Volunteering Projects in South Dakota

Volunteer Feedback from South Dakota

Staff at GVN's partner organisation was absolutely wonderful! Very helpful, very friendly, very interested in what was going on with the volunteers. Just be flexible and open-minded; This was the best experience I've ever had and I think it can be that way for everyone if they have the right attitude!

- Kaitlin

All GVN e-mails were responded in a very timely manner. Orientation was extremely informative. I felt very welcome by the staff and other volunteers.

- Megan

All is great here. I'm doing a plethora of things: organising the warehouse, pushing kids on the swings, busking for the organisation, being treated like a jungle gym, cooking for large groups, supervising arts and crafts activities, cleaning, undergoing training in CPR and kitchen hygiene, playing basketball, working out how to throw a football… The bed is comfy, the staff are helpful and the other vols are cool. The kids are neat. I have two necklaces that they have made for me and they are all the souvenirs I will need.

The most challenging thing for me is seeing lovely kids with scars from abusive parents and seeing the houses that are smaller than cars and talking to kids, councillors and other locals about what goes down here. But I feel good about what I am doing and I know I am helping.

- Andy

"I recommend the GVN partner organisation in South Dakota without hesitation. The kids are neat. They are vibrant and fun. The staff are helpful and committed.The activities here are many and varied but ultimately all made enjoyable by the energy and appreciation the children show. [...]

My most valued souvenirs of South Dakota will be necklaces made for me by the children and the memories I have of sisters, aged 4 and 6, singing a song I wrote about their brother.I didn’t think I liked kids before I came but situations like that really turned my attitude around. I encourage you all to come out here and see what I mean."

- Andrew