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Actor Steve Reevis speaks to campers during the Cherokee Nation’s fitness camp earlier this week.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - More than 30 kids at Cherokee Nation’s fitness camps got a special treat this week with a visit by actor Steve Reevis and musician Tommy Wildcat. Reevis, who has appeared in several movies, including Dances with Wolves, Fargo and Geronimo, gave an inspirational speech instructing the campers about the importance of education and perseverance.

Wildcat, a cultural artisan from Tahlequah, played the flute and told the campers about his experience within the music industry.

After speaking, Reevis and Wildcat gave each of the 31 campers an autographed poster.

The camp, put on by Cherokee Nation’s Healthy Nation program, involves youngsters in team building, social interaction and self-responsibility activities, as well as games emphasizing fun and fitness. Fitness activities include a ropes course, swimming, kickboxing, and water aerobics.

"I learned to say some Cherokee words and played some fun games", said Mikko Sugar, a fourth grader at Greenwood Elementary School in Tahlequah.