2012 Winter Break Trips
Environmental Awareness
Ft. Myers, FL
Think you can’t go to the beach for your winter break? Wouldn’t you rather go to a place where the average high is 77 degrees? Then join us in Fort Myers, where you can make the world a better place and escape for a sunny, warm retreat in the dead of winter. Spend the week outside, beautifying and preserving various Florida national parks and preserves. The work involves removing invasive plant species so the natural flora can thrive. We will also spend a day improving the water quality of local water systems in kayaks! If you want to spend a week being adventurous, enhancing the forests and waterways of Florida, and exploring the amazing city of Fort Myers, then this is the trip for you!
HIV/AIDS Awareness
Charlotte, NC
This December, the winter break trip to Charlotte, North Carolina will focus on HIV and AIDS Awareness. 1.2 million people are affected by HIV and one in five HIV-affected people are unaware they carry the virus. In order to grasp a more holistic picture of what it means to touch those most affected by the virus and their families, we will be working with local clinics, food banks, the salvation army, and assisted living facilities to learn more about the situation, meet, learn, and work with affected Carolinians, and take part in the effort to combat and reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in our nation’s seventeenth-largest city. After working hard, we will engage in fun and relaxing activities. With an evening of holiday cheer, we will sit camp side, and listen to an Italian holiday story. Calling the Dawgs is something we already know how to do in Athens; so, we will go and see what it's like to welcome the Carolina Panthers at a most enjoyable, family-fun, tailgate party downtown! Come join us for a fantastic start to your winter break.
Homelessness & Poverty
Savannah, GA
Join us the first week of winter break for a fulfilling week of service in the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia. Spend eight days volunteering at local night shelters, temporary home facilities, and parks to focus on the social issue of Homelessness and Poverty. This is not only a great opportunity to serve but also to interact with new people, including other passionate student volunteers. Make the most out of your winter break by serving and making an impact on the community of Savannah!
Veteran’s Awareness
Washington, D.C.
Looking to spend part of your winter break making a difference in one of the coolest cities in the country? Interested in helping to better the lives of our nation's Veterans and their families? If you answered YES, this trip is the one for you! During our time in DC, we will be working with organizations like Walter Reed National Medical Center, Operation Homefront and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors to help positively influence the lives of Veterans and their family members. Through service, we'll increase awareness of this community's most pressing issues including homelessness, mental illness, and unemployment. Aside from these service opportunities, we will also have time to explore DC and all it has to offer! We'll check out Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Zoo, and the National Mall Monuments -- just to name a few. So if you're ready to make a difference in Veterans' lives, we'll see you in December for a week you'll always remember!
2013 Spring Break Trips
Ability/Disability Awareness
Jackson, MS
If you want to see what else the South has to offer, come to Jackson, where we'll be doin' the most impactin' for disability/ability awareness! During spring break, we'll be traveling in and around Jackson, MS to work with children and adults with developmental disabilities. While staying at Hope Hollow Ministries, we will be buddy counselors with the children there. We'll also interact directly with special needs adults at Mustard Seed and get trained in hippotherapy for those who come for therapeutic horse riding at RideABILITY. Finally, we'll visit a local nursing home to provide fun and fellowship to older adults! We can't wait for you to join our trip to Jackson, MS! See you in March!
Philadelphia, PA
Join us over Spring Break as we explore the city of Philadelphia through the lens of disability/ability awareness! In one of the most historic cities in America, we will work with a local organization, The Arc of Philadelphia, to learn more about the people The Arc assists. The Arc is all about promoting a better life for individuals with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities through legislation, advocacy, and awareness. You will be paired with a “buddy” and get to know them throughout many activities, potentially including working an art show featuring the Buddies art and a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. Let’s not forget the history of Philadelphia! We will take some to explore the culture of the city, touring some of the most historic sites in the country. Let’s spread some service love in the City of Brotherly Love!
Affordable Housing
Americus, GA
Hammers, hard hats, and tool belts galore! Join us over spring break in the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity, Americus, GA, as we delve into the different aspects and benefits of affordable housing. Using your own two hands, watch a home spring up right before your eyes in just a week and explore the fascinating town of Americus! We look forward to building both homes and lasting relationships!
Asheboro, NC
Grab your tool kit and put your hard hats on, and come with us as we explore the issue of affordable housing. On our trip we will be enjoying the wonderful hospitality of Asheboro, North Carolina and truly engaging in sustainable service. If you like making seventeen new best friends and participating in fun and rewarding service this is the trip for you! We will be working with Habitat for Humanity and building a home from the ground up while experiencing North Carolina culture. The Asheboro trip for affordable housing will be one of your best collegiate experiences and definitely a trip you won’t want to miss! Join us as we traverse through the North Carolina mountains, and bring some Bulldawg love to Asheboro, North Carolina.
