VANCOUVER, WA-The countdown for Wiconi's 11th annual "Living Waters" Family Camp has begun. The camp begins on Thursday, July 23, and ends Sunday, July 26, at noon.

According to Family Camp Coordinator Gary Eastty, everyone is invited and welcome. "There will be 'hanging out' recreational times, excellent teaching and fun activities for all ages." Registration for camp began on May 1, 2015.

Candace Crandall

"Living Waters" Family Camp is a time of teaching, learning, dialogue, making friends and above all, a whole lot of fun. Casey and Lora Church sharing in one of the main sessions.

The theme this year will be the critically important topic of "Suicide Prevention" featuring teaching facilitated by Bill Pagaran of Carry the Cure and Jonathan Maracle of Broken Walls. Eastty states that with the rising numbers of suicides on reservations across North America, this is a topic that's not only current but very much needed.

There will be a limited number of full and partial scholarships for Family Camp through Wiconi International.

This year, Wiconi will be hosting the second annual Richard L. Twiss Memorial Powwow on Saturday, July 25 and is free and open to the public. This is a traditional powwow as opposed to a competitive one. The aim is for people to bring their families and enjoy a great afternoon and evening.

Various groups will be making presentations. You do not need to attend family camp to attend and participate at the powow.

For more information, please check our website or email Mary Ann Eastty, our camp registrar at office@wiconi.com You may also call the office at 1-360-546-1867.