SSP is excited to return to the Navajo Nation in summer 2026, based in Teec Nos Pos! The last time SSP worked in this community was in 2011. Note, this is about two hours north of where SSP has been most recently in 2023.
Since 1994, SSP has partnered with various chapters of the Navajo Nation. With more than 399,494 enrolled tribal members as of 2021, the Navajo Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States; additionally, the Navajo Nation has the largest reservation in the country, with 17.5 million acres of reservation land across portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Within the reservation, there are 110 chapters which are the local form of government. Explore Census data for Teec Nos Pos.
In the Navajo Nation, the majority of the work we do is high-impact home repair projects. High-priority home repair projects will focus on accessibility ramps, stairs, and porches and roof repairs for elders. Many homes do not have running water or electricity.
On Monday evenings, community members will share about their culture. We are lucky to be close to the San Juan River, where we will gather for Water Day later in the week!
2026 Dates
- Week 1: June 28 – July 3 (Mon-Fri, 5-night)
- Combined middle & high school
- Week 2: July 5 – 11
- High school only
- Week 3: July 12 – 18
- Intergenerational
- Week 4: July 19 – 25
- High School Only
- Week 5: July 26 – August 1
- Intergenerational
- Week 6: August 2 – 7 (Mon-Fri, 5-night)
- Intergenerational
2026 Summer Participant Fees
- Per person session rate, plus flat sign-up fee ($75 for 1-5 people, or $200 for 6+ people)
- 6-night sessions: $740 per person
- 5-night sessions: $675 per person
- Scholarships are available! Applications open in December. Apply by February 1 to be part of the first round of awards.
About the Community
What are the prevailing needs in the Navajo Nation?
- Weatherization home repairs for harsh winters
- Accessibility repair projects for residents, including decks, stairs, and ramps
- COVID-19 cautious visitors dedicated to safety – the Navajo Nation is one of the most medically underserved regions heavily impacted by the pandemic, and mask use is common throughout the community
What does the Navajo Nation have to offer?
- Ample learning opportunities rooted in sacred Navajo traditions and history
- Gorgeous natural landscapes at high elevation including Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Unique experience on a reservation not mixed with other communities
Who is a good fit to volunteer at this location?
- Anyone is welcome!
- Groups and individuals seeking hands-on construction and carpentry projects
- Volunteers interested in Indigenous life on reservations, interaction with Navajo residents, and a strong connection between community and sacred spaces
Service Work in the Navajo Nation
In the Navajo Nation the majority of the projects SSP volunteers have done are historically for elders. The type of work includes roof replacements, building accessibility ramps, stairs, porches, awnings for snow protection, sheds for storing wood to heat homes, and other general home repairs.
Most projects take longer to complete than one week at SSP, so you may see the beginning, middle, or end of a project.
Learn About the Navajo Nation
Download the detailed SSP Navajo Nation Study Guide and Understanding Reservations Guide to learn about the community and get more out of your SSP experience. We suggest that you download the study guide, share with your group and discuss the materials during a planning meeting.
- Follow local news: Navajo Times
- History: Official Site of the Navajo Nation
- Teec Nos Pos Chapter
Location Details
Climate
Teec Nos Pos is about a 90-minute drive north of our most recent host community (Tsaile, AZ), and about 2,000′ lower in elevation. Located near Four Corners, this community sits at about 5,300′ elevation. Participants should come prepared for a dry climate with minimal shade, a high UV index of 7, and hot days, with summer temperatures often reaching 100°F. The site schedule will likely shift one hour earlier than our standard daily outline, to account for high temperatures. See SSP’s downloads page for packing lists.
Staff Contact Info
- Phone: TBD
- Email the Site Director, Renee Bradford
- Mailing Address:
Name
℅ Sierra Service Project
General Delivery
Teec Nos Pos, AZ 86514
Housing
The Teec Nos Pos Chapter has warmly invited SSP to be hosted at the Chapter House, the center of the community. There is a large space for most participants to sleep, with several indoor bathrooms and an attached industrial kitchen. There is a large concrete pad outside the kitchen where we can have evening program, and adventurous volunteers are welcome to sleep under the stars (this area, and the entire Chapter House, is fenced). Meals will be shared at picnic tables outside. Two nearby churches have also opened their doors for our larger weeks to host a few volunteer groups overnight.
The site will feature a brand new shower trailer built by long-time SSP volunteers from Asbury UMC – thank you! It offers six private showers with attached changing rooms.
Directions
Use a navigation system to guide you to our host facility. Addresses do not work the same on the Navajo Nation as many are used to. Please use this Google pin to route to the site.
Of note, the Navajo Nation will be on Mountain Daylight Time during the summer. Please plan travel accordingly to get to site within SSP’s 2-4 pm arrival window on the Sunday of your week!