Greater Tennessee
Looking for a great time, rewarding service work, and wonderful friends? Well then we have the spring break trip for you! We will be traveling to an awesome location in Tennessee to focus on affordable housing. We will be working with Habitat for Humanity on different housing initiatives throughout the week to support low to moderate income families in the local area. We will be dancing A LOT and will explore the culture of Tennessee through music, history, and recreational activities. Along with about twenty other students, you will be able to make new lifelong friends, learn about yourself, and discover the beauty of service. In working together on a construction site, we will be able to see our hard work transform into a home for a family in need. Come to greater Tennessee for the IMPACTful experience of a lifetime!
Ageism
Bluefield, WV
Nature's air-conditioned city is the beautiful site of the ageism trip to West Virginia. If the 18-25 year old demographic isn't cutting it for you anymore, take a week to spend time with youth and older adults-- not the typical age groups you find around Athens. Days will be spent exercising, line dancing, baking, playing Wii, and volunteering alongside Bluefield's older adults, while each afternoon we'll hang out with students in afterschool programs. Crafting, tutoring, reading, playing sports, and simply hanging out are all on the table! Thrown into the mix will be a hike to a breathtaking overlook of the town and a hands-on visit to a local artist's workshop. Participants will get the opportunity to break stereotypes about age and recognize the discrimination present every day in society. Come celebrate age like everyday's a birthday party!
Animal Advocacy
Charleston, SC
Do you love puppies? Do you love kittens? Maybe you love sea turtles? Maybe you want to spend your Spring Break helping these and other types of animals? If so, you should select the Animal Advocacy trip in Charleston, SC! This trip is dedicated to the awareness and benefit of these lovely creatures. We plan to volunteer within the animal habitats common in Charleston as well as with groups dedicated to helping domesticated animals. We will work to understand the animals that we are helping through educational as well as active volunteering. The trip will conclude with an exciting excursion allowing us to admire and learn more about the creatures we spent our week IMPACTing! If you love animals as much as you love fun then Charleston is the trip you should pick!
Children’s Advocacy
Clinton, SC
Remember when you were a kid and didn't have a worry in the world? Come relive those days while putting in a hard week of work. Children’s Advocacy in Clinton, South Carolina is bound to be a wonderful experience. From hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to serving the lovely campus of Thornwell Home for Children, you can expect to have one of the best weeks of your life! We will be engaging with the children of Thornwell who come from various difficult family circumstances around the Southeast. Thornwell Home for Children has a beautiful campus and we will be heavily involved in maintaining it's beauty. You won’t just be making a lasting IMPACT on the children, campus, and community we are serving, but you will also make life-long friendships with your fellow participants. Come with us to learn about the importance of children’s advocacy.
Orlando, FL
Do you love spending time with kids? Come join us serve in Orlando this spring break! We will be working with Give Kids The World, impacting a special community of terminally ill and disabled children from all over the world. We will also have the opportunity to work with a smaller nonprofit organization, New Hope for Kids, that aims to provide a comforting and supportive environment for children with grievances, abused children, and grief stricken children. We have some exciting options for cultural exploration as well, including downtown Disney and a chocolate factory! We look forward to forming long lasting friendships and falling in love with service and some awesome kids!
Disaster Relief
Tuscaloosa, AL
Disasters can strike anywhere, at any time. Fellow SEC school University of Alabama was right in the heart of the April 25–28, 2011 tornado outbreak, the largest single-system tornado outbreak ever recorded. The EF4 tornado which struck the area left a trail of destruction over 80 miles long, 1.5 miles wide, and took the lives of over 40 people. While the TV cameras are all gone, and life on campus has returned to normal, the edges of Tuscaloosa are still in desperate need of help. If you like working with your hands and don't mind getting a little dirty, come enjoy southern hospitality at its finest as we help rebuild another southern gem, T-Town, Alabama.
Environmental Awareness
South Florida
Do you have a passion for working outside? Do you care about making an impact that will affect future generations? Do you love nature, climbing trees, and the Florida sunshine? If so, IMPACT South Florida is the trip for you! We will spend a week serving at Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and the Fruit and Spice Park doing tasks such as invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and beach clean-up. After a long week of demanding, physical service, we will spend our cultural day exploring the local beaches and the vibrant culture of Miami. Bring your bug spray, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for a week that will last a lifetime!
HIV/AIDS Awareness
St. Louis, MO
What's better than climbing up the tallest monument in the U.S., learning about HIV/AIDS awareness through interaction with patients, and making best friends with awesome people in one week? Well, we couldn't think of anything because that's pretty hard to beat. Hop on board with us as we travel to the Gateway of the West - St. Louis, Missouri! We will be working together to positively impact the lives of individuals that have HIV/AIDS and also create awareness about this burgeoning issue. If you are interested in health or are looking for a powerful experience, this is the trip for you!
