Explore the tradition and heritage of the Navajo people on Arizona’s Navajo Reservation. The natural beauty of this area is unparalleled, with its deserts, forests, majestic mesas, mountains and canyons. Although the Navajo people are strong and proud, their economy has struggled, leaving many tribal members without jobs and living in poverty. Your group will serve many of these needy community members through working on homes and ministering to children and elderly residents on the reservation.

Demographics

The Navajo Reservation extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, covering 27,000 square miles of beautiful land—larger than ten of the 50 states in the U.S. We will be serving in the communities of Window Rock and Fort Defiance in the northeast part of Arizona. There are 298,215 Navajo people living throughout the U.S., of which 173,987 are living within the Navajo Nation boundaries and 131,166 living in Arizona. Members of the Navajo Nation traditionally call themselves “Diné,” which means “people.” The Navajo economy includes traditional work such as sheep and cattle herding, weaving and jewelry making. Coal and uranium mining have more recently become part of the economy in this mineral-rich land. Sustaining a viable economy in the Navajo Nation has become more challenging as the population has grown. Due to the remote geographic location, some communities lack modern conveniences such as utility services and plumbing. The unemployment rate has been steadily increasing to what is today nearly 50 percent. Federal statistics have found that about 43 percent of Navajo individuals are living below the poverty level. Increasing the community’s struggles has been the high incidence of health problems on the reservation, most notably cancer and diabetes. But the Navajo people are working hard to improve their community. You will be blessed by the Navajo people when you come to serve here and learn more about their heritage.

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: go on a hike up to local landmark: Window Rock; visit a cultural center and observe tribal dances; attend a community cookout; and listen to community speakers. 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

The Albuquerque Airport is approximately three hours southeast from the mission site.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. The Navajo 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 Arizona and surrounding areas before or after your trip, visit this Web site: www.arizonaguide.com/