Matthew Chamberlin of Burke Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2014 Apr 14

Burke, VA resident Matthew Chamberlin spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Chamberlin, a senior media arts and design major traveled to Lakeland, Fla. to volunteer with East Coast Migrant Head Start.

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.

The JMU team worked with the largest Migrant Head Start Program in the country to provide service to families with parents who tend to live very transient, mobile lifestyles. The team was able to help at multiple locations, spending each day at a different site and providing numerous services including early childhood education, helping in classrooms, assisting with childcare and finishing paperwork.

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.