Having a ball; building

Students work with Habitiat for Humanity during Spring Break

Jordan Kenyon
Special to The Owl
April 8, 2004, Page 2

Tanning in 80 degree weather, lounging on a boat, shopping at the mall, and meeting the locals were just a few of the activities the participants of this year’s Alternative Spring Break enjoyed.
Recreation and relaxation was not the point of the trip, however service learning was. Thirteen Doane College students traveled to Brigham City, Utah, to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and work on two different housing units for the northern Utah community. Habitat builds and remodels houses with the help of homeowners and other volunteers. Habitat is currently building in about 2,000 locations and in more then 80 countries around the world.
Students traveled 900 miles and 13 hours to stay for one week and offer their services assisting in the development of a house. Students worked with all kinds of power tools, climbed ladders, unloaded and loaded materials and even had a few mud fights. The trip was not all work and no play. On their day off, participants traveled to Salt Lake City to enjoy a cruise on the great Salt Lake, wander around the downtown area, and explore Temple Square. Students also visited nearby crystal hot springs and Logan Canyon.
“I had a lot of fun working with our site advisor, Chuck and his son. We got to meet a lot of the local residents and really get a feel for the community we were working in.” Sara Zegers, sophomore said.
According to Rachel Schaefer, ASB advisor, student cost for the trip is kept low because of funding from Hansen Leadership and Student Congress.
Also, the Habitat site provided lunches and area churches invited the Doane students to dinner meals. Lodging consisted of camping out in one of the local churches and showering at the public pool facilities.
“Staying at the church was fun because it allowed us to bond as a group and spend time getting to know each other.” David McGraw, sophomore said.
After three days of labor, seven walls were framed, one unit ready for paint, friendships made and students graced with a fulfilling service learning accomplishment.
This year’s ASB trip cost participants $25 but the experience was priceless.