Our 2009 Service Project Trip to Laguna New Mexico is planned as follows.  Details for this trip will change annually: 

About this Service Project Trip 

We have attempted to identify a project that is within one day’s driving distance from Castle Rock, with appropriate lodging facilities, service projects and activities for all ages and abilities – but most importantly, offering an opportunity to help a group in need.  We believe we have found this with the National Indian Youth Leadership Project (NIYLP).

NIYLP has been serving American Indian youth for 20 years and has developed nationally recognized programs in outdoor adventure, service-learning, leadership and peacemaking.  The National Indian Youth Leadership Project is dedicated to positive youth development for American Indian people, their families and communities.  Please visit www.niylp.org.

NIYLP has many different programs that they run throughout the year, but they are really in need of help with their mountain camp facility at Sacred Mountain on Mount Taylor in Laguna, New Mexico.  A leadership skills building camp is held at this location once a year and allows a limited number of children and adults (usually 60-100) to participate in a number of Native American projects such as archery, building adobe structures, native dances, and many more. 

Currently, the NIYLP spends all summer repairing the campsite from the previous winter’s damage and so they are looking for help to start making the camp more weather-proof and updated.  NIYLP would then be able to focus more on running their camp and on their leadership programs instead of so much damage control.  The Sacred Mountain Camp is located on land that is currently owned by the Presbytery of Santa Fe and is being leased to the NIYLP.  The total land being leased is a total of approximately 1,600 acres but the camp is only utilizing 10-15 acres.

From July 4th to July 11th 2009, we will be returning to Sacred Mountain with approximately 10-15 families to help the NILYP and their campsite.  Projects could include but are not limited to repairing an adobe house (this would include stuccoing the outside), repairing part of an obstacle course with the professional help of a NIYLP crew leader, completing maintenance work on one or two trail heads, repairing and possibly begin stuccoing the turtle amphitheater, and a few other smaller projects.  If funds are available we would really like to help them with their road and/or build out of their kitchen facilities.  We are planning a variety of low-key evening activities as well to promote relaxation and reflection on the days’ work for the adults and children alike.