30 Years of Impact: Inside Ndakinna Education Center | Buying Local #75

In episode 75 of the Buying Local podcast, James Bruchac returns to the show to talk about over 30 years of youth camps, survival education, and cultural storytelling at Ndakinna Education Center. From wilderness skills to Native traditions, he shares how hands-on outdoor experiences are shaping more confident, capable kids in today’s world.Learn more about Ndakinna Education Center and their programs at ndakinnacenter.org.0:00 Welcome back James Bruchac1:10 Celebrating 30+ years of youth camps2:20 How the camps grew organically3:05 Core skills: shelter, fire, and nature awareness4:18 Summer camps overview and age groups5:29 Teaching fire-making safely6:06 Creating a full sensory outdoor experience7:00 Family ancestry and Abenaki heritage8:33 Preserving stories and cultural knowledge9:42 Why these skills matter more than ever10:10 Post-COVID growth and shifting age groups11:10 Martial arts programs and expansion12:41 Student and athlete success stories14:22 Sunday Survival Series and adult classes17:17 Field trips, community programs, and events22:11 Summer camp logistics and how to sign up