This year, our social issues will be disaster relief, environmental conservation, urban education, and refugee resettlement. Information about community partners will be available in the coming months. Until then, have a little fun doing your own research!

Back to questions.

What are the expectations of a service trip participant?

Every student plays an important part in the success of a Spring Break Service Trip. Before the trips, there will be large and small group meetings and activities, as well as fundraising. There will be a Meet & Greet on Thursday, November 29th, 2012 at 7pm in order for groups to become acquainted. Second semester, there will be an Issue Night that will bring together all groups to learn more about this year's social issues. There will also be a Send Off celebration for all the trips right before Spring Break. In addition, trip leaders will organize a few small group meetings, bonding activites, and local volunteer opportunities.

During the trips, every student will be expected to work hard, be open to new ideas, contribute to the group, and have a positive attitude. Part of a Service Trip is learning how to live simply and be aware of your personal impact on the community. Reflection about what you do and learn is an important part of the trips, which will require thoughtful and respectful participation. At the lodging sites, all students will help cook and clean up. Willingness to build a cohesive group will help develop friendships that you will have throughout your time at Whitman!

Back to questions.

How do schedule and travel plans work? When and where do Spring Break trips end?

The service trips interns will make arrangements for transportation during the trip. In 2013, the NorCal trip will end March 16th and the NOLA trip will end March 17th. Participants will be expected to arrange their own transportation home/elsewhere on these days. The Portland and Seattle trips begin on March 16th. Trip participants will be expected to arrange their own transportation to the host cities. Further details will be made available once you are placed on a trip.

Back to questions.

I haven't done a lot of long-term volunteering or volunteer trips before. Is that okay?

No experience required! Service Trip programs are designed for anyone interested in getting to know communities outside the "Whitman bubble" while meeting new friends and fellow students. Our trips will include both participants with a lot of community service experience and folks who are brand new to it.

Back to questions.

What should I bring?

Accepted students will receive a detailed packing list before the trip. Essentially, students will need work clothes, a good pair of work shoes (closed-toe, hard-soled), clothes for after work, toiletries, pillow, sleeping bag and pad (if possible), and a great attitude!

Back to questions.

What is the cost of the trip and when is the payment due?

Trip cost will vary by location. A deposit of half the program fee ($200 for regional trips and $400 for out of region trips) will be due no later than December 7th. (There will be fundraising opportunities for all selected participants so don't let the cost be too much of a determining factor.)

Back to questions.

Are Scholarships available?

Yes. The Service Trips Program offers a limited number of partial scholarships available for students receiving significant need-based financial aid. The Community Service Office will work closely with the Financial Aid Office and the Dean of Students Office to determine eligibility.

Back to questions.

I am studying off campus during Fall 2012. Am I still eligible to participate in a Service Trip?

Yes! Please send us an email after submitting your application so that we will know to contact you about special arrangements for making the deposit.

Back to questions.

How do I know exactly what I'll be doing during the week?

Before the service trips, participants will receive a pre-trip packet from their group leaders, and included will be an overview of the week's itinerary.

Back to questions.

Where will I be staying and working?

Participants will be housed at local churches (or possibly another low-cost alternative) and will be driven by trip leaders to their work site every day.

Back to questions.

How are meals going to be handled?

The majority of your meals will be prepared as a group at your sleeping location. There will also be opportunities to go out to eat and explore the town in which you are staying. All meals are included in the program fee.

Back to questions.

How does the program address safety issues?

All participants are covered under Whitman's insurance policy. Trip leaders will receive training throughout the school year and will be First Aid certified by the Red Cross. As none of the locations are remote, trip leaders will always have cell phone contact.

Back to questions.

What is the drug and alcohol policy?

No drugs or alcohol are allowed on Service Trips because they inhibit full engagement with the group and the service project. Anyone who uses drugs or alcohol will be sent home at his/her own expense.

Back to questions.