YMCA Alternative Spring Break

Winter Break Trips for 2008

Always getting bored the last week of Winter Break?  Come on an Alternative Break Trip to New Orleans!

This winter we will be teaming up with other campus YMCAs from across the country to work in New Orleans.  We will be working side by side with other college students to help rebuild houses in the city.  Work will consist of roofing, painting, drywalling, and everything in between.  There is no construction experience necessary to participate, although if you have some experience that would be great.  The cost will be approximately $250 which includes all meals, transportation, and lodging. The trip will be from January 5th-12th. 

Info Sessions in the YMCA office, Squires 312:
Tuesday October 23th- noon
Wednesday October 24st- 10 am
Thursday October 25th- 11 am

For more information contact Amber Franklin (frankal@vt.edu) or stop by the office 312 Squires. Get an application today. Applications due Nov. 2nd.

This winter break, student volunteers from YMCA Student Programs will be
dedicating their vacation to serving in small communities in Ecuador and the
Dominican Republic. The group will consist of 8-10 Virginia Tech student
volunteers and projects will address issues related to agriculture, public
health, education, global awareness and community leadership development.
Keep an eye out for upcoming community fundraising events and presentations
by the student participants as we discuss the "Y" behind a two-country
service trip.

For more information on applying as a volunteer for or contributing to the
YMCA Student Programs' alternative winter break to Ecuador and the Dominican
Republic, please contact the Y Student Programs Office at 540.231.3734,
visit
us at 312 Squires Student Center or send an email to simoncm@vt.edu.

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO BE TRIP
PARTICIPANTS:
*All info. sessions to be held in the Y Student Programs Office (312 Squires
Student Center)*
1. Tuesday, August 28 at 3:30pm
2. Wednesday, August 29 at 5:30pm
3. Friday, August 31 at 9:30am

Applications are closed for this trip.

Winter Break Trips for 2006

Syracuse, New York- This winter we will be heading up to work with the Syracuse Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in upstate New York.  We will be completing many jobs including serving food, sorting through supplies, and anything else that needs to be done to help carry out the daily task of the mission.  It will be an amazing opportunity to be able to meet and talk with people from different walks of life.  This trip will leave January 6th and return the 13th. 

Contact Amber Franklin frankal@vt.edu if you have questions or stop by 312 Squires Student Center.  You can fill out an application and drop it by the office by Friday, November 10th.

Dominican Republic- This Winter's Alternative Break trip to the Dominican Republic will be an exciting immersion into service abroad in a vibrant, inviting culture.  While living in a needy community in the DR, participants will work with kids in a small school and finish up construction on the new schoolhouse.  Participants will also taste a flavor of the Caribbean as they enjoy traditional Dominican dishes, visit the historical center of Santo Domingo, and learn the popular local dances: banchata, merengue, and salsa.

 Contact Jake Grohs jrgrohs@vt.edu if you have questions or stop by 312 Squires Student Center. TRIP IS FULL.  No more applications are being accepted.

Past Trips...

Biloxi, Mississippi - This winter we will be traveling to Biloxi, Mississippi to do hurricane relief work. The area located in southern Mississippi was hit hard by Katrina. We will be traveling down there on January 3rd and returning on January 14th. While we are there we will be staying at Bay Vista Baptist Church. Our work will consists of a broad array of services including cooking, distribution of supplies, sheet rock/tree/debris removal, construction, and other projects the community needs. The church there has step up an amazing volunteer program. This trip is going to be an opportunity to grow as a volunteer and as a Christian. You will be required to participate in religious activities out of respect for our host. The cost of the trip is $250. If you have any interest or questions please email me at rstjohn@vt.edu. I would love to hear from you!

There's always a lot of work to do, so bring your work gloves and boots! Make a difference by working on service projects as well as learning about Appalachian heritage and exploring the issues mountain people face today.

YMCA Camp Winona, Florida, January 7-15, 2005:

For this Winter Break Trip the YMCA at Virginia Tech is heading to YMCA Camp Winona in DeLeon Springs, Florida. We are currently accepting applications for this trip. We are looking for about 10-15 students willing to head down to Florida to help out the camp in its cleanup efforts after being hit my several hurricanes this season. They were hit the hardest by Hurricane Francis which blew down about 100 trees and blew debris everywhere. Some of the blown trees also did damage to some of the cabins. Cleanup efforts have begun and will continue throughout the off season. The breaks trip will be working to clean up all the down trees and do some work on the cabins.

When the group is not working on the cleaning up efforts they will get the chance to enjoy the facilities of camp such as the low and high ropes courses and swimming if you are brave enough the bear the cold. The volunteers will also get the chance to check out the surrounding area for a day either going to Daytona Beach or Orlando. The trip will cost 200 for the whole time, which includes a place to stay, food, transportation. The only thing you would need money for is personal purchases. If you are looking for a chance to make a difference this winter break this trip is for you. Fill out an 5 9 application, come to an information session, or contact one of the trip leaders. You can also check out YMCA Camp Winona’s website at http://www.campwinona.org.

Ivanhoe, Virginia- January 11-17, 2004:

Virginia Tech students have been going to Ivanhoe, Virginia since 1988. Every year, Ivanhoe gets rave reviews from all who attend. The folks in Ivanhoe are extremely committed and enthusiastic about the visiting college volunteers. If you want a first hand opportunity to experience someone else’s' life and times, Ivanhoe is the place for you. It is a community rich in history and warm to visitors.

There's always a lot of work to do, so bring your work gloves and boots! Make a difference by working on service projects as well as learning about Appalachian heritage and exploring the issues mountain people face today.