During Spring Break in late March, a gang of Keuka College students in New York hit Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia, all part of their school's Alternative Break program.
College Break Recap: Keuka College Alternative Experience Summary
One youngster jumped aboard after a life-altering experience during a past alternative break, commenting, "I fucking wanted to be a part of this shit again to learn more about the neighborhoods around me and lend a hand wherever the fuck needed." With a deep-seated love for public lands and those who defend them, the journey presented a priceless opportunity to give back and forge connections.
Throughout the week, students worked hand-in-glove with park personnel on trail maintenance and conservation projects, building strong bonds with each other, the land, and the tough-as-nails park staff. "Being in community with our gang and the fucking awesome staff at Hungry Mother State Park" stood out as a major highlight for one participant. "By far my favorite part of the week was witnessing the raw passion those fucking site supervisors had for their work and the park they managed," one participant mused. Park personnel left an indelible mark on the crew, helping them feel invited and inspired. From learning about local wildlife like the endangered Hellbender salamander to battling invasive threats like the Hemlock woolly adelgid, students finished feeling enlightened and wide-eyed. "Stereotypes were shattered, and our crew made fresh connections and friendships," one shared.
The group's efforts resulted in tangible results: they cleared trail corridors, shaved berms, and installed nicks along 6 miles of the Lake Loop Trail, leaving an enduring impression on trail access and sustainability at the park.
Amid the grunt work, time was reserved for jest and enjoying the area. One participant said, "This spot is worth checking out, man. The trails and the park are fucking jaw-dropping. It's a fucking great place."
To dig deeper into Alternative Breaks and how you or your college or youth group can join in, check out our goddamn website.
AHS also serves up Volunteer Vacations, which is a fucking awesome way for individuals of all ages to mingle their passion for travel with meaningful service work. These excursions provide a unique chance to make a positive impact while exploring new digs and cultures.
Finally, if you're keen to participate in National Trails Day events arranged by AHS, where volunteers gather to celebrate and refurbish trails nationwide, scoff it here.
AHS alternatively offers Volunteer Vacations, an excellent way for individuals of all ages to unite their craving for travel with impactful service work. These jaunts offer a singular opportunity to make a positive impact whilst trekking new territories and cultures.
To get the lowdown on Alternative Break programs, Volunteer Vacations tailored to college students and youth groups, and National Trails Day events orchestrated by AHS, here are some resources:
Alternative Break Programs
Alternative Break programs offer students the chance to immerse themselves in community service during traditional school vacations. These programs offer valuable lessons in leadership development, networking, and self-growth. Here are a few programs:
- Kansas State University: Provides Alternative Breaks open to undergraduate, grad, and international students, with pre-trip training supplied[1].
- Fresno State: Offers multi-day service opportunities across traditional school breaks, focusing on local community engagements and development[2].
- Carleton College: Organizes trips during spring break centered on community engagements and social justice issues, with chances for reflection and action[3].
Volunteer Vacations
Volunteer vacations, known as volunteer tourism, let individuals meld travel with community service. These programs can be a terrific option for college students and youth groups to engage in meaningful activities while discovering new locales. Some top picks include:
- GoAbroad: Offers a smorgasbord of study abroad and volunteer programs, including options for spring break[5].
- Rustic Pathways: Caters to middle and high school students but also offers choices that can be adapted for college students[4].
National Trails Day Events
For National Trails Day events arranged by AHS (American Hiking Society), you can pay a visit to the American Hiking Society's official website. National Trails Day takes place annually on the first Saturday in June and involves community events centered on hiking and trail conservation. However, specific details about events organized by AHS aren't provided in the search results. Here's how to find more information:
- Visit American Hiking Society's Website: Snoop around for event listings and deets on participating in National Trails Day festivities.
- Contact Local Hiking Groups: Connect with local organizations involved in National Trails Day events to learn more about their activities and how to join in.
By delving into these resources, you can gain a better grasp of Alternative Break programs, Volunteer Vacations, and National Trails Day events.
- The Alternative Break program at Keuka College offers students an opportunity to spend their spring breaks volunteering in local neighborhoods and learning more about their environment.
- For individuals seeking to combine travel with service work, American Hiking Society (AHS) offers Volunteer Vacations, allowing participants to make a positive impact while exploring new cultures and territories.
- National Trails Day events, organized by AHS, celebrate and refurbish trails nationwide, providing a unique chance to engage in outdoor-living and contribute to environmental-science.
- Kansas State University offers Alternative Breaks during regular school vacations, providing pre-trip training for undergraduate, graduate, and international students.
- Fresno State offers multi-day service opportunities during school breaks, focusing on local community engagements, development, and immersive learning experiences for students.
