The Rosebud Reservation is home to the Sicangu Lakota Tetunwan Oyate band of Sioux, located in south central South Dakota. Your group will discover the rich culture and heritage of this tribe, but you’ll also find residents who are in desperate situations due to unemployment, poverty and homelessness. You will have many opportunities to serve through children’s ministries and home improvement projects.

Demographics

The Rosebud Sioux Reservation borders the Pine Ridge Reservation on its northwest corner and the State of Nebraska borders to the south. An act of congress established the reservation in 1889. The reservation has a total area of 1,442 square miles and is home to twenty communities with a total of 21,245 members living on the reservation. The major economic occupations here are cattle ranching and farming. Many members also work for tribal services including administration and schools. However, economic hardships abound. High unemployment (85 percent), poverty and understaffed health care facilities all have contributed to the problem of rising suicide. Working individuals on the reservation have a median household income of only $19,046. These low wages, coupled with high unemployment, mean many families cannot afford much needed home repairs. An estimated one out of three residents on the reservation is homeless, and six out of ten live in substandard housing. These challenges present an obvious invitation to reach out and support this community with your ministry.

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: Hike at Fort Falls; attend a church service; community educational experience; and attend a community cookout. 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 Rosebud Reservation is located approximately 200 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 Rosebud 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.