Youth Council members and sponsors attending the retreat include: first row, from left, Barry Needham, Jared Alexander, Brandon Blankenship, Katie Mitchell, Laura Ash, Tonya Bierce, Meagan Bridgman, Shannon Brown, William Hickman and Zack Stepps. Back row, from left, Mashili Billy, Leah Puller, Cara Lampkin, Nacobi Walker, Jonah Puller, Vincent Baptiste, Bridgette Bell, Courtney Parchcorn and Tre Pickens.

Leah Puller, Cara Lampkin, Meagan Bridgman, Nacobi Walker, Tre Pickens and Courtney Parchcorn, from right, enjoy a day out at Robber’s Cave State Park near Wilburton, Okla. during the Youth Retreat.

Seventeen members of the Chickasaw Nation Youth Council spent a weekend in April building closer relationships with one another during a Youth Retreat, conducted April 4-5 in remote Quinton, Okla.

The two-day trip gave youth council members a chance to experience new things, and get better acquainted with one another, said Tonya Bierce, Youth Council Leadership Coordinator.

Dubbed “My Big Redneck Weekend,” council members spent Saturday participating in activities including archery, skeet shooting, and riding all terrain vehicles. Boating and fishing on a private lake were also enjoyed by the group.

Following a hay ride Saturday evening, the group gathered around the camp fire and discussed the direction of the youth council and ideas for fundraising projects.

On Saturday night, the young men pitched tents and the young women stayed at a large rustic cabin.

“It was like camping with a real bathroom,” said Katie Mitchell, youth council member from Ringling, Okla.

“All the activities were interesting, and I took chances and tried new things that I haven’t tried before,” Katie said. “I also liked it when we all came together and talked about what we can do to improve youth council and ideas for fundraisers. It made it seem more like a family.”

Food was also a big part of the retreat, and according to Jonah Puller, a 19-year-old from Ada.

“It was a unique experience to go to a private ranch and grub on real hamburger,” he said. “I enjoyed the outdoor experience and the s’mores.”

After a Sunday devotional, the group went to Robber’s Cave for a morning hike, before having lunch in McAlester and returning to Ada.

“I had a lot of fun hanging out with all the other youth councils and getting to know all the members. It was a fun and awesome experience!” said Ada 15-year-old Nacobie Walker.

Vincent “Vinnie” Baptiste, 17, said the getaway was unlike any other camp he has attended.

For more information about Youth Leadership Council, contact Tonya Bierce at 580-310-9540.