Midnight Basketball
Our signature wellness program is Midnight Basketball. Cheyenne River has a 10pm curfew for youth under 18. Of course, it is a reality that teens don’t always follow the rules. Local law enforcement and community members were concerned for the safety and well being of youth, who have few opportunities for recreation that are healthy and positive.

For this reason, CRYP created the Midnight Basketball Program for teens 13-18, during which participants can play basketball or hang out with friends in a supervised, controlled area. The sessions are held from 10pm – 2am on Friday nights during the summer months. Local authorities allow a 15 minute grace period for teens to return home, appointing officers to provide extra security for the event. At the end of the 8 week program, we host a 3-on-3 tournament with prizes and music provided by local D.J.’s. The authorities and community praise the program for its help in decreasing juvenile crime and support us through volunteering to chaperone the sessions and even play ball with some of the teens.

Explore Cokata Wiconi

Internship Program

CRYP’s ground-breaking teen internship program, which offers tracks in sustainable agriculture, social enterprise, wellness and the arts, gives young people a chance to learn vital job and life skills—and gain significant hands-on experience—that will serve them well all their lives. Through this program, we are lifting up the next generation of Lakota creators, mentors, culture bearers and leaders. In 2013, we graduated 10 interns. By the end of 2017, that number had risen to nearly 500, and the program is still growing. Learn more about Internships at Cokata Wiconi.

Wellness at Cokata Wiconi

At CRYP, we believe in holistic wellness—supporting every child’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. We prepare them for a successful, vibrant adult life with wellness training that incorporates physical fitness activities, culturally relevant classes and workshops, health education and certifications, and opportunities to develop their skills and self-confidence through peer mentorship and community leadership. Learn more about Wellness at Cokata Wiconi.

Midnight Basketball

Founded in 1996 as the brainchild of a former long-term volunteer, Midnight Basketball is CRYP’s signature wellness program for teens. It fosters healthy and sober lifestyles, physical fitness, personal responsibility, teamwork and positive self-esteem; it also helps alleviate bullying, because it brings kids from all social circles together for hours of late-night ball, music, refreshments and fun. Learn more about Midnight Basketball.

Passion for Fashion

Not only does this long-running program give our teenage girls a chance to share in the joy and excitement of preparing for the high school prom, it provides a meaningful opportunity to learn from other Lakota women, enjoy intergenerational bonding, and find personal empowerment through positive body image, improved self-confidence, and the knowledge that one person absolutely can do her part to create a stronger community. Learn more about Passion for Fashion.