Team 5: July 21-August 4

Team 5 headed out for their adventure to the Sioux YMCA on July 21st. The team, consisting of Nancy Upke (YMCA of the USA), Krissy Kelly (MPLS), and Derek Otto (St. Paul), was anxious to get their start on the Cheyenne River Reservation after a summer of anticipation. Their first evening in Dupree was spent at a Memorial Service for the Executive Director of the Sioux YMCA, Bill Wetzel. The service was a spectacular turnout of remembrance and support from the communities. Bill's journey with the YMCA and his work in the community were immensely supported. There were traditional songs played in honor of Bill, as well as sharing by community members of his great life.

Team 5 began building relationships with youth immediately in La Plant on their first day of programming. One of the youth, Julian, gave the team a tour and connected them with other youth in the community that have been participating in YMCA programming throughout the summer. Teams 4 and 5 spent a fun filled day playing water games with the youth to keep cool in both LaPlant and Swiftbird. The remainder of week one was spent transitioning with Team 4, learning more about the culture on the Cheyenne River Reservation and continuing to build the relationships and connection to the Sioux YMCA with youth and adults in the communities.

During their second week, Team 5 continued their adventure of exploring and gaining a realistic picture of life for the youth on the Reservation. Their programming shifted from games into intense conversations about respecting the environment, animals, and other people in all four communities. The youth appeared to be very receptive to the information and Team 5 was very successful in creating a fun, safe, and respectful environment.

Team 5 wrapped up their trip with a large number of small group interactions and the planning of an event upon the arrival of Team 6. The team planned a gathering where community members, as well as newly acquired donors and supporters of the Sioux YMCA were able to come together. This event brought great energy and excitement to the communities as well as the arrival of Team 6. The unique experiences Team 5 had with the youth and their ability to extend their reach to the involvement of volunteers and supporters definitely strengthened the communities' and people of the Cheyenne River Reservations' relationship to the YMCA.