Summer Camp 2025: Honoring Tradition, Vision, and Resilience

By Maura Pratt, AMLT Summer Camp Coordinator

Chairman Val Lopez originally conceived the Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) Annual Summer Camp as a sacred time for families to convene each year at Cascade Ranch. For seven days, tribal members gathered to camp, learn, and strengthen communal bonds. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this cherished tradition, creating a profound absence. For many, summer camp was not merely an event—it was a singular occasion each year for families to reunite. In response, AMLT adapted by hosting virtual camps for two consecutive years, preserving the spirit of connection.

In 2021, Lisa Carrier assumed the role of camp coordinator. Lisa possessed a remarkable aptitude for planning and dedicated herself to curating a summer camp experience that was both enriching and joyful for our youth. Her vision extended beyond a week of activities; she imagined the camp as a living learning center. Here, children could immerse themselves in cultural traditions, language revitalization, land stewardship, and community engagement.

Each year, Lisa infused the program with creativity and drew upon a robust network of collaborators. She ensured that the camp reflected the voices and aspirations of the youth. Tragically, following the 2024 summer camp, Lisa was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on December 18, 2024. Her final thoughts remained centered on the well-being of the children—underscoring her unwavering commitment to their future. Her words continue to resonate deeply: our youth must stay at the heart of our work. We thank Lisa and hope to continue to honor her legacy in making camp what it is today.

We also want to highlight our gratitude to our numerous partners who helped make camp happen. Funders, educators, volunteers, and friends collectively made this camp one of the most successful to date. We want to thank this year’s funders: California State Coastal Conservancy for their grant funding via their Explore the Coast program, UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Tides Foundation by virtue of their Environmental Stewardship Fund, and a generous anonymous private donor. Thank you for your commitment to our youth!

Highlights from camp include:

Art Day (Monday): Friends of Lisa Carrier led cartooning workshops focusing on this year’s camp theme, Native Coastal Trees
Food Sovereignty Day (Tuesday): Hosted at Pie Ranch under the guidance of Clarissa Luna, children learned about Native food sources from around the world.
Forest Day (Wednesday): Facilitated by Steven Pratt, Lisa Gilbert, and instructors from Cabrillo College, kids learned about the importance of our tree relatives.
Mutsun Ways Day (Thursday): Featured teachings by Vera Powers, including doll-making and crafting traditional bull kelp rattles. Followed by a traditional meal of elk burgers and rabbit sausage.
River Day (Friday): Led by Carolyn Luna, who shared insights on indigenous traditions from her doctoral research at UC Berkeley.

Each evening concluded with a Talking Circle, where youth and mentors gathered for reflection and learning with a different focus each day. Thank you to the following who shared their knowledge with the kids:

Mark Mondragon: Fire Ecology
Chairman Valentine Lopez: Cultural Teachings
Ed Ketchum: Storytelling
Nora Castro: Closing Family Circle

We appreciate all who made this special time for our youth happen!

Reflecting on the week, the theme that came through for so many who attended was “healing.” It was a time for relatives to reconnect with each other, their ancestors, and their culture and heal through togetherness. And though Lisa was not present in body, we honored her legacy by continuing the work she so passionately championed.

AMLT Annual Summer Camp is more than a program—it is a promise: that our youth will always have a place to gather, to learn, and to grow in the traditions of our people.