Spring break means service for many Clemson University students

Published: March 15, 2012

CLEMSON — Spring break usually is a time of rest and relaxation for college students, but for dozens of Clemson University students it’s a time to help others. Many Clemson student organizations will be hitting the road to take service trips during spring break March 19-23.

Clemson’s Alternative Break Program (ABP) is organizing two trips for spring break this year. One group will travel to Pensacola, Fla., to work with Community Collaborations International on ecological restoration projects in areas that were affected by the 2010 Gulf Coast oil disaster. A second group will go to Chavies, Ky., to work with the Appalachia Service Project restoring homes in underprivileged communities.

“I enjoy helping people, and I feel that this is a worthwhile way to spend my spring break,” said Garrett Kent, one of the student leaders of the Alternative Break Program trip to Kentucky. “Last year, I traveled with ABP to Alabama to help after the tornadoes. I learned that many people need help, and if I am able to help them I’m wasting my time if I don’t. If I am able to make a positive difference in even one person’s life then why shouldn’t I?”

Clemson’s Habitat for Humanity chapter will go to Winter Haven, Fla., to build homes.

“We've been looking for more opportunities to try to reach the community in ways we haven't been able to before,” said Emily Klug, vice president of the chapter. “We're always welcoming new projects we can take on to spread the awareness of and attempt to eliminate the issue of inadequate housing for families in our community.”

Many of Clemson’s campus ministry organizations also are traveling to help others.

The Clemson Wesley student organization has two groups of students traveling across the country. One group will go to Los Angeles to work in homeless shelters, soup kitchens and HIV/AIDS clinics. Another group will go to Joplin, Mo., to help with tornado relief efforts.

The Cooperative Student Fellowship will travel to Tabernacle, N.J., to work on home repairs and restoration with the Fuller Center for Housing.

The Clemson Navigators are going to Birmingham, Ala., to help rebuild homes damaged by last year’s tornadoes.

Students from Crosspoint Church are performing a different kind of service. The group is taking 21 of Clemson’s international students from various countries to Atlanta, Savannah and Charleston. The trip gives the international students a chance to see sights, learn more about America and to meet new people.

“This type of trip is unique in that one of the main goals is to foster relationships between international students and American students,” said Crosspoint campus minister Savannah Stone. “This is the third year in a row that we have participated in a spring break trip with internationals, and it is encouraging to see the friendships that are established.”

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