Alternative Winter Break (AWB) Applications Available NOW!
Click here:
http://ohiounion.osu.edu/activityfee/asb_app3.asp
ALL AWB Applications will be due by Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 5:00pm.
Alternative Winter Break 2008 Trips Include:
Prices range from $175-$300 depending on location cost. Due to the training time put in by trip leaders, trip leaders receive a $50 discount on the cost of the trip listed. The Habitat trips listed will have a maximum of 50 students due to the needs of the locations.
Camp Heartland (www.campheartland.org) Willow River, MN: is a camp for children living with HIV/AIDS. Past groups have carved signs, painted, and done projects to improve the grounds for the children before the Summer. There are no children present during winter break. (Meals/Housing: Provided by Camp Heartland). COST: $275
Hands on Atlanta (http://www.handsonatlanta.org/) Atlanta, GA: With more than 500 nonprofit and school partners throughout the metro Atlanta area, Hands On Atlanta has projects in many service areas. Specific site tasks will be assigned in October but could range from Homelessness to Education. (Housing: Hostel; Meals not Provided) COST: $250
Habitat for Humanity (http://hfhmgc.org/) Mississippi Gulf Coast: Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has 200 homes completed or under construction since Katrina and is committed to serving families in need. We're working hard to achieve our mission to build 800 homes by 2012. Housing: Volunteer Village located at Yankie Stadium in Biloxi, MS Meals: Majority provided by Habitat for Humanity COST: $275
Habitat for Humanity (www.seaislandhabitat.org) John’s Island, South Carolina: The mission of Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness West of the Ashley River and the surrounding sea islands, and to make decent housing a matter of conscience in our community. COST: $250
Tigers for Tomorrow (http://www.tigersfortomorrow.org/) Attalla, AL - Working to help maintain the habitats provided for the tigers on site. It may include working in the cages (without the tiger in them), working on the grounds of the facility, or possibly helping to prepare meals for the animals. Due to the danger posed by working with such animals, direct contact is unlikely. All work done will be, in some way, benefiting the life of the animals. (Housing: Hotel; Meals not Provided) COST: $300
Operation Breakthrough (www.OperationBreakthrough.org) Kansas City, MO: Working with children to provide a safe, loving, educational environment. Students get hands on experience with children in an educational environment. (Housing: Local Church; Meals not Provided) COST: $175
What is the Alternative Breaks Program?
Alternative Breaks are weeklong, community service trips to a city outside of Columbus during the university's breaks at Winter, Spring, and Summer. Students volunteer for the entire week with one agency to learn more about the needs and capacities of that organization and its social issue. Training is provided for all Participants and Leaders. No previous experience is necessary to participate in Alternative Breaks!
When are the Alternative Breaks?
Alternative Break Trips take place during each University Break period – Winter, Spring & Summer. During Winter and Summer the break trips always take place the week following finals week. This year’s trip dates are listed below.
Alternative Winter Break: December 13-20, 2008
Alternative Spring Break: March 14-23, 2008
Alternative Summer Break: June 9-15, 2008
Where will the Trips go?
Each year the trips go to a variety of different places and focus on a number of different social issues. Places we have visited in the past include New York City, Washington DC, Charleston, SC, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay.
Each trip period will have a different set of locations and specific location information will be available on the application page as well as the Ohio Union article about the specific break period.
Information about Alternative Winter Break locations can be found above.
Trip Leaders
Each AB trip is led by two student Trip Leaders. Trip Leaders are responsible for managing all trip logistics, training participants, and leading reflection. Trip Leaders candidates will have a strong value for community service, appreciation of differences, ability to lead a group of peers, professionalism in dealing with community partners, good oral and written communication, and a sense of humor.
Trip Participants
AB trips are open to all students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional. Participants must apply each year to attend an AB trip. Participants with a variety of experiences, skills, and interests are invited to apply to attend AB.
Trip Expenses
Each AB trip is funded by the Student Activity Fee and by Participant Fees. Participant Fees are relative to site location. These Fees cover training, transportation (to, from, and around the service city), lodging, service site fees, and t-shirt. Meals and personal expenses are not covered by these fees unless indicated under site descriptions. Trip fees range from $175-$300 and are listed under each site description above.
Faculty/Staff Advisors
Each AB trip is staffed by a Faculty or Staff Advisor. Advisors participate fully in all training, service projects, and reflection with the rest of the trip. Advisors are also encouraged to bring an "educational component" to the trip based on the service project, host city, or other personal/professional interest. Please see the advisor application to the right of this page.
Contact Us!
For more information about the Alternative Breaks Program, please contact Chelsey Baughard.2@osu.edu, Eric Langenderfer.22@osu.edu, Zack Caldwell.458@osu.edu, Joe Barone.34@osu.edu or Rosie Holmes in the Ohio Union at holmes.443@osu.edu or 292-8763.
