Alternative Spring Break

Program Directors

Marisa Castaneda: W 10-12 F 8-10
Katie Cavanaugh: W 10-12 F 8-10
Nick Nelson: M 2:30-4:30 F 8-10

Volunteer Weekly Meetings

R 7-8 Downstairs Y.E.S.

Program Mission

Alternative Spring Break is a one-unit class designed to connect service done in a community to our higher education. Enrolled students take part in a week long service project during Humboldt State’s Spring Break. We help those in a community outside of Humboldt County and look at the various issues that exist there.

Service, Goals & Projects

In spring 2009, seventeen HSU students traveled to the central coast of Oregon to provide service in the Coos Bay area. The volunteers, from a variety of backgrounds and majors, including four international students, served and learned from the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw.

Through many conversations with tribal members the students became familiar with some of the issues facing Native American communities. After traveling by traditional canoe to a site on tribal property, volunteers helped to build a campsite and benches. They stayed in the tribal plank house for two nights enjoying talking around the campfire and listening to lovely flute music.

The students also attended a Powwow in Florence and spent time in Winchester Bay. They helped the local Boys and Girls Club and while staying at the local community center assisted with maintenance work on the only park in the area by picking up garbage, and gardening and painting.

Students after service at Philip’s Park in Winchester Bay, Oregon