Alternatives to Spring Break: Learning, serving, making a difference

Instead of a simple pleasure vacation trip so stereotyped by the media, two Heidelberg groups from Campus Ministry and Religious Life took a break with a purpose of learning and serving. One student said of the alternate spring break experience: "I'm not giving up spring break, but investing in spring break."

 

The first week, Feb. 28- March 7, a group of nine students from Heidelberg, two staff and one faculty spouse settled into quarters at a church in Aurora, La. Four days of work from a total team of 20 members accounted for almost $10,000 worth of labor in reclaiming houses in the New Orleans area.  The specific neighborhood served was close to the edge of Lake Ponchartrain. Types of work included painting, hanging cabinets, plumbing, and laying floor. 

 

On Sunday and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the group spent time enjoying the French Quarter with a traditional jazz concert at Preservation Hall and a trip to Snug Harbor for Nickel-a-Dance. Students worshipped in the host church, held evening reflections as well as an optional time for prayer and study.

 

"It blows my mind that such a diverse group of people can come together and have such a blast while making such a big difference in the world. Always surrender yourself to the impossible," said sophomore Allison Dakos.

 

The group included people from a variety of faith traditions: Muslim, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Agnostic who worked and served peaceably together.  

 

Resident Coordinator Jeremy Foskitt wrote, "This trip was a great experience. It has taught our group the satisfaction in helping others and showed us the devastation that still exists in many parts of the city. I was impressed with our students' positive attitudes and commitment to service in New Orleans. As an advisor, I couldn't have asked for a better group of students to spend my spring break with!"

 

Campus Fellowship sponsored the other trip to Chicago March 8-March 14. The week was hosted by Campus Crusade International in what was called the Innercity Immersion.

 

Fourteen students from Heidelberg stayed in a church inside Chicago. The first couple of days began at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where students shared conversations about their Christian faith with other students. The middle of the week, students spent a day at the Pacific Garden Mission, helping in the kitchen to prepare a meal. The last day was spent in an after-school program helping youth with homework for kindergarten-sixth-graders.

 

"This was a real eye-opener to poverty, gangs, drugs, guns and life in the city," said sophomore Nolan Baum. "Students were aware of hope in the midst of difficult issues. They focused on their faith and the call of God to follow Jesus in the way of serving with the poor." 

 

Plans are already in process for a trip to New Orleans in 2010 to help rebuild the city.  Another trip is being planned to New York City with a focus on the United Nations and Religions for Peace. One is also being considered in Southern Appalachia.  If interested in participating in a trip or leading a trip next year, please contact Chaplain Paul Sittason Stark at pstark@heidelberg.edu or x2066. 

 

Paul hopes the societies, fraternities, athletic teams, clubs and organizations consider making their spring break trip a mixture of service learning and fun.  "I hope the Heidelberg culture continues to grow where students are making a difference with their time and money during their academic breaks. It's a privilege working beside these students who are such amazing people." 

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