The Pine Ridge Retreat Center was built to host groups of varying sizes for different lengths of time (see Forms of Ministry). The building is a two story structure, with sleeping rooms on the upper and lower floor, two sets of bathroms, an expansive kitchen and recreation area, an apartment for Pastor Larry Peterson (the on-site director of the ministry), and a laundry for long-term guests.
There are five sleeping rooms at the Retreat Center--three rooms on the upper level and two rooms on the lower level. The upper level rooms are typically reserved for long-term stay guests and have single and/or double beds, dresser, and closet space. Linens and bedding are provided. The lower level rooms are usually used for church groups of both youth and adults. The rooms have three and four bunkbeds each, with modest amount of space for luggage and/or storage. Groups are encouraged to bring sleeping bags, although linens and bedding can be provided for a nominal fee. Depending on the schedule and gender of the guests, the Retreat Center could accommodate a maximum of 21 people; usually groups consist of eight to fourteen persons.
Restrooms are available for men and women on both upper and lower level. The restrooms have hot and cold running water, showers, and toilets. The restrooms on the upper level are handicapped-accessible.
The lower level of the Retreat Center is equipped with a comfortable lounge area (for small group discussion and/or viewing of educational videos), a TV/VCR, and recreation room. The upper level provides an expansive kitchen area where guests may cook their own meals during their stay. The kitchen is equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, sink, full set of dishes, complete set of cooking utensils, and cookware. (Food must be purchased and prepared by guests.)
The Retreat Center Lab has five computers equipped with various forms of software (Microsoft Suite, Internet Explorer, etc.). There is access to a laser jet printer (although guests are encouraged to bring their own paper if they intend to do a lot of printing). The computers were purchased in the year 2000 and have 3 1/2" drives, CD drive, ZIP drive, and equipment to facilitate interactive distance learning.
Off-street parking is available on the church grounds.
Casual attire is the norm at Pine Ridge. You will be most comfortable in jeans, shorts, and t-shirt or sweatshirt -- even for church. Plan to bring sturdy shoes for walking. Temperatures in South Dakota can change radically with little notice: it can be 105 degrees on one day and 50 degrees the next, or 38 degrees one day and 40 below zero the next. Plan accordingly! [You may want to consult the local weather forecast near the time that you come by accessing the internet site available on our "Links of Interest"webpage.]
Guests often ask what they should bring. Here are some pointers from our recent guests:
Pine Ridge village is a bustling community on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. You will find a Taco John's and Pizza Hut within walking distance of the Pine Ridge Retreat Center. A large grocery, laundromat, and hardware store are immediately across the street. There are several gas stations, a coffee shop, a video rental store, and hospital (which provides services to Lakota people through the Indian Health Service (IHS). Pine Ridge has a high school and educational programs provided by Oglala Lakota College. As a key community in the region, many social services and BIA/federal agencies are home-based in Pine Ridge. Churches represent seven denominations.
Recreational opportunities include outdoor activities (hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, etc.), sightseeing (Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, etc.), and attendance at cultural and/or religious events. Movie theaters and restaurants (other than those mentioned above) are available in Chadron, NE (50 miles), Hot Springs (60 miles), Martin (45 miles), and Rapid City (100 miles).
According to the 2000 Census, Pine Ridge has a population of 3,171 residents with a median age of 19.7 (in other words, a little more than half of the population is under age 20); 95% of the city reports ethnicity as Indian or part-Indian ancestry and identity. [The population of the whole Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is estimated to be 30,000.] Within the State of South Dakota, the data is almost reverse: with a population of 754,844, the median age in South Dakota is 35.6 (almost half of the population is "older"), and only 13% of the total state population self-identifies as Native American.
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Last updated: February 17, 2006