South Dakota

You can become involved in youth development projects on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. You have the opportunity to contribute to educational activities at a youth centre to help create a viable future for the youth of the Lakota tribe.

While sharing your knowledge and compassion you will gain an in-depth experience of the Lakota people and their culture that will stay with you the rest of your life.

South Dakota Program Volunteers will work with children aged from 4 to 18 years old. During the school term the youth centre is open in the afternoons and during the summer holidays it is open all day. There is no typical day at the centre and activities will vary according to the time of the year and how many children are at the centre. Activities include: Library time, arts and crafts, helping with homework, working in the organic garden, outdoor games, serving meals, fundraising drives within the community, helping with general upkeep of the centre. In addition, volunteers with particular skills, for example language or sporting skills, will be encouraged to implement their own programs with the children. Mornings will often involve some administration and maintenance duties.
Program Cost Application Fee US$97 Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the South Dakota program, (or any other program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.	Program Fee Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the South Dakota program is: 8 weeks: US $1997 10 weeks: US $2097 12 weeks: US $2197 16 weeks: US $2297 20 weeks: US $2397 24 weeks: US $2497
What's Included Accommodation: Volunteer House. Meals: 3 meals daily (meal allowance). Airport pickup: On arrival date. Training: In-country orientation and training. Supervision: In-country staff supervision. Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.	What's Not Included Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, departure from the program, airport departure tax. We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $25 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, transportation and entertainment.
Program Schedule Start Date: 1st Monday or 3rd Monday of every month Length: 8 weeks to 24 weeks. Longer-term positions may be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Please note: The centre also welcomes volunteer groups, which can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks. Groups would have to arrange their own transport from the airport to the centre.