Alternative Break Service Trips
The world is increasingly complex. Information and technology brings diverse people and nations into closer interaction. To be effective leaders and agents of change, students need a greater understanding of global political, social and economic issues. Service trips allow students to experience this while visiting different parts of the United States and the world. Through training, orientation and guided reflection, students embark on self-discovery and personal transformation. Under the guidance of the Director of Civic Engagement, Moravian University is proud to offer robust and diverse Alternative Break Trips for students.
Previous Trips
Kansas City, Missouri
Students traveled to Kansas City to serve with Veteran’s Community Project (VCP) for our first ever Fall Break Experience! Taking advantage of the long weekend, students with a staff advisor visited the National WWI Museum & Memorial and participated in KC Games for Good on behalf of VCP. They then spent two days building tiny homes in a village for homeless veterans. The two days were spent learning new hands-on skills such as using a mitre saw, screw guns, nail guns and how to measure trimming angles. They worked alongside volunteers and construction crews to support the completion of the last 13 homes in the village. They also cleaned up after the crews, helped place bathroom and kitchen utilities, doors and so much more!
Peten, Guatemala
Over winter break, students traveled to the northernmost department in Guatemala for ten days to work with Global Village of Habitat for Humanity. With a staff advisor, students were part of a larger group of people from all over the country. They served together to build the foundations of two new homes for deserving families. Students were immersed in Guatemalan and Mayan culture, food, history, language and adventures while serving.
Three Experiences with Habitat for Humanity
Students traveled from February 29-March 7 to three different locations in the US: Amarillo, Texas; Taos, New Mexico; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Students and staff advisors worked alongside families to renovate and build new homes in Habitat communities. The Amarillo group worked on house construction and within the ReStore, the Charlotte team worked on both interior and exterior construction and the Taos team worked on adobe houses! Activities also included the building of a house frame and roof, painting a very long fence and various other small construction projects. Students worked with and alongside families who ultimately received their new home.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Fulfilling a promise to be of service to our neighbors in San Juan, students traveled to PR over spring break. Students and staff advisors served with Network Volunteers at five different locations all focused on efforts related to Hurricane Maria and the recent earthquakes: a manatee conservation center - Centro de Conservación de Manatíes de Puerto Rico, Bucare Urban Garden (B.U.G) where they replanted trees that are used for beach conservation, Vida Marina working on coastal and ecological rehabilitation for sand dunes for sea turtles and hurricane protection, Banco de Alimentos Puerto Rico (a branch of Feeding America) - the only functioning food bank on the island, and with a grassroots neighborhood revitalization organization called Proyecto Enlace of Caño Martín Peña. Students were immersed in Puerto Rican culture, food and history throughout the week with a Hurricane Maria talk, a historical walking tour of Old San Juan, and evening activities throughout the island.
Moravian University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please e-mail the Center for Career and Civic Engagement at careercivic@moravian.edu or call 610-861-1509.