Erin Feltkamp of rockville centre participates in Alternative Spring Break trip

2016 Mar 15

rockville centre, NY resident Erin Feltkamp spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Feltkamp, a Communication Studies major, scheduled to graduate in 2018, traveled to Charlotte, NC to volunteer with LifeSpan, Inc..

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 5-12. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 250 students embarked on 25 spring break trips around the country and world. The students spent the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

LIFESPAN is a community that debunks the narrative of disabilities. Students found people with and without disabilities side by side working together. LIFESPAN is a community that focuses on valuing strength and ability not our deficits. Students had the opportunity of working with their two programs. They were able to work with their Education Program, in which they read to children during circle time, helped out during lunch time and other classroom needs. They also worked with their Enrichment Program, in which they worked with day programs for adults, such as painting, and outdoor nature care.

For information about JMU's award winning Alternative Break Program, visit www.jmu.edu/abp.