Alternative Spring Break logo
Want to learn more about the 2012 Alternative Spring Break trips?
Read the WCCES Alternative Spring Break Blog entry for a recap and a great photo gallery!
Check out our Welcome to FAU ASB 2012! video!!
Site Descriptions
This Land is Your Land: Apopka, FLThe Hope CommUnity Center (HCC) was founded in 1971 to support the growing community of farmworkers and immigrant families settling in Central Florida. HCC applies a holistic approach to addressing poverty in their community, supplying residents with practical skills as well as cultivating their sense of community and their spiritual health. This site will focus on the themes of immigration, farmworkers, community organizing, and social justice. Participants on this site will live with families in this community, immersing themselves in the daily life, work, and culture of the community. They will work in the fields with the families as well as devote time to service projects directly supporting the community center.
Prior to embarking on this trip, participants will also join a Day of Service in our local community, working with the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA).
Don't Stop Believin': Orlando, FL
Each day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer. And, each day, approximately 400,000 American children live with chronic, life-threatening medical conditions. However, every day there are also a number of organizations around the country working to make the lives of those children brighter. Participants on this site will work with three organizations – Give Kids The World, B.A.S.E Camp, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities – which help brighten the lives of the children living with these diseases and their families. Give Kids the World (GKTW) fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing a whimsical, cost-free residence near the Central Florida attractions. While working with GKTW participants will interact with children and families staying in the Give Kids The World Village resort. B.A.S.E. Camp provides support for children and families who are facing the challenge of living with cancer and other chronic illnesses. While working with this organization, participants will help be a part of the weekly events for the children and help give the facilities a makeover. The Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a "home-away-from-home" for families of children receiving medical treatment in Orlando. Participants will cook a meal for the families at the house and join in the activities of the house.
Prior to embarking on this trip, participants will also join a Day of Service in our local community, working with the Fort Lauderdale Ronald McDonald House.
** PLEASE NOTE: Participants on Don't Stop Believin' will be required to complete a background check in order to attend ASB. There will be no cost to participants for this background check.
Alternative Spring Break Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASB?
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an opportunity to spend your spring break week serving a Florida community. You will travel with other students and staff members to a new city where you will immerse yourself in service projects and learn about a particular issue affecting that community.
ASB will be one of the best weeks of your life – a chance to dedicate an entire week to serving others and learning about a new community. You will make new friends and come back with a new perspective on a complex social issue.
Why is Alternative Spring Break considered "alternative"?
Alternative Spring Break trips are a week "on" instead of a week "off" – you will have the incredible opportunity to use your break from courses to pursue a love of service and an interest in a particular social issue. Alternative Spring Break is also substance (drug and alcohol) free, offering students an alternative to the more "traditional" spring break.
What are the benefits of going on an ASB Trip?
- Use your spring break to make a difference
- Make new long-lasting friendships
- Learn about a social issue by working alongside those directly affected
- Build leadership skills and future involvement opportunities
- Travel to a new and interesting city or location
- Immerse yourself in a new culture and lifestyle
- Have fun!
- Give back!
When is ASB?
Sunday, March 4th to Friday, March 9th, 2012
How much does it cost?
Nothing! All expenses are paid for participants except for personal items (i.e., additional food/snacks, souvenirs, etc.). However, participants are required to provide a $100 check deposit to hold your spot, refundable upon return from ASB.
How do I apply?
Complete the ASB application online. The application deadline is NOVEMBER 4th at NOON. Applications can be e-mailed to volunteer@fau.edu (preferred), fax to 561-297-3607, or drop off at any Weppner Center location.
Weppner Center locations:
Boca: Student Services, Room 225
Broward - Davie: Student Union, Room 203
Northern- Jupiter: Student Resources, Room 119
Are there any requirements for applying?
You must be enrolled as a student at FAU during the Spring 2012 semester. You may not be on probation for academic or disciplinary reasons.
What is considered when selecting applicants for trips?
A number of factors are taken into account when evaluating applicants as we seek to create diverse groups of participants from all campus locations, years, and majors. The MOST important item looked at is the "questions" portion of your application. Treat the essays as a written interview. It is our way of truly ascertaining your character, interest level, intentions, maturity and compatibility for ASB.
Can I be placed on the same trip with my friend(s)?
Each applicant is evaluated individually and therefore guaranteed pairing is not possible. Applicants should put their best effort into writing their application, particularly the essay portion, in order to maximize their chances for being selected for their top choice trip. Keep in mind, however, that one of the benefits of going on ASB is meeting new students, making new friends, and broadening your social network at FAU, so it is to your benefit to attend trips with students you do not know.
I was selected for one site but I want to switch to another, is this possible?
No, you cannot change which site you are attending after participant selection. Every site and trip will be a valuable, exciting, and powerful experience and we encourage applicants to keep an open mind about all of the site options.
What is the role of the student site leaders?
Student site leaders will work with Weppner Center staff to coordinate logistics and plan for each trip, lead reflection sessions each day during the trip, communicate with site participants prior to the trip to share educational and other important information, and most importantly maintain energy and enthusiasm during the trip. They will also have the opportunity, if they choose to take it, to help the Weppner Center develop future Alternative Spring Break trips.
I was selected for a trip but can no longer participate in ASB, what do I do?
Please send an email to mwils111@fau.edu immediately stating that you can no longer attend your trip. Please include a reason as to why you cannot attend the trip.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations will be accepted up until Tuesday, January 31st, 2012. After this date, anyone who must cancel or drop out will not receive a refund for their $100 deposit check. Family emergencies and special circumstances will be taken into consideration, but will require documentation.
Still have questions or want more information? Contact: Maggie Wilson at mwils111@fau.edu
And, you can check out the video below from the 2011 ASB trip
