Rachel Phillips
  • communication studies
  • Class of 2016
  • Stewartstown, PA

Rachel Phillips of Stewartstown Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2015 Mar 24

Stewartstown, PA resident Rachel Phillips spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Phillips, a juniorCommunication Studies major, traveled to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah to volunteer with National Park Service.

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 7-14. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 300 students embarked on 23 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.

JMU students worked alongside National Park Rangers, getting dirty with trail maintenance, invasive species removal and other park projects. They tackled issues that plague the region, and learned how the local issues are manifest symptoms of a larger, systematic environmental crisis. They camped in the heart of the desert and relied on their passion for service and the environment to keep them charged throughout the week.

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