A.W.O.L. is BVU's alternative spring break program. In the past thirteen years we have sent around 375 volunteers 100,000 miles to volunteer 14,000 hours of service! We have volunteered in four different countries and ten different states.

Mission: To immerse students in different cultures, heightened social awareness, and to advocate life-long social action through service on a local, regional, national and international level.

This year's student coordinators Tou Xiong and Lauren Whitt have developed four wonderful trips!

Check out the 2012 AWOL Trip blogs!

AWOL 2012 Trip Descriptions

1.) South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation Immersion:

Participants will head to the foothills of the Badlands in southwestern South Dakota to work with the Oglala Lakota tribe. This six-day program will focus on home repair projects with community outreach intended to improve the quality of life of the people in this area through interaction, shared resources and volunteer service. The Pine Ridge Reservation is not only one of the poorest areas in the United States, but it is also home to the Wounded Knee massacre grave, with the Black Hills just 90 minutes away. Volunteers will get to tour these sites and also experience cultural presenters, lecturers and possible pow-wows and other interactions with Oglala Lakota tribe.

2.)  Children and Poverty: Mystery Trip

Participants on the mystery trip will embark on a service adventure that will volunteer with children living in poverty that have physical and health challenges. Many of the children have been diagnosed with conditions that prevent them from attending other childcare facilities. The group will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of areas that include working with children and their families. Small projects such as working on the grounds as well as visits to food banks and shelters in the may be included. The group will sightsee local attractions. Participants will leave with a new perspective on service and life. Passports will not be required. This trip is co-sponsored by Human Performance.                                              

3.)  Heifer Ranch: Perryville, Arkansas:

For BVU students, eating or preparing a meal is very simple. But for the world’s poor, everyday conveniences, like water from a sink, ingredients from a refrigerator and a stove, are unavailable. On the AWOL trip to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark., we’ll explore issues surrounding hunger, poverty and sustainable solutions. Together we’ll be challenged to examine our habits and consumption through a simulation requiring us to build a fire, cook our own meal and sleep in simple housing. By living the lessons of poverty, we’ll better understand the complications of hunger and poverty and see the possibilities of bringing change and hope to millions around the world. During the week, we’ll also participate in service activities including gardening, composting, working with livestock and helping with general farm chores. We’ll sleep in a climate-controlled lodge and eat meals in the Ranch’s dining hall. Heifer Ranch is a farm complete with gardens and animals including water buffalo, camels and traditional farm animals such as pigs, goats and more.

4.)  Hunger and Homelessness: Chicago, Illinois

One of the most overlooked mission fields in the world can be uncovered in the cities within the United States. Chicago, IL is no exception. The greater Chicago area’s populations is now over 8 million people, many with needs that can be answered by your compassionate outreach and immersion into well-grounded efforts designed to offer people a lift up. The week of March 31 through April 8, 2012, will provide a wealth of opportunities to serve and experience multiple service projects to stretch your faith, open your eyes, and have your heart touched. Ministry sites and activities include: Visit By The Hand, Chicago Public Schools, Breakthrough Ministries, Greater Chicago Food Depository and World Vision’s Chicago Storehouse. Additionally we will tour the Lawndale Community Church campus to experience one of the nation’s most innovative approaches to community and urban ministry and A Food Tour  is planned to spend one day snacking on some of  Chicago’s famous ethnic foods.