Alternative Breaks
Student leaders plan service immersion experiences during fall and spring breaks that address a broad range of issues, including environmental conservation, homelessness, affordable housing, and education.
Past Alternative Break Trips
City of Refuge - Atlanta, GA
Students participated in the homeless shelter’s service program Restoration ATL (RATL). The focus of RATL is “being with” rather than “doing for.” Participants got to know CoR residents, took part in recreational activities and shared meals with the residents. Students had the opportunity to learn about homeless issues in Atlanta in addition to volunteering at the 180 Kitchen and working at CoR.
KIPP ENC - Gaston, NC
The group of Davidson students worked in KIPP schools in Gaston, NC helping teachers with class functions like grading, bulletin boards, and daily routines. Davidson students also had the opportunity to co-plan and work with students one on one and in a class setting on a variety of subjects.
Habitat for Humanity - Macon, GA
Students worked with the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity, staying at a local church and interacting with members of the community while on site and during meals. The team worked on a variety of projects including painting, insulation installation and the creation of scaffolding around the house.
Land Between the Lakes - Golden Pond, KY
Land Between the Lakes is a national recreation area and environmental education area administered by the USDA Forest Service. Located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, LBL offers 170,000 scenic acres of wildlife, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities, wrapped by 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. The Davidson team worked with Land Between the Lakes on various trail maintenance, area improvement projects and litter clean-up projects.
Steinbruck Center at Luther Place - Washington, D.C.
This alternative break with the Steinbruck Center focused on the areas of urban poverty, immigration or homelessness. The team was involved in a mix of direct service and workshops on structural causes of poverty and homelessness. The Davidson group had opportunities to authentically engage community and learn about community organizing for structural change.
My Davidson Student Blog
Davidson students reflect on their alternative spring break trip to Sapelo Island, Georgia. They worked with a Black feminist collective nonprofit led by Davidson alums to address food insecurity in the South through sustainable agriculture.
Tackling Food Insecurity on Alternative Break to Sapelo Island, GA