Welcome to the Myakka Federation! We are a Manatee/Sarasota county program aimed at fostering and strengthening the family relationship through camping. We are a local chapter of the Native Sons and Daughters which is administered by the National Longhouse. The original program plan of sons learning directly from their father was patterned from the tradition of some North American Indian cultural groups. We continue that tradition with monthly themed campouts seven times a year (October, November, January, February, March, April, and May) on a variety of properties and campgrounds in the Manatee and Sarasota area. Our groups include a good mix of tent campers, pop-ups, RVs; and generally focuses on a one parent/child camping experience but offer opportunities for entire family participation during specific events.
Here are some events/activities you can expect throughout the year:
- Themed campouts
- Huge bonfires
- Campfire ceremonies
- Pumpkin carvings
- Halloween trails
- Thanksgiving extravaganza
- Tribal games and contests (e.g. Olympics, Chili Cook-Offs, and Chicken Wings)
- Model rocket launches
- Fireworks
- Canoeing/Kayaking Adventures
- Pinewood Derby
We currently have three tribes within our organization: Chickasaw, Miccosukee, and Shawnee. Each tribe has a unique way methodology and more information can be found on each tribal page. All tribes attend the Saturday evening bonfire for the monthly federation ceremony.
The yearly cost of the program is $100 for each member plus $45 for the family to cover insurance. We invite interested participants to join us for one campout free of charge and determine if this program would suit you and your family. Your membership includes the following:
- $45 – National Longhouse Registration Costs
- Covers Insurance and sponsorship for events
- $100 each – Federation Fees
- T-shirts – One for each member
- Pinewood Derby Cars and entry
This does not include food for each campout. Each tribe provisions food a little differently. Your tribal chief can explain tribal specifics.
Individual camping requirements:
- Tent/pop-up/RV
- Sleeping apparatus
- Food/drinks – as required by tribe
The federation/tribes provides all cooking devices, tables, pots/pans, cook tents, and cleaning tubs. The federation/tribe also provide all firewood for each campout. You are welcome to bring additional personal devices to augment the capabilities of the tribe (i.e. Blackstone, smokers, grills, etc.). Usually the price per campout is between $15-30 for each family to cover the costs of food for the weekend.