A different type of spring break: Students take a vacation to help others
This year some students have decided to take their spring break to the next level. They are going to take their time off to help others who are in need.
Students from the Lutheran community in the Fargo-Moorhead area are participating in the second annual “Breaking Out” week taking place in Ocean Springs, Miss.
Ocean Springs was chosen because the students felt this area had not received as much attention as other areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.
The students thought that the Ocean Springs area needed help as much as the people in New Orleans, Allison Stoltz, an elementary education junior from MSUM, said.
Lutheran Student Movement – the national organization of campus ministries from across the country – is hosting the trip.
Last year the trip took place in Atlanta, Ga., and after the event was succesful, the organization decided to host another trip for this year.
When asked what the benefits of going on a mission trip during spring break as opposed to taking a vacation, Stoltz said, “You are giving service, which is something you are called to do.”
Stoltz said that trips such as these are a great way to meet other students with the same religious background and to foster leadership skills.
The group will be in Ocean Springs March 11-16. They are able to fly there and back, Stoltz said, with the help of Thrivent Financial and fundraising efforts from students and the group will be able to travel with the cost of only $75 per student.
The cost also includes housing and food for the week they will be in Ocean Springs taking part in hurricane relief.
Even though the trip is hosted by a religious organization Stoltz said the trip is “open to everyone” and students do not have to be a member of a religious community to take part in it.
Another group that is recruiting members for helpful trip is Habitat for Humanity.
According to Habitat for Humanity, students will be taking a trip during spring break, and they will be traveling to La Cruces, N.M.
The trip will consist of working on site with other volunteers and families to help build Habitat houses.
The group will be traveling by van, however, with students taking turns driving.
The cost of food, gas and lodging usually varies between $300 - 500,
but with the right amount of fundraising per student, the trip could be free,
according to Habitat for Humanity.
If any students are interested in going on either of these trips there is more information for the trip to Ocean Springs can be found at http://www.lsm.usa.org/ nmbreakingout.htm.
Students interested in taking part in the trip going to La Cruces, more information can be received by contacting a co-leader of the group at Britni.L.Duerre@ndsu.edu.