PHOTOS VIA SHANNON MITCHELL/MESKWAKI MEDIA - The Chicago Bears host Mini Monsters clinics at Mesquakie Indian Settlement, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Tama, Iowa.

The 3rd Annual Chicago Bears Football Training Camp is returning to the Meskwaki Settlement on July 18.

This year, the camp will once again offer the Mini Monsters Camp and will also introduce a new Girls Flag Football Camp. The Bears are committed to hosting the camp, giving local youth another chance to learn football skills and receive mentorship from NFL athletes and training staff.

Over the past three years, the partnership between the Chicago Bears and Meskwaki Nation has grown. In 2024, the Bears first traveled to the Meskwaki Nation to host youth football clinics after Nike committed grant support to help NFL teams connect with Indigenous communities. During that first year, the Bears provided $10,000 worth of football equipment to the Meskwaki community and held camp free of charge to all youth participants.

Building a cultural connection was also important to the Bears. Organizer Gustavo Silva was dedicated to returning, as was Bears Alumni Kaseem Sinceno, who played tight end for two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Bears. In 2025, they returned to build on that relationship by hosting another set of free clinics for local youth.

The partnership also included a $5,000 donation to the Meskwaki youth development program and Nike practice jerseys for the high school football program. In both years, the camps gave youth an opportunity to develop football skills, build confidence, and connect with Bears staff and former players.

Last summer, the Bears staff, lead by Silva, expressed an interest to dive deeper into the Meskwaki culture and were provided with a tour and cultural presentation at the Meskwaki Museum by Tribal Historian Johnathan Buffalo. Not only did Silva and the Bears staff learn about the Tribe’s history, they learned what sports in general mean to the Meskwaki people.

“Sports have been an integral part of the Meskwaki Tribe since its inception, beginning with a game called Atti, which means ‘little brother of war,'” Buffalo said.

Buffalo explained that Atti is likened to modern-day lacrosse, minus any protective equipment or rules. Historically, it was often played when tribes had a dispute. Instead of battling the traditional way with weapons, the sides would play Atti. While Meskwakis took a liking to modern sports such as baseball, softball and basketball in the late 1800s and early 1900s, an interest in football came much later, mostly in the early 2000s.

“Most were introduced to football through television. Some young boys played backyard football, but playing the sport in an organized capacity never seemed possible due to the amount of

equipment required to play,” Buffalo said. “For the past 15 years, our boys have now been playing football, not just out in the yard, but on the field. It’s been a new experience available through the Meskwaki High School. It’s fun to see. Win or lose, we’re proud of our boys. So, culturally, it’s becoming relevant to us.”

PHOTO VIA SHANNON MITCHELL/MESKWAKI MEDIA – The third annual Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp at the Meskwaki Settlement will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

After the tour, a small powwow was held in the Bears’ honor at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds led by Stacey Youngbear and Jerod Pushetonequa.

This year, Silva, Sinceno and the Bears staff will be back to offer new and returning athletes with the chance to learn and grow. The camp will once again be offered to the public free of charge to youth participants, but space is limited.

2026 Camp Details

Location: Meskwaki Settlement School Football Field

Sign-Up Dates: July 1 through July 17

PHOTO VIA SHANNON MITCHELL/MESKWAKI MEDIA

Camp Date: July 18, 2026

Sessions: Mini Monsters Camp: Ages 7-14, 10:30 a.m. to noon (100+ youth)

Girls Flag Football Camp: Ages 7-18, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. (Limited to 75)

*Small snacks will be provided after camp. After signing up, participants will receive a confirmation email and waiver form. To register go to: https://forms.gle/ydKmu5W3ZdmhAY6G7.

Waylon Wolf, Meskwaki Activities Coordinator, shared his excitement about the event.

“If you enjoyed either of the last two years, we hope you come out again. If you didn’t have a chance to participate, here is another opportunity to get training and mentorship from NFL athletes and staff,” he said. “Football is meant to connect people and communities from all walks of life, whether it be as a player, coach or fan. The youth really enjoyed the football drills and interactions with the Chicago Bears in the past, and we hope to add to that experience this year. We’re especially excited to be adding a session for girls’ flag football. This fast-growing sport continues to open doors for girls through teamwork, competition, and future scholarship opportunities.”

Joining Sinceno and the Bears staff will be another former player, offensive lineman Levi Horn, an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe himself. Wolf added that they are working on a time to send some of the Meskwaki coaches to a Bears preseason game in Chicago and get them on the field to meet with players and team staff.

Volunteers are needed for both sessions. For questions or to volunteer, contact Wolf at (641) 484-9298. To continue growing a cultural connection, a special movie night and social dance with the Chicago Bears Training Camp as special guests will be held on Friday, July 17 at 5 p.m. at the Meskwaki Recreation and Community Center.