Ground broken May 3 for Chickasaw Youth Club serving Ardmore area

This article appeared in the June 2022 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ARDMORE, Okla. – Governor Bill Anoatubby led May 3 groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Chickasaw Youth Club on the Chickasaw Nation Ardmore Campus.
The new 14,600 square-foot facility signifies an investment in the future by expanding the youth club to the Ardmore area.

“Investing in the education of our young people has long been a cornerstone of the Chickasaw Nation and a driving force behind our tribe’s continued progress,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “The Chickasaw Youth Club is an investment in our young people, as well as the future of the Chickasaw Nation. We look forward to a bright future for the Chickasaw Nation, which will benefit from the success of the children who will learn, grow and play here for many years to come.”

Established in 1998 with a vision of providing Chickasaw youth a safe space to learn and grow, Chickasaw Youth Clubs offer after-school and summer learning programs for children, ages 4 through 13.

Also located in Sulphur and Tishomingo, programs offered by the youth clubs foster good character, promote education and encourage healthy lifestyles and career development.

Health and nutrition education, career development, life skills, art, sports, fitness, and Chickasaw history and culture are offered.

It is also a place where students can cultivate good study habits, develop their social skills and develop leadership abilities.

The Ardmore facility features four classrooms, a commercial kitchen and a large dining room that doubles as a safe room.

The youth club will also have a half basketball court and a 21,000 square-foot playground area.

Located on the corner of Locust and Harris Street NW, the building will be adjacent to other Chickasaw Nation programs and services.

The historic Chickasaw Nation campus in northeast Ardmore was established in 1917 as a place dedicated to the education and advancement of Native children when Bloomfield Academy relocated to Ardmore. The facility was renamed Carter Seminary in 1932 in honor of Chickasaw lawmaker Charles D. Carter.

For decades, the school served as a center of education and development for Native boys and girls until the establishment of the Chickasaw Children’s Village in 2004.

Although the school is no longer on the property, the original mission of providing education, advancement and opportunity is carried out in many of the services offered on the property. The addition of the youth club will provide more opportunities for Chickasaw youth.

“We hope all who enter this building will learn valuable lessons and create meaningful connections with their Chickasaw culture and community,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

For more information about Chickasaw Youth Clubs, call (580) 559-0907 or visit Chickasaw.net.