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South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation is surrounded by the panoramic beauty of the Badlands. Rolling hills, forests and river valleys extend throughout this area that is known for some of the state’s finest fishing and hunting. Despite the natural beauty of this community, residents of the reservation are struggling with poverty, unemployment, addiction, health problems and more. Your group will minister to the residents on the reservation through children’s programs and by painting and weatherizing homes.
| Date Start | Date End | Price Per | # of Available Spots | |
| 6/12/2011 | 6/17/2011 | $288.00 | 36 | Register |
| 6/19/2011 | 6/24/2011 | $288.00 | 0 | Register |
| 6/26/2011 | 7/1/2011 | $288.00 | 13 | Register |
| 7/3/2011 | 7/8/2011 | $288.00 | 12 | Register |
| 7/10/2011 | 7/15/2011 | $288.00 | 6 | Register |
| 7/17/2011 | 7/22/2011 | $288.00 | 6 | Register |
| 7/24/2011 | 7/29/2011 | $288.00 | 0 | Register |
| 7/31/2011 | 8/5/2011 | $288.00 | 16 | Register |
Demographics
The Pine Ridge Reservation is located in southwestern South Dakota on the Nebraska state line and about 50 miles east of the Wyoming border. Pine Ridge is home to the Oglala Lakota Sioux, which has a total tribal membership of 17,775. The reservation’s fascinating history includes the victory at the Battle of Little Big Horn and the devastating massacre at Wounded Knee. Today, the total land area of the reservation is 2.8 million acres, with 1.7 million acres tribally or individually owned. The land is the economic base of the reservation, as the major occupation is cattle ranching and farming.
But employment is the exception at Pine Ridge, where the unemployment rate hovers near 85 percent. Pine Ridge is one of the poorest communities in the country, with 97 percent living below the federal poverty level and an average family income of just $3,700 per year. Further struggles in this community include an adolescent suicide rate that is four times the national average, and high rates of alcoholism, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Despite these struggles, Pine Ridge residents cling to their resilient spirit and cultural pride. Come to Pine Ridge for an eye-opening experience, including opportunities to bless these hurting people with your service and to show the love of Jesus to this community.
About the Ministry
Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!
Activities
Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: attend a buffalo feed at Poker Joe’s; visit the historical site of the Wounded Knee Massacre; take part in a community cookout; listen to a cultural speaker. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.
Ministry Week
Kids Club and Work Projects.
Mileage
Pine Ridge is located about 100 miles southeast of the Rapid City Airport.
Transportation & Travel
Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. The Pine Ridge Reservation can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.
Additional Information
If you would like more information on what there is to do in South Dakota and surrounding areas before or after your trip, call 1.800.S.DAKOTA, to request a complete summer information kit. You can also visit http://www.travelsd.com for further travel information.
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