What Is Project Venture

Project Venture is a positive youth development, adventure and wilderness-based, experiential learning program designed for middle school and high school-aged Tribal Youth.

Our Tribal youth program is FREE and open to all Native American teens ages 12-17.

This is an evidence-based program for the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse in Native teens. This program has been adopted by Tribes around the United States and we are adapting it to fit the needs of our Ojibwe culture here on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Project Venture incorporates the best of the values and customs, as well as the most effective ideas from prevention research and youth development.

Goals of Our Program:

• Assist youth in the development of a positive self-concept
• Build effective social and communication skills
• Community service ethic
• Decision making and problem solving skills
• Self-efficacy

Project Venture’s purpose:

To build Individual Resiliency to increase tribal youth resistance to alcohol, tobacco, drugs and other delinquent behaviors.

Project Venture addresses:

• Risk factors such as academic challenges and truancy rates for Native American youth
• Grades and attendance will be closely Grades and attendance will be closely tracked and monitored by the youth program coordinator

Project Venture program serves as a means to:

• Build positive factors in the lives of our youth including having positive and healthy friends
• Participation in healthy and safe activities with peers during leisure time
• Providing a sense of community and safe neighborhood component that fosters youth support systems
• Building a strong community and cultural identity

Six Guiding Principles:

For building a strong foundation of student success:

1. Culture & tradition
2. Strength-based approach
3. Experiential education
4. Service ethic
5. Engagement with nature
6. Connection building: family, community & culture

Our program:

• A year-long sequence of challenges and growth opportunities implemented out of school, weekends, multi-day trips, and adventure summer camps.
• Youth will participate in community service projects and other cultural elements
• Involves a holistic life skills learning approach
• Community building through intensive and positive peer interaction
• Role modeling
• Intergenerational community events

Outdoor Learning is Experienced Through:

• Adventure camps
• Wilderness treks
• Rappelling
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Community oriented service projects
• Skill building exercises
• Challenging group activities

After a year in the Project Venture Program, participants will be allowed to become “Service Staff ” or Peer Leaders to others in the program.

Program Registration

If you are interested in registering your child in our Project Venture Program or have ANY questions, please contact:

Dolores Winn
Youth Program Coordinator

• Email: DWinn@sagchip.org
• Phone: 989.775.4920

Our Mission

Indigenous youth embracing their potential through outdoor adventure and service.