Indian Museum Program Set Up For At-Risk Kids

The curators of the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum believe they can help keep at-risk children out of trouble by teaching them survival skills and American Indian philosophy.

Bud and Nancy Thompson say doing so will impart basic values and build self-esteem. Their program is designed for children ages 12 to 17 who need support and intervention but who haven’t been in serious trouble yet.

“We bring the Native American wisdom to today’s situation to try to bring about positive change,” said Steven Lamb, the program administrator and the Thompsons’ son.

“Native American (philosophy) is very much based in nature, and it gets kids connected. Through the experience we feel there will be self-discovery,” he said.

The children will spend two weekends on museum grounds learning skills such as constructing shelters, building safe fires for cooking and warmth, and recognizing and preparing wild foods.

After the four days of intensive instruction, the diversion program will continue for a year with monthly meetings at the museum and two community service weekends.

The idea of teaching American Indian arts and philosophy is nothing new to the museum, which long has sponsored hands-on instruction for all ages as well as weekend events.

Reaching out to children at risk seemed a natural extension of that, Lamb said.