Lauren Crain of Newport News Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2014 Apr 14

Newport News, VA resident Lauren Crain spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Crain, a junior marketing major traveled to Calif. to volunteer with Joshua Tree National Park.

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 8-15. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 300 students embarked on 30 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.

Students participating on this trip got to go on an adventure in the desert at Joshua Tree, participating in various service based activities. The group helped maintain Joshua Tree through landscaping, trail maintenance, plant removal and data collecting all while camping out in the desert with no running water or electric.

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