Alternative Spring Break Trips

Author: Office of Alumni Engagement

Published Date: 4/4/2023

Categories: Alumni Faculty and Staff Students

Memphis, Tennessee

Pios Volunteer, a student volunteer engagement program, headed south to Memphis, Tennessee to join three other universities and the non-profit Living Lands and Waters. Each year, this organization hosts service weeks to gather thousands of pounds of garbage that makes its way into the lake from stormwater drainage systems across the region. Carroll’s volunteers spent a total of 120 hours cleaning up the shoreline. Collectively, the group managed to keep 44,480 pounds of plastic bottles, basketballs, tires, and other trash from entering the Mississippi River. When the group wasn't "yachting," what they lovingly named their clean up adventures, they were able to visit the Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Zoo, and the botanical gardens.

Staff Advisor: Justin Latawiec ’17, Assistant Director of Young Alumni Engagement

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Carroll University's Habitat for Humanity chapter carried on a 25+ year tradition of utilizing spring break as an opportunity to travel and work on homes in a new community. This year, students traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they shingled roofs, worked on facia boarding and assisted with other tasks. Students were able to work alongside future Habitat for Humanity homeowners and learn about the local community. Outside of 440 collectively accumulated hours service, students also enjoyed local beaches, kayaked in the everglades, and developed close connections with one another through reflection and conversation.

Staff Advisor: Jake Eisch, Director of Student Conduct & Violence Prevention

Montreat, North Carolina

The Office of Spiritual Life led an ASB trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. They stayed and worked at a Presbyterian Camp and Conference center in Montreat, serving with their staff to repair and prepare their popular hiking trails before summer season begins. Our students spent 288 total hours fortifying a river embankment, clearing trails of weeds and dead trees, constructing a camping outhouse, and building rich community throughout the week. Additionally, they served with a local congregation providing weekly meals to the unhoused community in Asheville and experienced some of the charm of the region including a visit to the Biltmore and great barbecue!

Staff Advisors: Anna Langholz, Chaplain Resident; Elizabeth McCord, University Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life

Washington, D.C.

Carroll University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life team led an ASB trip to our nation’s capital. They volunteered with Martha’s Table, an organization that aims to provide every Washingtonian the opportunity to thrive through educational, health & wellness, and family support programs. Our students volunteered a collective of 120 hours with Martha’s Table, working at their Commons Grocery Markets and Joyful Markets in the community. Outside of volunteering with Martha’s Table, students were able to explore Washington D.C. and the many museums & monuments such as the National African American Museum of History and Culture, International Spy Museum, and night tour of monuments!

Staff Advisor: Sarah McDaniel ’21, Student Organization & Fraternity/Sorority Life Coordinator