.

Mindfulness Moment
Walking around in nature has calming effects on the whole body. It decreases anxiety symptoms and relaxes the body through the release of the neurotransmitter known as GABA. Another activity that shares these effects is giving hugs, both to humans and trees. Not everyone likes giving hugs, so if wanting a human hug, be sure to ask for consent! When giving a hug to a tree, be mindful of any hazards on the tree or the surroundings.

Čhápa means beaver in the Lakota language. The Lakota people are one of the first original Native American tribes who lived in the North Americans. They originally lived in the upper Mississippi region, then forced to the Great Plains, then South Dakota. Čhápa is a cottonwood tree. Cottonwood trees are one of the most popular species in all of North America. They commonly grow close to streams and rivers for an access to water. Čhápa is found near Beaver’s Crossing.

Mindfulness moment
Box breathing can be used to slow down breathing patterns, and bring calmness to the body. This technique is especially effective if you imagine a square during this exercise. Begin at one corner. Breathe in for four seconds. Hold this breath in for four seconds. Then let this breath go for four seconds. Finally, pause for four seconds, then repeat. As your breath becomes slower and your heart rate slows, try adding an extra second or two to each side of the box.

Wapti means antelope in the Potawatomi language. The Potawatomi people were originally native to Eastern North America. When European settlers first arrived, Potawatomi people migrated to the Great Lakes region. In 1830, The Indian Removal Act was signed, forcing Native people from the land they were living on. The Potawatomi tribe moved South to a reservation in Kansas, where the majority of living members still live. Wapti is a cottonwood tree just like Čhápa. The cottonwood tree is Nebraska’s state tree. Wapti can be found near Eagles Crossing.

Mindfulness Moment
Movement and exercise have been proven by countless scientists and researchers to be beneficial to mental health. While there is no need to do a difficult workout at this moment, a couple of gentle movements will have very similar effects. There are many ways of moving the body, and each person has different preferences of their choice of movement. Some examples include, yoga and stretching, running, dancing, walking, balancing, jumping rope, and swimming.

This point is one of the highest in all of camp. Years ago, one could look out and see the entire Platte River valley. The Platte River was once a great roadway to the West. It was used by fur traders, migrants, military expeditions and gold seekers. The Platte River was especially used on the Mormon Trail and the Oregon Trail. Lookout point can be found up-trail from Čhápa and Beaver’s Crossing.

Mindfulness Moment
Setting goals is an important skill. Even the creation of goals boosts self-confidence and how a person views themselves. It brings awareness to one’s strengths and weaknesses. When making a goal, they have to be specific and measurable. The key to achieving a goal is consistency. To begin making a goal, think about what the goal is going to achieve, why is achieving this goal important? Make sure the goal is specific and attainable. Think about how much time it might take to complete this goal, be realistic. Once you have a goal in mind, write it down. Plan out steps that can help you succeed at achieving this goal. An example would be: I want to be able to make three new friends. What is my plan to make new friends? I will start by greeting people I see. Then I will ask questions to get to know others. I will listen to what they have to say to show I care. I will continue to spend more time with these new friends to continue building connections.

Ikatik is Kitaki spelled backwards. The lake at Kitaki used to be a rock quarry. Rock quarries are places where rocks, sand or minerals are extracted from the Earth. These resources are most commonly used as building materials. Some can eventually fill with water creating artificial lakes, just like at camp.

Mindfulness Moment
Affirmations are statements that have the power to increase confidence, positivity and ambition. It’s sometimes difficult to believe these statement the first couple of times state it them. This activity takes practice, but can overall improve positivity! Some examples include: I believe in myself. My best is enough. I can choose to have a positive mindset. I can make a difference.

Fossil Canyon has taken hundreds of years to form. It’s uniqueness today, will not look the same in another hundred years. Canyons form from weathering and erosion. Wind, rain, snow and animals help to shape the land. Fossils are remains from both plants and animals that have been buried in several layers of soil and rock. In some areas of Nebraska, fossils have been found of marine life, meaning areas of the state were once completely covered in water.

Mindfulness Moment
By giving yourself complements, you begin to grow your self confidence and self esteem. Kind words toward ourselves, and others, increases the feelings of acceptance and value. This leads to a more positive mindset and an overall happier mood. It is recommended that these complements are genuine and do not have anything to do with appearance. Some examples include: I love when I run really fast, it makes me feel strong. I love my artistic abilities. I love showing my kindness in meeting new people.