If your view of spring break involves sunny beaches, loud music and too much to drink, it’s time to reassess. Many colleges are now hosting service projects during spring and winter break and summer vacations. It’s a chance for young people to see a new part of the country while getting some real life work experience and making a difference.
In December, 13 college students from the University of Illinois descended on Bill Hodge from the University of Illinois' Alternative Spring Program the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, a program of The Wilderness Society and the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.
“I got a call in August and had about four months to put the service project in place, “ Hodge said.
The students spent five days in the Bald River Gorge Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, restoring almost five miles of trail. They cared for their own tools, cleaning and sharpening them for the next day.
They even got a thorough briefing on the history of the Wilderness Act, thanks to one very rainy day that prompted a wilderness overview by Bill and a viewing of the documentary, Wild by Law.
The Forest Service provided housing, liability coverage, and the necessary tools while the Alternative Spring Program handled transportation to Tennessee. SAWS provided the training and oversight, and put the program together.
It was a life changing experience for the students –two of them are now considering environmental majors – and a life affirming one for Bill.
“These kids showed up knowing they were going to be outside on the trail in the winter doing very hard work. They showed grit and real commitment,” Hodge said. “It was inspirational to see this younger generation pitch in at that level.”
How to connect:
Summer break may be the next opportunity to put a college service program to work in your wilderness area, and it’s not too early to start inquiring about partnerships for next winter or spring break.
Start with an internet search using the term "alternative spring break," or search on the name of a college or university close to you and the terms, “service project” or “outreach.” Many of these programs are student run. Be prepared to provide a brief write up of your project, what you will provide (such as housing and meals), as well as the work that will be performed. Always try to relate the work to the students’ growth and education.
Don’t overlook students in large universities in other states who might be seeking experiences in new geographical areas. For example, the University of Illinois, which provided the students for the SAWS winter break trail project, offered students service opportunities in five different states during winter break.