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The Glacial Community Y decided in 2017 to take our mission international by forming partnerships in which we could offer support, resources, and volunteer hours to help strengthen our core values here, and share those with organizations around the world. To date, we have partnerships with Esperanza Viva, a Christian youth home and orphanage in Puebla, Mexico, and with the YMCA of Valparaiso, Chile. Over the course of these first few years in these partnerships we have sent multiple teams to serve and build relationships within these organizations.
MISSION TRIPS
Mission to the Lakota Tribe
Dupree, South Dakota
Join our Y team as we travel to the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires in Dupree, SD this August to assist in the ongoing project organized by the YMCA Alumni Association. The project is similar to a Habitat for Humanity program. Team members will be improving and transforming neighborhoods by helping construct new clusters of tiny homes. There is significant housing insecurity on the Reservation and these tiny homes will offer comfort, safety and security to Native American families. Immerse yourself in a Lakota Tribe cultural experience for this week of service.
August 18-25, 2026
Trip Cost: $950 per person
Registration deadline: May 15th
(Non-refundable $200 deposit due at time of registration)
Includes: Includes meals in the dining hall, lodging in the volunteer center bunk house, cultural activities and tours, training, final banquet, transportation to/from Dupree (YMCA van) and all on-site transport, sightseeing in Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Monument.
Mission to Valparaiso, Chile YMCA Partnership
Valparaiso, Chile
The Glacial Community YMCA will send our fourth team led by team leader, Heather Burkle, to serve alongside our YMCA Chile Coalition partner, ACJ of Valparaiso. This trip is a cross-culture exchange, giving our members an opportunity to experience the Y in South America, as well as serving their city and membership while there. Our trip will include a variety of service projects focused on the underprivileged children, youth and adults of Valparaiso and of the Jorge Williams School. The ACJ (YMCA) of Valparaiso will be our host for the week and will serve as our place of lodging, most meals, and our tour guide for sightseeing around the city, and to the capital city of Santiago.
Come experience the color, the culture, and the unique vibe of this UNESCO World Heritage City.
And as you do, you’ll build some incredible relationships with the beautiful people of the Y.
Note that this is a service-oriented trip. But in the process, you’ll grow in your spirit, mind, and body as you serve others, live in community, and give of yourself to make a difference in the world.
January 22-31, 2027
Trip Cost: $2,600 per person
Registration deadline: August 30th
(Non-refundable $500 deposit due at time of registration)
Includes:Airfare, in-country transportation, lodging and most meals (at the YMCA), travel insurance, and team apparel.
For more information, contact Bruce Osborn, Director of Spiritual Development at [email protected]
SERVICES
Get Involved
If you would like more information on future trips, please complete the interest form on this page. If you don’t wish to travel, but would like to support the work through a donation, there is a place to indicate that on the form.