Alternative Spring Break

Trip Details

The Simmons Alternative Spring Break (ASB) will be an 8 to 12 hour bus ride away, working with a Habitat affiliate.

An ASB program places teams of college students in communities to engage in community service and experiential learning during spring breaks. Students perform short term projects for community agencies and learn about issues such as literacy, poverty, racism, hunger, homelessness and the environment.

ASB is open to all Simmons students.

Travel

Team members will travel together by bus. The trip will be roughly 9 hours each way (subject to change). Team members will learn the destination after they have applied and been accepted for the team.

Sleeping Arrangements

Team members will sleep on the floor in one large room provided by the Habitat affiliate.

Meals

Team members will share all meals together, some provided by the community and some which we will prepare together. Team members' dietary needs will be adhered to as much as possible.

Cost

Team members are expected to pay a $50 non-refundable deposit due December 7th, 2007. Each member will also be responsible for approximately $300.00 of fundraising.

ASB is a program with an emphasis on team. Team members are expected to contribute to the overall success of the trip and each team member's experience. Team members should be prepared for a fun, group-intensive trip. We will be eating, sleeping and working together for 6 days!

Participating on the ASB requires involvement before, during and after spring break. Mandatory team meetings will take place before and after Spring Break.

An important part of the ASB experience will be nightly reflection sessions during the week of Spring Break, and a post trip reflection session. Reflection is a time for team members to share thoughts and feelings, and focus on what they have learned and experienced throughout the trip.

Team members will participate together in a variety of fun and cultural activities while they are not working such as local cultural attractions, getting to know the host community and community members, learning about community building, performing other community service acts, hanging out and getting to know each other.

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of all, ASB is an alcohol and drug-free program.

Selection

Due to limited space interested students must return a completed application to W-102. The ASB committee will review applications and notify students shortly after.

Logistics

The trip will run from March 9-15, 2008. Students will pay a $50 fee, participate in pre-trip meetings and fundraise to cover trip costs. Food and transportation for the week will be provided. To ensure the safety and comfort for everyone involved, the Alternative Spring Break trip is an alcohol and substance free program.

Commitments

Below is a list of commitments for students applying to participate in the program. Signing and returning this application acknowledges your commitment to the following:
  • Attending the Alternative Spring Break trip in full
  • Participating in all pre-trip meetings
  • Contributing to fundraising efforts
  • Making a $50 dollar deposit
  • Signing the appropriate liability release forms
  • Signing and abiding by the alcohol and substance use agreement
  • Packing your enthusiasm and commitment
  • Being a responsible and involved group member
  • Having a ridiculously good time

What are you doing for Spring Break?