MARCH 6, 2020 — For dozens of students at UTSA, spring break is not a week to unwind but an opportunity to make a difference in serving a community.
UTSA Volunteer Services is sponsoring two Alternative Spring Break trips this year: (1) Changing the Narrative: Emphasizing Abilities in Disabilities near Dallas and (2) Long-Term Recovery: Environmental Restoration & Disaster Relief in Puerto Rico.
On Saturday, March 7, 11 students and staff will travel outside Dallas to a place called Paradise to volunteer at Camp Summit. The camp seeks to provide barrier-free outdoor experiences that promote personal growth and foster independence for children and adults with disabilities.
Camp Summit has a range of activities of a typical summer camp, including horseback riding, archery, ropes courses, arts and crafts, sitting by the fire, and staying in camp houses.
On Monday, March 9 a group of 18 students and staff will board a plane to volunteer in Puerto Rico. They will work with Community Collaborations International for a second year on ecosystem restoration and community development projects.
The Alternative Break Program is much more than a week of volunteering. Students who participate in the program will spend up to six weeks prior to the trip learning about the social issue they’re heading to and what it means to be a conscientious citizen.
After researching and learning together they will serve in the community and then at the end of each day, the students will gather for reflection time, discussing the purpose of the work they're doing.
Reflection activities help students connect what they have learned to the experiences they are having in the community while working with vulnerable populations.
⇒ Visit Volunteer Services on RowdyLink and follow @UTSAVolunteer on Instagram.
In addition to building pride and a sense of accomplishment, the experiential service learning demonstrated on these trips equips students to face challenges, help others and find ways to effectively contribute to society.
UTSA also offers Alternative Winter Break trips in addition to day-long volunteer opportunities. Alternative Break Trip Leader Applications for the 2020–20201 academic year will open at the end of the semester for students looking to take a leadership role in next year’s experiences.
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