Kelsey Barklund of Culpeper, VA Spent Spring Break Serving Others

2013 Mar 11

Kelsey Barklund of Culpeper spent spring break serving others as part of James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break program. Barklund, a junior health sciences major, traveled to York, S.C. to volunteer at York Place.

York Place is a home and residential treatment center for children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral impairments. Students helped in the classrooms, cleaning up around their facilities and spending some quality time with the residents. Additionally, students played and socialized with at-risk kids, learned about their struggles and made new friends.

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/.