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Alternative
Spring Break
So, what is an Alternative
Spring Break (ASB) trip?
An ASB trip is an
opportunity for you to engage in community service during your spring
break. ASB is a great way to explore social issues and discover new
things about yourself through education and purposeful action. As a part
of ASB, you will team up with other students to engage in complex social
issues such as the environment, discrimination, inadequate housing,
disease, hunger, and poverty. By providing some much needed assistance,
you have the chance to learn from the people and organizations you
encounter and gain a broader understanding of the world around you.
We challenge
you to use this opportunity as a "springboard into lifelong active
citizenship" ...where volunteering within your community becomes a
priority in your future life decisions.
Why participate in ASB?
By participating in ASB you will experience meaningful service, develop
new friendships, learn about different cultures, further your education
or career goals, and will have the opportunity to explore social change.
Who can
go on these trips?
Due to the popularity of the trip destinations, ASB now uses
an application process to select participants. Students who are
interested in participating in an ASB trip can pick up an application in 218 Lankford Student Union.
Space is limited so apply early! Longwood
adheres to the principle of equal opportunity without regard to race,
sex, creed, handicap, or national origin.
Trips
offered in Spring of 2008:
NYC & Junior Achievement
Our first trip was lead by Meghan Whitaker and Kelly King and took
students to New York City via Amtrak where students spent the week
at the International Student Center
http://www.nystudentcenter.org/ and worked with third graders in
the Junior Achievement Program
http://cny.ja.org/.
 
Sea
Island, SC & Habitat for Humanity
Our second trip, lead by student leaders Brittany Tyler and Ashley
Tignor took students to the beautiful coast of South Carolina
http://www.charleston.com/
where students spent the week building houses with the local
chapter of Habitat for Humanity
http://www.seaislandhabitat.org/, who is celebrating their 30th
anniversary by building 30 houses!
How much
will it cost me?
The cost for
Alternative Spring Break 2008 was $125 per person, which included
travel, lodging, site fees and MOST meals.
When can
I sign up!?
Applications for Alternative Spring Break 2009 will be ready early in
January of 2009. Please check the site regularly for more
information.
Anything
else I need to know?
Alcohol and Drug Policy
The ASB
program promotes an alcohol and drug free philosophy. This prohibits
alcohol consumption or drug use by anyone participating in the program,
regardless of age. Any group member who does not adhere to this policy
will be asked to leave the program at his or her own expense.
Insurance
All group members
must complete an application and provide proof of insurance coverage.
Meetings
A meaningful service experience requires preparation and reflection. No
doubt that you will have many important questions before the trip!
MANDATORY meetings will be held prior to departure. You will meet other
group members and learn about the community in which you will be living
and working. Attendance at these meetings is important for building
strong bonds with community and group members.
Reflection
Structured reflection sessions before, during, and after the trip will
allow you to develop critical thinking skills and articulate what you
have learned. It is a critical step towards self-discovery. You will
have the opportunity to share your achievements and knowledge with all
members of the group through the use of a team journal, required
readings, and individual projects.
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