The Cheyenne River Youth Project was created and continues to operate in the spirit of volunteerism.  Without volunteers, willing to give their time and energy to our mssion, we simply would not be the organization that we are today. Volunteers bring many different gifts and talents to CRYP and we strive to challenge these individuals and show them where they can be best utilized, so that they will feel a true part of our efforts. Most importantly, they are responsible for caring for our children.  This is no small task, but rather the most significant contribution that a volunteer can make.  When we place our children in the hands of volunteers, we are trusting them with our future.

People come from all over the world to volunteer with the Cheyenne River Youth Project.  We are truly an international organization in this regard, with volunteers regularly arriving from the U.K., France, Germany, Canada and other nations. Our children love to meet new people, to learn about different cultures and to teach others about their culture. By participating as a volunteer, you become an educator, a mentor, a diplomat and a friend.  It is certainly a tall order!

This is why, before you choose to submit an application, we ask you to think about what voluntary service means to you.  We demand a lot from our volunteers; comittment, respect and responsibility.  As a volunteer, you will be asked to work long hours, to be flexible, to be open-minded and understanding.  We give a lot in return; education and awareness, appreciation and a place to call home. Many volunteers remark on how they feel an instant connection to South Dakota, to Eagle Butte, to the Cheyenne River community.  As a result, we frequently have volunteers return for a second, third and even a fourth time! 

With this in mind, if you have read the position description and feel that our profile fits you, we encourage you to contact our Youth Programs Director to receive an application.  Please note that a full application includes our written or online application form, 3 letters of reference, a criminal background check and an application fee of $100 US ($150 for applicants outside of the United States.) You can even submit this application fee online by clicking on the "donate" button in the menu on the left side of this page! Please see the application form for more details. If you belong to a service group or Alternative Spring Break group, please see our section on Group Volunteers.