The Center for Native Health is spearheading a collaborative effort to initiate and grow the youth conservation programs at New Kituwah Academy (NKA) and Cherokee Central Schools (CCS). This initiative involves key partnerships with NKA, CCS, the EBCI Natural Resources Department, and The Wilderness Society. The planning team works together to achieve the following learning objectives for each club: 

1. Understanding Local Ecosystems
   Students will explore rivers, forests, and Cherokee homelands to learn about native plants, animals, and seasonal cycles. Club meetings include guided nature walks, species identification, and hands-on field journals.
   

2. Practicing Cherokee Cultural Stewardship
   Youth learn Cherokee traditional stories, values, and ecological teachings, such as balance, reciprocity, and respect, guided land care. Meetings integrate Cherokee narratives, language, and teachings from cultural knowledge holders.
   

3. Building Conservation Skills
   Students participate in activities such as pollinator planting, habitat and environmental monitoring, water testing, and simple climate resilience practices. Club meetings introduce skills step-by-step, followed by outdoor application.
   

4. Developing Youth Leadership and Teamwork
   Clubs emphasize gadugi (working together), problem-solving, and decision-making. Activities include group challenges, environmental service projects, and student-led discussions.

How These Objectives Will Be Supported:

• Bi-monthly or monthly club meetings combining indoor preparation with outdoor practice

• Quarterly field trips to culturally significant ecological sites

• Collaboration with teachers, cultural experts, and environmental professionals

• Use of hands-on tools such as field guides, monitoring kits, and story-based learning materials

• Opportunities for youth to design micro-projects that benefit their school or community