by Jennifer
Schneider
Staff Writer
For anyone interested in escaping the stereotypical Spring
Break activities, Appalachian State University’s Alternative
Spring Break programs offer an outlet.
“Alternative Breaks are a nationwide trend on hundreds
of college campuses,” Jenny R. Koehn, Appalachian &
the Community Together community service coordinator said.
Koehn said ACT’s programs offer students a chance for
a meaningful Spring Break experience of volunteer service,
friendship building and self-renewal.
“Trips range from working with kids, to hunger and
homelessness, to environmental projects,” Koehn said.
In past years ACT has offered five trips, but this year they
will expand to nine locations, including Charleston, Florida,
Philadelphia and New Mexico, senior public relations major
Karen R. Delisle said.
Each Alternative Spring Break trip costs $150. The fee covers
lodging, transportation and most of the meals.
“The trips are also a great leadership opportunity,”
Koehn said.
Each trip is completely student-led and organized. Once students
go on an Alternative Break trip, they are given the opportunity
to become a trip leader the following year.
ACT’s mission is to ensure that students are aware
of the social problems facing society. ACT aims to get students
involved in improving social issues within their community.
It strives to accomplish this goal through a few main points;
to dare students to embark on a personal journey of private,
intellectual, ethical, and cultural development as they engage
in service projects that meet the human needs and environmental
concerns; to raise students’ awareness about crucial
social concerns; to encourage students to view themselves
as part of the global community; to instill in students an
ethic of caring; teach students about the importance of civic
responsibility, and empower them to engage in active citizenship
beyond graduation, according to ACT’s mission statement.
Although sign up for the Alternative Spring Break trips ended
yesterday (Jan. 26) Koehn said there are still spaces open
on a few of the locations for anyone still interested in
the program. Anyone intrigued by the opportunity of the volunteer
programs should visit the ACT office on the second floor
of Plemmons Student Union.
The trips are set up on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In order to sign up, each student must have a $100 deposit.
For more information on the program or any of the trips,
contact the ACT office at 266-2193.
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