A new youth wellness initiative is underway in Warm Springs, targeting fitness and physical health for young tribal members this summer.
The program launched in early June and is offering structured programming for youth during a season when school-based activities are paused and unstructured time can contribute to physical inactivity. Organizers say the initiative is designed to make exercise and wellness accessible and enjoyable — not mandatory or clinical — for tribal youth of various ages.
Addressing Health Gaps
Health disparities between Native American communities and the broader U.S. population are well-documented. Rates of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are significantly higher in tribal communities, often traced to a combination of historical trauma, food insecurity, limited healthcare access, and reduced physical activity.
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have long worked to address these gaps through tribal health programs, community fitness facilities, and culturally grounded wellness initiatives. The new summer youth program is an extension of that ongoing commitment.
Summer Acceleration Program Also Enrolling
Separately, registration is now open for the three-week Summer Acceleration Program in Warm Springs — an academic enrichment program giving families a structured educational option over the summer break. The program targets learning loss and prepares students for the fall school year.
Together, the wellness initiative and Summer Acceleration Program reflect a community-wide investment in the health and development of Warm Springs youth during the summer of 2026.
How to Enroll
Families interested in the youth wellness initiative or Summer Acceleration Program should contact the Warm Springs tribal education or health departments for more information. Updates are regularly posted through KWSO 91.9 FM at kwso.org — the reservation's community radio station and primary news source for tribal members.
Both programs are free to tribal youth participants.