Spring has hopefully sprung at the P.L.A.C.E. as we look for warmer weather to get the youth back outside. The P.L.A.C.E. staff kicks off two new programs to start March for our youth; the Boys-to-Men Program and the Girls-to-Women Program. These 10-week programs focus on tribal life skills to our participants. The course will also feature CPN leaders and fellow community leaders who will discuss their professional and personal successes, giving our youth real life examples of what futures they have in front of them as Native American adults. 
March is also Healthy Heart Month, and the CPN Diabetes Program will be conducting a four week program showing our students the best ways to eat right and exercise.
The Get Native Program classes for March will turn towards warmer temperatures too, with the youth learning about the cultures and traditions of the southern Oklahoma tribes. This includes instruction on the history of lacrosse and how to play it. The youth will also start a series on the Potawatomi language with lessons by staff from the CPN Language Department.
The Get Fit Program will start off a new cycle titled ‘Get bigger, stronger, faster.’ This program is a series of speed and agility drills where each tribal youth will test themselves on motivation and determination while also getting in a bit of cardio. Our card collecting club meetings continue, while Spring Break at the P.L.A.C.E. looks to be as active as ever. We’ll have activities going on throughout the week, including visits to HeyDay Entertainment Center, FireLake Bowling Center and roller skating.
As always, FireLodge Tribal Youth Program is looking for new program participants. If you or someone you know might be interested in attending or learning more about our activities, please email me at dgreene@potawatomi.org.