Spring break service trips: Guatemala, Appalachia, Louisiana
Megan Carpenter
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: Entertainment
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For some students, spring break wasn't all about relaxing and getting a tan. Around 50 students participated in service projects through Bellarmine over the past week. There was a group that traveled to Guatemala, another to Flat Gap, Kentucky, and a first time a group going to Louisiana. Melanie Sullivan Director of Campus Ministry discussed each trip in detail.
Guatemala
Sullivan explained that the students going to Guatemala were participating in a micro-lending trip, which means that students helped start businesses in the area. The program "Hearts in Motion" has been bringing students back semester after semester. "Some students want the international experience, but it really depends on the student," said Sullivan.
Students that want be part of this program next year needs to apply in September and will be responsible for fundraising about $1500.
Flat Gap, Kentucky
A program called CAP (Christian Appalachian Project) allow students to serve in jobs like building houses, which is a lot like Habitat for Humanity. Around 14 students traveled to Flat Gap with Dr. Michael Ackerman this break. Sullivan explained that once students get there they are broken up into groups that they will work with all week. Student groups consist of a leader and students from other schools. Every week students travel to CAP and work together on a project. After six or seven weeks an entire house can be built.
Students interested in being part of CAP next year should apply in November and will be expected to raise about $200.
Louisiana
Bellarmine students made their first trip to Louisiana this year, and are planning on helping out with disaster relief. The students worked with United Way during the trip. Sullivan traveled with nine students this year in hope of making a difference.
Students were expected to raise money for their airfare, and money for leisure expenses.
Applying and Fundraising
Applying early is a must if you really want to be part of these wonderful programs. If you would like to talk with someone about these trips, take a trip to the Campus Ministry office. It is located in Horrigan Hall right across from the Café.
Students started fundraising for their service trip not long after they were accepted to go on the trip. Fundraisers like selling cookie dough tubs helped many students serve over their break.
More than just another spring break
One of the last things Sullivan talked with me about was how beneficial these service trips are for the students. Students weren't just looking for a break or wanting a tan. Sullivan told me there was one thing she has heard every year, and it never gets old. "I went on this trip to make a difference in someone else's life, and it changed me."
Guatemala
Sullivan explained that the students going to Guatemala were participating in a micro-lending trip, which means that students helped start businesses in the area. The program "Hearts in Motion" has been bringing students back semester after semester. "Some students want the international experience, but it really depends on the student," said Sullivan.
Students that want be part of this program next year needs to apply in September and will be responsible for fundraising about $1500.
Flat Gap, Kentucky
A program called CAP (Christian Appalachian Project) allow students to serve in jobs like building houses, which is a lot like Habitat for Humanity. Around 14 students traveled to Flat Gap with Dr. Michael Ackerman this break. Sullivan explained that once students get there they are broken up into groups that they will work with all week. Student groups consist of a leader and students from other schools. Every week students travel to CAP and work together on a project. After six or seven weeks an entire house can be built.
Students interested in being part of CAP next year should apply in November and will be expected to raise about $200.
Louisiana
Bellarmine students made their first trip to Louisiana this year, and are planning on helping out with disaster relief. The students worked with United Way during the trip. Sullivan traveled with nine students this year in hope of making a difference.
Students were expected to raise money for their airfare, and money for leisure expenses.
Applying and Fundraising
Applying early is a must if you really want to be part of these wonderful programs. If you would like to talk with someone about these trips, take a trip to the Campus Ministry office. It is located in Horrigan Hall right across from the Café.
Students started fundraising for their service trip not long after they were accepted to go on the trip. Fundraisers like selling cookie dough tubs helped many students serve over their break.
More than just another spring break
One of the last things Sullivan talked with me about was how beneficial these service trips are for the students. Students weren't just looking for a break or wanting a tan. Sullivan told me there was one thing she has heard every year, and it never gets old. "I went on this trip to make a difference in someone else's life, and it changed me."
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