CC
Chelsea Coffman
  • communication studies
  • Class of 2014
  • Springfield, VA

Chelsea Coffman of Springfield, VA Spent Spring Break Serving Others

2013 Mar 11

Chelsea Coffman of Springfield spent spring break serving others as part of James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break program. Coffman, a junior communication studies major, traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer at Asociacion Salvemous Las Tortugas de Parismin.

At ASTOP students worked with the sea turtle population and had the opportunity to patrol the beaches at night, transfer eggs from nests to the hatchery, clean the beach of debris, release hatchlings and help make turtle nests. Students also had the opportunity to interact with the community by participating in community recycling center work, touring the local village and interacting with local families.

The student-led ASB trips, scheduled for March 2-9, are each based on a social issue such as homelessness, environmentalism or community wellness. Over 300 students embarked on 30 spring break trips around the country and world. The students spend the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

For information about JMU's Alternative Break Program, including an interactive map showcasing past service trips and Community Service-Learning, check out http://www.jmu.edu/service/.