* Have never been on a YouthWorks trip
* Have previously attended a YouthWorks trip
Learn about Lakota culture in a small urban context; partner with local organizations that serve tangible needs in the community.
Rapid City, South Dakota is a place of adventure and awe-inspiring beauty. The town is the gateway to the Black Hills which means it includes scenic drives, waterfalls, wildlife and the world’s highest concentration of public parks, monuments and memorials. However, as visitors seek out the local attractions, it’s easy to miss the areas of struggle and strength within this community and its heritage. Instead most people think of Mount Rushmore and consider Rapid City to be the most patriotic city in the nation.
On the eastern slope of the Black Hills mountain range lies Rapid City. Present-day Rapid City is well-known for the beauty of the stunning Black Hills, which bring many visitors to the area. Throughout our more than 20 years in this community, we have worked alongside many long-term service partners to help further their mission in this community. Rapid City is more than Mt. Rushmore and other tourist attractions, and YouthWorks partners with this community to learn a different story. It is a place with a rich history illustrating both the feats and failings of the United States and its relations to the indigenous people of this country. In Rapid City, we serve with numerous organizations that are meeting the needs of their neighbors by providing childcare, food, clothing, yardwork, or other kinds of community services. Alongside of this volunteer service, groups will also have the opportunity to learn about native culture from Native leaders in the community. YouthWorks has served the community of Rapid City since 1999.