Oklahoma: Cherokee Nation

Community Partner: Cherokee Nation

Trip Dates: May 4-11, 2024

Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Number of Participants: 10

Price: $500

Included in participant fee:

All logistical and travel expenses: Roundtrip flights, one checked bag per person, rental vehicles for local transportation in Oklahoma (damage/insurance coverage included), gas for rental vehicles, parking for rental vehicles, any toll fees incurred during travel, and overnight lodging for entire week (exact location currently TBD).
Project/service fees OR donation to community partner for facilitating week of service/alternative break experience.
Buck-I-SERV supplies/swag: Individual items (t-shirts, water bottles, pens, and reflection booklets for each group member) and group items (first aid kit, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, deck of playing cards, and thank you card for community partner).
Buck-I-SERV Events and Training: Summer Kick-Off and Welcome Back events with catering and pre-trip education and training.
Most meals and group activities: The group will be provided a budget to use for group meals and group activities. Participants should plan to bring money for out of pocket expenses.

Travel and Housing:

Participants will fly roundtrip to and from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon arrival in Oklahoma, the group will pick up rental vehicles from Enterprise that will be used for local transportation during the week of service.
Housing for the trip is currently TBD but will likely be coordinated in a local community center.
A packing list will be provided to participants and discussed during pre-trip meetings leading up to departure.

What to expect:

The Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized tribe of the United States. Students will have an opportunity to volunteer alongside Cherokee Nation’s Community and Cultural Outreach Programs.
The Volunteer Program was established from tribally generated revenue and support. Services are accessible to eligible Cherokee Nation citizens or community organizations in the Cherokee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Service Area as funding and resources become available.
The mission of the Volunteer Program is to serve elderly and/or disabled Cherokee citizens in need by partnering with various organizations and individuals in securing the labor, tools, equipment, and materials necessary to create safer living conditions.
Past projects have included staining, painting, yard work, building wheelchair accessible ramps, and more. Participants will also engage in Native American cultural activities including art, language lessons, and history.