The prairies, hills and valleys of the Lake Traverse Reservation in northeastern South Dakota offer opportunities to camp, hunt and fish. Not only will your group enjoy the natural beauty of the region, but you’ll also experience the culture and strength of the people of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe. Many tribe members, however, struggle with poverty and unemployment. You will have opportunities to serve the community through work projects and children’s programs that will encourage the Sioux people.

Demographics

The Lake Traverse Reservation covers an area of over 400 square miles within six counties in South Dakota. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe has a population of 10,408. Many of the tribal members were relocated to the reservation after Little Crow's War in Minnesota during the 1860s. The original reservation was greatly reduced to its present size through subsequent homestead acts to provide land for non-Indian settlers. Social activities such as powwows, rodeos and races are celebrated in the summer months and many people also enjoy outdoor recreation in the six nearby state parks. YouthWorks will serve on the reservation, particularly in the community of Sisseton. Like many Native American regions today, this community struggles with poverty and unemployment. The current unemployment rate is 59 percent on the reservation. The need for jobs will only continue to grow as nearly 30 percent of the population is under age 18. The community plans to develop natural and cultural resources to preserve and strengthen the economy on the reservation. Come to the Lake Traverse Reservation to learn from tribal members as you help meet their needs in the name of Jesus Christ.

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. Below is a list of possible evening/cultural activities: attend a performance by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Dance Troop; go on a prayer hike through the Sica Hollow Walk; spend an evening at Roy Lake; 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 Lake Traverse Reservation is located approximately 260 miles northeast of Pierre, SD and 260 miles northwest of St. Paul, MN. There is also an airport in Sioux Falls, SD, which is 160 miles south of the Lake Traverse Reservation.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. This is a bus accessible site. A bus is defined as any vehicle that is larger than a standard 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring a vehicle in this category, you will need to contact the Service Center to discuss the additional requirements due to the size of your group.

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 on South Dakota or www.exploreminnesota.com for Minnesota travel information.