Spring break of hope: An alternative spring break

“Spring Break” is that greatly anticipated time in spring semester when college students flock to beaches, vacation spots, or home for a week of relaxation and putting down the books. Recently, though, there has been a movement among these young folks to do something more meaningful on their spring breaks. The phenomenon of an alternative spring break has students trading beach towels for hammers, paintbrushes, and a servant’s spirit. The idea is to spend the week doing volunteer work instead of vacationing. The result is a much more fulfilling week and an experience that stays with them for the rest of their lives.

Prompted by events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, students have been rising up to answer the call for help and seeking to make a difference. With this growing trend in mind, the Society of St. Andrew’s mission outreach program, Harvest of Hope, is going on “Spring Break!” The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) feeds our nation’s hungry with excess produce gleaned by volunteers from fields and orchards and distributed to critical feeding agencies. Using this concept, the Harvest of Hope Alternative Spring Break will be an opportunity for college students to use their time off to learn about hunger and actually do something about it, as well.

“I love the idea,” said Zach Baker, a former Harvest of Hope summer intern who has already signed up for the Harvest of Hope Alternative Spring Break. “This gives college kids, especially kids like me who aren’t big fans of the party scene, a chance to do something for spring break that’s fun and a good way to worship God. I think it will be a wonderful trip.”

The Harvest of Hope Alternative Spring Break will be held March 8-14, 2009 in Jacksonville, FL. The location was chosen for its appeal as a popular spring break location. Also, in addition to the weather being warm and comfortable, gleaning opportunities are plentiful there that time of year. The Urban Mission Experience, whose goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of the homeless and low-income in Jacksonville, will host the spring breakers. The Urban Mission Experience fulfills its mission by making opportunities for youth and adults to put their faith into action by serving local agencies with volunteer support. They will provide the dorm-style facilities and some of the meals. This beautiful location is also conveniently situated close to three popular beaches, which students will have the opportunity to take advantage of at the end of the week.

Andrew Hudgins, who has been doing Harvest of Hope events for five years and has attended several other alternative spring break mission trips, said of those experiences, “It’s so much fun! You are doing good and at the same time getting so much out of it – so much more than if you were just watching TV the whole week of spring break.”

The week will be similar to other week-long Harvest of Hope events with some slight changes to programming: Participants should arrive on Sunday for dinner, Monday-Thursday will be gleaning days in local orchards and farm fields, and Friday will be a “fun day” spent on the beach. When they are not lending their hands to gleaning food for the hungry, these college students will be studying about hunger and poverty issues in their neighborhoods, this country, and the world. A more in-depth conversation about hunger issues can be expected and fueled through these socially conscious students.

Offering a Harvest of Hope Alternative Spring Break to college students will harness their energy and eagerness to help while also providing them a venue for spiritual renewal. Brandon Robbins, who will be the worship leader for the event and is the youth leader at Chester UMC in Virginia, said he hopes that as a result of this experience the participants will “have a more deeply embedded passion to end hunger; understanding how God is working through this (SoSA) ministry and how it’s affecting the lives of people.”

Alternative spring breaks are now offered by colleges and universities through student outreach organizations and campus ministries, through local civic organizations and non-profits.

Alternative spring breaks can involve international travel, advocacy, evangelism, community building, or strictly hands on labor. The value of an alternative spring break reaches far beyond the week-long experience. When students go back to their campuses they take with them a new perspective on social issues and a rooted interest in service; they realize the importance of social action at home, which can be life changing.

Join the Society of St. Andrew’s Harvest of Hope Alternative Spring Break! All students whose spring break coincides with this trip are encouraged to join in on the fun. Participants will be responsible for their own travel to the facility. The deadline for applying and making a deposit to reserve a spot is January 30, 2009. However, space will be limited so applications should be sent as soon as possible. Tuition is $150/person; scholarships are available as needed. Contact Sarah Nagy at the Society of St. Andrew with any questions or for more information – email her at sosahoh@endhunger.org, or all 800-333-4597.