Homelessness & Poverty
Charlotte, NC
Race your way up to the Queen City with us to work with individuals of all ages and eat some real good barbecue. This action-packed week will be filled with serving meals, working at a food bank, and serving at the largest boys and girls club in the south east. From working with children and adults living with the reality of homelessness and poverty to interacting with some of the largest financial institutions in the nation, we will see Charlotte through many different lenses than the average visitor. Come enjoy the beauty, charm, and southern hospitality of Charlotte, North Carolina, with us!
Chicago, IL
Due to the financial crisis of 2008, the number of people living in poverty has increased drastically. Chicago is no exception to the economic hardship affecting American citizens today, and homelessness and poverty have been steadily on the rise. Join us as we take a closer look at the problems that many people are facing due to the economic crisis we are facing as a nation. We are going to work with Connections for the Homeless (Hilda’s Place) and Greater Chicago Food Depository in order to take a hands-on approach to helping the homeless of Chicago. Through our work with these service organizations we will explore a different side of homelessness, delving into the numerous causes that can lead to homelessness and why it is so prevalent at this point in history. We will also explore the beautiful architecture and many attractions of the diverse city of Chicago. So if you want to explore, become best friends with 20 amazing people and have one of the best weeks of your life then come to Chi-town during spring break 2013.
Human Rights: Human Trafficking
Atlanta, GA
Let the drum roll begin because this year IMPACT proudly presents its first ever Human Trafficking Awareness trip! The coolest thing about it- you can make an IMPACT right here in the capital city, the big A-town, Atlanta, Ga. While we’re only traveling an hour down the road, you might be surprised to know that every two minutes, a child in Atlanta has been sold into sex trafficking. This shocking statistic and so many others are the reason that this Spring Break we want you to join us on our mission for justice, education, and awareness. Spend your week making an IMPACT on this social issue and in return you’ll be IMPACTed in ways you can’t even imagine. Join us in Atlanta this Spring Break for an experience that is guaranteed to be unforgettable!
Human Rights: Immigration
Foley, AL
Welcome to Foley, Alabama where the beaches are beautiful, the weather is great, and IMPACT will be serving on a one of a kind spring break trip! If you're passionate about experiencing new cultures and meeting new people and if you want to participate in service that changes lives and promotes human rights, then Foley is the trip for you! IMPACT Foley will be working with M.O.T.H.E.R. (Multicultural Organization to Help Enlighten Races) and other local organizations to assist in refugee relocation and asylum, cultural integration, English teaching classes, human trafficking and an after-school program for children whose parents have been deported Aside from providing us with opportunities for truly eye-opening and fun service, Foley is also a beautiful city located on the Gulf Shores in Alabama. We will explore the tourist district and spend time on their beautiful beaches for the cultural awareness aspect of our program. A big heart, an open mind, and a sense of humor is all you need for this truly life-changing experience!
Human Rights: LGBTQ Awareness
New Orleans, LA
Come on down to "The Big Easy", New Orleans, Louisiana! While in "Nawlins" you will not only get to explore French Quarter, you will get to work hands-on to have a postive impact on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. You will be working with LGBT Community Center, a center providing resources, support, and advancement of the LGBTQ community. You may also get to work with organizations such as Project Lazauras and NOAIDS Task Force in order to broaden our knowledge on the issue as well as closely interact with the LGBTQ community. On this trip you will leave a positive impact on the communities you help and sustain relationships with everyone you meet. If you are interested in LGBTQ awareness and in making a difference to the LGBTQ community, join our trip!
Native American Awareness
Pembroke, NC
Are you interested in learning about the Lumbee culture while bonding with sixteen fellow students through service and cultural exploration? Travel with us to Pembroke, North Carolina- Home of the Lumbee Tribe, for the Native American Cultural Awareness trip! From serving at the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club and playing with the youngest Lumbee members, to working in the Tribal Offices and exploring all facets of everyday life, to participating in outreach projects serving the Tribe Elders, we will come to know and appreciate the Lumbee people and better understand their way of life. Not only will we spend the week serving the community, but we will also learn about Lumbee traditions by participating in culture classes and exploring the beautiful town of Pembroke. Join us as we travel to North Carolina over spring break!
Public Health
Indianapolis, IN
Issues in Public Health are becoming increasingly imperative in today's society. IMPACT will travel north for an incredible week of Public Health advocacy in Indianapolis, Indiana to address issues such as obesity, nutrition, and diabetes. We will work with the Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Lords Pantry to educate Hoosiers about Public Health issues. Along with these opportunities for service, we will explore the culture of Indianapolis and visit the historic Children's Museum and Indianapolis Zoo within White River State Park. If you have a passion for health and wellness, or would like to learn more about how you can live healthier, you should join us for a week of advocating for the betterment of Public Health in the Indianapolis-area. |
