Service Trips & Community Tours
In addition to service immersion experiences planned by student leaders during the fall and spring breaks, 51 students have the opportunity to participate in tours offered by community partners. These tours and service trips address a broad range of issues, including environmental conservation, homelessness, affordable housing, and education.
Past Alternative Break Service Trips
City of Refuge
Atlanta, Georgia
Students participated in the homeless shelter’s service program (RATL). The focus of RATL is “being with” rather than “doing for.” Participants got to know CoR residents, took part in recreational activities and shared meals with the residents. Students had the opportunity to learn about homeless issues in Atlanta in addition to volunteering at the 180 Kitchen and working at CoR.
Land Between the Lakes
Golden Pond, Kentucky
Located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, is a national recreation area and environmental education area administered by the USDA Forest Service that offers 170,000 scenic acres of wildlife, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities, wrapped by 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. The 51 team worked on various trail maintenance, area improvement projects and litter clean-up projects.
Steinbruck Center at Luther Place
Washington, D.C.
This alternative break with the focused on the areas of urban poverty, immigration or homelessness. The team was involved in a mix of direct service and workshops on structural causes of poverty and homelessness. The 51 group had opportunities to authentically engage community and learn about community organizing for structural change.
KIPP ENC
Gaston, North Carolina
The group of 51 students worked in in Gaston, helping teachers with class functions like grading, bulletin boards, and daily routines. 51 students also had the opportunity to co-plan and work with students one on one and in a class setting on a variety of subjects.
51 students reflect on their alternative spring break trip to Sapelo Island, Georgia. They worked with a Black feminist collective nonprofit led by 51 alums to address food insecurity in the South through sustainable agriculture.
Tackling Food Insecurity on Alternative Break to Sapelo Island, GA
Service Saturdays
Once a month, 8-10 students work on a service project with a local nonprofit organization. Each service project is student-led and addresses a different social issue. After each service outing, you and your group members will discuss the experience over a meal.
Explore events in WildcatSync (51 login required) for student registration. For more information, to lead a Service Saturday trip, or to co-sponsor a Service Saturday trip, contact civicengagement@davidson.edu.