Over their spring break, a devoted group of Misericordia College college students selected to spend their time giving again to public lands. They traveled to Kiptopeke State Park in Virginia to volunteer on path enchancment tasks, making a long-lasting influence on each the park and themselves.
Not each faculty scholar chooses to spend spring break volunteering, and this group’s dedication to service made the journey particularly significant. All through the week, college students labored exhausting on a important venture: bettering a bit of path that will help the transportation of provides and enhance accessibility for future guests.
One scholar mirrored on how the work carried a bigger which means for the group:
“I really like the lodging (one of the best I’ve had on a service journey), the RV volunteers, the employees of the park who took nice care of us and appreciated our assist, the chance to work alongside nice individuals, the views, nature. One standout was determining methods to shore up the path over a boggy space to permit the ATV’s to move provides. We problem-solved and constructed a ‘bridge’ that really held up throughout our keep. That was an ideal expertise bodily, spiritually and metaphorically. ‘Constructing Bridges’ grew to become our motto for the week.”
Alongside the exhausting work, college students discovered pleasure in the neighborhood they constructed and the brand new experiences they shared. One scholar famous:
“I discovered about new methods to volunteer which are good for the soul. Working outside with nice individuals for a typical good was an ideal expertise.”
The influence of the journey was felt each by the park employees and the scholars themselves. Not solely was an vital path venture accomplished, however the college students additionally found new strengths and constructed lasting reminiscences.As one other scholar shared:
“This journey was stuffed with significant moments. Your employees went above and past! We needed a campfire one night time and so they made positive that we had what we would have liked to sit down by a blazing fireplace. We found the attractive night time sky and sat on the seashore after darkish to view the celebs. We labored till our our bodies harm after which obtained as much as do it once more…we discovered that we might do exhausting issues. It was all nice!”
The week at Kiptopeke was about greater than path work — it was about constructing bridges between individuals, communities, and nature. Due to the spirit, exhausting work, and coronary heart of the Misericordia College college students, the paths — and the reminiscences — will proceed to encourage for years to return.
To study extra about Different Breaks and the way your faculty or youth group can take part, study extra right here!
AHS additionally gives Volunteer Holidays, which is an effective way for people of all ages to mix their ardour for journey with significant service work. These journeys present a novel alternative to make a optimistic influence whereas exploring new locations and cultures. Try our journeys right here!
Lastly, should you’d prefer to take part in Nationwide Trails Day occasions organized by AHS, the place volunteers come collectively to rejoice and enhance trails throughout the nation, study extra right here.
