We’re beyond grateful to the Chicago Bears for bringing the Mini Monsters Youth and High School Football Camp to the Meskwaki Settlement this past weekend and for their generous $5,000 donation to the Meskwaki Nation’s Youth Program.
For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bears brought us a day filled with football, coaching, and connecting with our youth. In addition to the on-field instruction and their generous donation to the Meskwaki Nation’s football program, the kids were gifted with Nike practice jerseys, Bears-logo bags, and event t-shirts.
A huge thank-you to Gustavo Silva, Bears Alum Kaseem Sinceno, Lenny Smith, Gabby Hajduk, and Bailey Black for making the trip from Illinois and bringing this opportunity to our community once again. Special thanks to Baily Black for providing the photos. We were excited to learn more about the Bears’ growing efforts to expand flag football across the country and look forward to seeing more opportunities for young athletes in this area.
We also deeply appreciate the support of our local helpers who made the day run smoothly: Matt Bear, Denny Keahna, Waylon Wolf, Crystal Mzhickteno, Karsyn Wolf, Kailyn Wolf, Kayla Morgan, Steffanie Youngbear-Benda, Jasmine Davenport, Darren Derhammer, Conner Derhammer, Dan Aguilar, Zek Wabaunasee, Aunew Brekke, Bam Bear, Sarah Keahna, Pippen Keahna, Tanner Large, and Malcom Hawk. Thank you all.
Additional thanks to:
• Johnathan Buffalo, for hosting a meaningful museum tour for the Bears staff
• Meskwaki Settlement School, for preparing the football field
• Meskwaki Media’s Beeber Roberts, for filming all the events
• The Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, for tickets to the MMA event and help with catering
• Meskwaki Annual Powwow Association’s Jerod Pushetonequa, Drayton Roberts & Nicole Kapayou, for organizing the special Social Dance on Friday in honor of the Bears’ visit
This camp was more than just football – it was community, culture, and collaboration in action. We appreciate this continued partnership and all those who made it possible.
~ Stacy Youngbear, Youth Athletic Program Coordinator