What is Alternative Break?
Alternative Breaks, a program of Reeve Union Student Involvement, sends teams of 9 college students to engage in community-based service projects during winter or spring break, providing opportunities for students to learn about the problems faced by members of communities with whom they may otherwise have had little or no direct contact. This immersion in diverse environments enables students to experience, discuss, and understand social issues in a significant way, ultimately, moving students towards action to make a positive impact.
Interested in being part of Alternative Break in 2020? Sign up here for updates.
2020 Trip Locations
Update on Hurricane Recovery
Jan. 25 – Jan. 31, 2020 | Puerto Rico | $1300
On this trip we will be working on continued recovery projects from Hurricane Maria. Projects could include working on construction projects, rebuilding homes and environmental restoration work. We will also spend some time learning about the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
Leadership and Service
March 22 – 27, 2020 | Black Mountain, NC | $500
Students will travel by van to the Blue Ridge Assembly YMCA in North Carolina to work with a variety of agencies that serve needs in the area. All experiences will be hands on. This group will also participate in an outdoor ropes course during their time.
Diversity and Inclusion
March 22 – 27, 2020 | Atlanta, GA | $400
Students will travel by van to Atlanta Georgia to work with agencies that support LGBTQ+ youth and those who are experiencing food insecurity. Service may include work in a thrift store sorting donations, preparing the sales floor ready for sales and serving meals.
Education and Privilege
May 20 – 27, 2020 | Honduras | $1800
On this trip to Honduras students will be working with the non-profit Organization for Youth Empowerment – OYE. OYE’s mission as a community-based, youth-led organization is to develop the leadership and capacity of at-risk Honduran youth who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In Honduras, primary education is free and obligatory for every child between the ages of seven and fourteen, but the associated transportation costs and income-loss to the household when a child is in school is often too much for families to bear, resulting in children who are forced to drop out of school and are thus unable to complete their “obligatory” education. OYE works to increase the number of students completing their education.
Selection
Timeline
Oct. 1
Applications are available
Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Trip leader applications are due
Oct. 25 at 11:59 p.m.
Trip participant priority deadline
Applicants must sign up for an interview at this time
Oct. 21 – 23
AB trip interviews
Nov. 1
AB trip participants notified via email
Nov. 8
AB participant payment one due*
*Failure to make payment one will result in removal from trip
Criteria
Selection will be based off the AB Trip Application and Interview. This trip is a joint venture between Reeve Union and Student Recreation, as such, there are several outside factors considered during selection.
Applicants must have a cumulative 2.25 GPA
(Freshmen should list High School GPA)
Having a record of the following will
remove an applicant from consideration:
Violent or Drug Crimes on CCAP
Campus or Residence Hall Disciplinary Probation
Other incidents that raise concern
Apply To Go!
Payment Schedule
| Payment One | Payment Two | Payment Three | Payment Four | ||
| Nov. 8 | Dec. 6 | Feb. 14 | March 14 | Total | |
| Puerto Rico | $100 | $450 | $475 | $475 | $1500 |
| Black Mountain, NC | $100 | $125 | $150 | $125 | $500 |
| Atlanta, GA | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $400 |
| Honduras | $100 | $550 | $575 | $575 | $1800 |
More Information
FAQs
What costs are covered by my trip fee?
- Trip transportation
- AB T-shirt
- Lodging
- Supplies for service work
- Meals (each trip will let you know which meals are covered)
- International health insurance
What costs aren't covered by my trip fee?
- Snacks or travel day meals
- Extra Activities
- Immunizations/Passport (International trips)
Safety and Security Info
All Trips
Waivers & contact information on site & at university
Emergency contact information sent to parents
Agency contact number sent to parents
Flight information shared
All lodging at secure locations, places to keep valuables
International Trips
Copies of passports kept
Emergency travel insurance purchased
Registered with US Embassies in countries
Travel agent & university watch for international concerns
Alternative Breaks participants, including trip leaders, are required to attend mandatory events,
including group meetings and other events and activities
Blog
Farewell NC…On the Road Again
Hello all, Carmen (trip advisor) here! The students did such a great job blogging all week, I thought I would let them rest and do the final post while we drive home!
Today we left Blue Ridge Assembly YMCA dark and early at 6:00 a.m. We hustled out the door with all of our items and stowed our cabin garbage safely in the bear proof trash bins. We took a final group selfie and said goodbye to our cabin and the beautiful camp that was our home away from home!
Our wonderful week ended with an incredible sunrise in the Apalachine Mountains as we weaved our way through the mountains…most people were sleeping but the navigator in the lead van made sure to get a few pictures for the group and all of you to see! I must say, the pictures don’t do the view justice, it was breathtaking!
To the members of this incredible experience…
Thank you for being brave and taking a chance with this trip! Your courageous spirit and competitive nature made every service project and group activity memorable in all the best ways! The support and encouragement was contagious…and of course, so was the laughter! The culture of “challenge accepted”, appreciation, and genuine care for one another made this group and trip very special. You have all left a permanent mark on my heart and I can’t imagine a more perfect ending to Women’s HERstory Month than this empowering trip with women dedicated to their personal and professional leadership development! Thank you for bringing your A Game and allowing everyone to be their self! 💕
Day 4: Painting Pals & Maia
Hey y’all!! Today we visited the Steadfast house which is a facility that helps house homeless women and children. While there we were able to help them repaint their kitchen. During our time working with them we were able to tour the facility and learn about homelessness within the Asheville Buncombe County area. As a result of our painting project we saved them money that they were able to put towards housing costs for the residents.
After a fun day painting, we drove and hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak East of the Mississippi River. When at the top we were 6684ft above sea level!! It was an amazing experience with beautiful views.
We ended the night by doing facilitation activity pairs. In this activity were asked to create a fun team building activity and facilitate it with the group. Everyone had something different and creative! Currently we are all working on packing to come back to Oshkosh tomorrow! Hope to see you all soon!
