PHOTO VIA MESKWAKI MEDIA

Last weekend, members of the Chicago Bears made the trip to central Iowa for the second time to host the Mini Monsters Youth and High School football camp at the Meskwaki Settlement and donated $5,000 to the Meskwaki Nation Youth Program. Meskwaki Youth Athletic Program Coordinator Stacy Youngbear expressed her gratitude after the camp had concluded.

“For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bears brought us a day filled with football, coaching, and connecting with our youth. In addition to the on-field instruction and their generous donation to the Meskwaki Nation’s football program, the kids were gifted with Nike practice jerseys, Bears-logo bags, and event t-shirts,” Youngbear said. “A huge thank-you to Gustavo Silva, Bears Alum Kaseem Sinceno, Lenny Smith, Gabby Hajduk, and Bailey Black for making the trip from Illinois and bringing this opportunity to our community once again. We were excited to learn more about the Bears’ growing efforts to expand flag football across the country and look forward to seeing more opportunities for young athletes in this area. We also deeply appreciate the support of our local helpers who made the day run smoothly: Matt Bear, Denny Keahna, Waylon Wolf, Crystal Mzhickteno, Karsyn Wolf, Kailyn Wolf, Kayla Morgan, Steffanie Youngbear-Benda, Jasmine Davenport, Darren Derhammer, Conner Derhammer, Dan Aguilar, Zek Wabaunasee, Aunew Brekke, Bam Bear, Sarah Keahna, Pippen Keahna, Tanner Large, and Malcom Hawk. Thank you all.”

Additionally, Johnathan Buffalo hosted a meaningful museum tour for the Bears staff, Meskwaki Settlement School prepared the football field, Meskwaki Media’s Beeber Roberts filmed all the events, the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel provided tickets to the MMA event and helped with catering and Meskwaki Annual Powwow Association’s Jerod Pushetonequa, Drayton Roberts and Nicole Kapayou organized the special Social Dance on Friday in honor of the Bears’ visit. “This camp was more than just football – it was community, culture, and collaboration in action. We appreciate this continued partnership and all those who made it possible,” Youngbear said.