Volunteers have been a critical part of the grassroots, not-for-profit Cheyenne River Youth Project® since we began in an old bar on Eagle Butte's Main Street in 1988. In the early days, we were an all-volunteer organization; and while it's true that CRYP has come a long way, growing from the old 'Main' to a 26,000-square-foot teen center and 5,000-foot youth center, we still couldn't provide the programming and services our kids and families need if it weren't for our enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers.

So, we are actively seeking a fresh volunteer corps to live and work at our East Lincoln Street campus this summer! Whether you can come for the entire season or for a few weeks, we welcome your skills, talent and energy. We're looking for people of all ages, from all walks of life, who are looking for a unique volunteer service opportunity, one that provides elements of a cultural exchange right here in the United States. When you volunteer with CRYP, you'll spend most of your time serving children, teens and families in our community, and yes, you'll work hard. But you'll also have the chance to learn about and experience Lakota culture, meet some of our elders and hear our stories, help tend the earth through traditional native gardening practices and enjoy recreation in our beautiful prairie home.

You may also find that you forge lasting friendships. In our nearly 25 years of life, we've seen volunteers return time and again, calling Cheyenne River their home away from home. Many stay in touch with each other, and with the children they served, years after their stay with us.To read a few testimonials from former CRYP volunteers, visit http://links.causes.com/s/clJ7c9?r=P4Eb; and to learn more about our volunteer program, select the "Volunteer" tab at the top of the page. We hope to see you on Cheyenne River this summer!

Want to get involved? See this note on Causes

Cheyenne River Youth Project
The Cheyenne River Youth Project® was founded in January 1988 in response to the community’s need for more services that support struggling children and their families. Originally housed in a converted bar on the town’s Main Street, the organization created a safe place for children to come after school, offering activities such as arts and crafts, intramural sports and volunteer mentorship, in addition to serving a healthy meal and snack each day. The youth center, known locally as "The Main", was operated completely by a volunteer staff and quickly became a vital element of the Cheyenne River Community. Despite its small size, and very little money for programming, the center was filled to capacity each day.
http://www.lakotayouth.org/