A Week In Osage Nation, OK

Located in north central Oklahoma, the Osage Reservation has strong tradition and rich history. Though only 5% of the population still identifies themselves as members of the Osage tribe, the pride and presence of this once far-reaching tribe is still present in this area.

From the Catholic Soup Kitchen to Healthy Kids Camp to community relationships, a week in Osage Nation is an enriching experience. Here’s what a glimpse into a week on-site:

 

Sunday Night

 

WELCOME TO OSAGE NATION! This week, our team in Osage is going to show you around the community. After a tasty Sunday dinner and orientations, these youth and adult leaders are ready for a night of worship in Large Group Gathering, and a week full of Kids Club, Work Projects, and spending time with the people of Pawhuska, OK! Stay tuned this week to hear more from the kids, teens, and friends of YW here in the Osage Nation as we participate in a community softball game, serve at the soup kitchen, and experience Gods love! #YW2016

A video posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 3, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT

Monday

 

“The soup kitchen has been open for 10 years and I’ve been here since it started. I’m 87 years old, and I help out 2-3 days a week here and at Meals on Wheels. It’s great having new groups from YouthWorks each week, and we really appreciate their help every day.” -Ms. Betty The Catholic Soup Kitchen here in Pawhuska serves a meal to many families 7 days a week – last week they served 88 people in one day! Ms. Betty is one of the many dedicated volunteers that keep this program going all year long and YouthWorks is blessed to work along side wonderful volunteers like her! #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 4, 2016 at 10:04am PDT

After a day of service and experiencing Gods love here in Pawhuska, we ended the night with food and fireworks out at the Drummond Ranch!! Happy #fourthofjuly, y’all! #yw2016

A video posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 4, 2016 at 8:21pm PDT

Tuesday

 

“Six weeks before summer began, all of the Osage children programs were shut down. We had parents calling and asking if we could do anything, one parent was going to have to take her kids to Texas for the summer, because that was her only option. The Healthy Kids Camp was approved to start, and a week and a half later on June 4 we opened up.” -Ms. Ashley The close connections YouthWorks has made with staff, teens, and kids in the past few weeks at the Healthy Kids Camp have had a great impact on participants. We are thankful for people like Ashley, who were part of a team that saw a need, and filled it! #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 5, 2016 at 7:59am PDT

“I come to the softball game every week to have fun, and ball. I love anything sports!” -Norris, young adult from Pawhuska Tonight we had a great game of softball out at Finley Field with kids and teens from the community! This long-standing summer tradition is loved by all, and Rev. Finley is the best umpire in town, and makes sure that everyone follows the #1 rules, HAVE FUN and LOVE JESUS! #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 5, 2016 at 5:48pm PDT

Wednesday

 

“This is my second summer at Kids Club. I come to have fun and learn, learn ’bout Jesus!!” -Donna, 10 years old Kids Club is one of the few free kids programs in Pawhuska. It has grown a lot over the past three years, and kids look forward to it ever summer. #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 6, 2016 at 10:28am PDT

Thursday

 

“It’s just a blessing to be able to serve. Serving is what we do.” -Daniel, Trip Leader This summer, we’ve expanded our work project service to include the areas surrounding Pawhuska, within the Osage Nation. This week, Daniel and his crew worked at Wynona Schools painting the halls a fresh new color for the students coming this fall. #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 7, 2016 at 12:02pm PDT

“I come to the cookout to eat, and say goodbye to everyone I met at Kids Club.” -Stormy The community cookout here in Pawhuska is a great way to end the week, say our goodbyes, and have some last moments of fun. #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 7, 2016 at 6:46pm PDT

Want to learn more about serving in Osage Nation? Click here.