“It’s hard to describe,” said Prescott High School senior Emelia Berg. “Over the four days you learn so much, meet many new people, and gain a unique perspective on many things and I am so glad I had this opportunity.”

For the 26th consecutive year, PHS students traveled to the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation in northern Wisconsin to learn about the history, culture, and government of this Ojibwa (Chippewa) tribal nation.  

Throughout the four days students visited museums, cultural sites, and area schools. Participants also met with tribal leaders and community members and participated in cultural workshops during their time on the reservation. 

“We were always doing something,” said senior Lucas Gale. “There was no down time and we were always learning. It was so much fun and I hope to return in the future.”

Those sentiments were echoed by all, including five students from Wauwatosa West High School who, along with their high school teacher, joined the Prescott students for the unique educational experience.

“I met Mr. Ryan a couple years ago through a statewide Civics initiative we both were a part of,” said Chris Lazarski, an Advanced Placement English, Civics, and Journalism teacher at Wauwatosa West. “I became familiar with the program through conversations with Jeff and thought how great it would be for some of my students to join with Prescott and do some authentic learning together. The experience exceeded our expectations and we all had a fantastic time.
“It was so much fun learning alongside students from another school,” said senior Lilly Hillebrand. “The trip not only expanded our knowledge of native people, but our friend group got bigger. The students from Wauwatosa West were really great.”

Both groups stayed at Broken Bow Campground on the reservation. Operated and owned by Steve and Carolyn LaVake for the last 51 years, the students raved about the hospitality of their four-day hosts. 

“The LaVakes were awesome,” said senior Isaac Akey. “Everything about the campsite was great and felt so good to do some volunteer work for them to say thank you.” 

Saying thanks was a theme for many during the four days.

“I found it really amazing to see how everyone was so giving on the reservation,” said senior Cayden Johnson. “If you know the history, a lot has been taken from Native people over the years, yet the people we met and got to know did nothing but give, give, and give. I think all of us were very grateful for the way we were treated.”

“It was so much fun to come back,” said repeat Lac Du Flambeau traveler Allie Tibayan.

“When you have so much fun and meet so many nice people it only makes sense to want to come back to Lac Du Flambeau. I am pretty sure I will be going back.”

“I just can’t say enough about the hospitality we have received over the years,” said Ryan. “From our visit to Arbor Vitae Middle School to our gracious hosts at the restaurant at the Lake of Torches, everyone has welcomed us with an open heart and treated us with so much respect and kindness. The place has become a magnet for hundreds of students over the years and I think people who visit here understand why.”

“If you get an opportunity to travel to Lac Du Flambeau you need to jump at the chance.” said senior Payge Haupt. “Being here over the four days made me realize why so many students over the years have raved about Lac Du Flambeau. After being here it’s easy to see why.”

“My best advice to students or anyone in town is go on the trip,” said junior Brooke Macheska. “It is authentic learning that can’t be done in the classroom and for me experiencing something so many people have talked about, helps me understand why the trip is so great. You need to go to Lac Du Flambeau.”

For those interested in traveling to Lac Du Flambeau Prescott Community Education will be sponsoring a trip this summer on July 9-12. If you would like to participate contact Jeff Ryan at Prescott High School.