Alternative Spring Break
March 7-13, 2010
Applications for alternative spring break activities are now available and are due in the Campus Ministry Office by Dec. 2nd. Room may be limited on some opportunities, therefore, it is important for you to get applications in as soon as possible.
La Bamba Trip to Mexico
La Bamba is an annual (spring) trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Its purpose is to offer students an opportunity to volunteer their time, talent and heart in the colonias of Tijuana. Tasks vary from shelter construction and repair, cooking and serving food, visiting local jails and orphanages to playing with children. La Bamba is a chance to make friends, learn about issues facing people around the third world, and work side by side with others to improve lives. Most of all, it is a chance to open our hearts and minds to the beauty of diverse people and cultures, and to begin to ask ourselves why there is inequality and what we can do to alleviate it. Students are encouraged to question and challenge injustice, to unravel stereotypes about hunger, poverty and inequities in the world.
Some students report: "It was the best week I've ever had. I thought we would travel to Mexico and feel sorry for them. I felt sorry for us." Another student wrote: "All the material things I was beginning to think were important now seem meaningless in this small colonia. I really feel God through my love for these people."
What will we do on these projects in Mexico? Nothing glamorous. We choose to work alongside the Mexicans helping in whatever way we can, usually with a project that will provide better housing, a better life situation, or a better moment for someone in need. Through some simple work, there is a great opportunity to develop better understanding, love and mutual appreciation for both American and Mexicans. Students who expose themselves to this Third World culture find themselves stretched as they work, play, worship and live with the people in the colonias. People return deeply challenged with their personal view toward materialism, their walk with God, and a world view.
Trip Dates:
Spring Semester: Mar. 10-14, 2009
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a valid passport or passport card will be necessary for reentry into the United States from Mexico. For more information and procedures to obtain either document, please go to: HomeLand Security Travel Information
New Orleans--Habitat for Humanity
Join Dominican students over spring break working with Habitat for Humanity to build a new home in a hurricane ravaged area of New Orleans. Students will join with other college and university groups in providing the "people power" to construct housing. For more information, contact: Lianni Castro
Caritas Creek
Caritas Creek's mission is to help young people discover the connection between all living things; to build bridges between diverse soci-economic and ethnic groups; and to foster in youth a deeper connection to the natural environment, to self, to the spirit of love, and to community. Volunteers from Dominican would act as a Cabin Leader for 8-10 Junior High students, as well as participating in hiking, campfires, and community building. For more information, contact: Lianni Castro.
