A.W.O.L. is BVU's alternative spring break program. In the past fourteen 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 Lauren Whitt, Dominique Daily, and Zach Ahren have developed three wonderful trips!

Check out the 2012 AWOL Trip blogs!

AWOL 2013 Trip Descriptions

Cultural Immersion & Environmental:

Participants on this trip will volunteer with The Grand Canyon Trust.  This is a conservation organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Colorado Plateau. There are a variety of issues related to environmental and social justice issues across the Colorado Plateau. There is the potential to be working with the Hopi and Navajo tribes to develop culturally appropriate, community-based green economy projects. Project examples include: removed tamarisk, an invasive tree that grows in riparian areas, modified cattle pasture fences to allow safe passage for pronghorn antelope and other wildlife in House Rock Valley, building a native plant garden, working on a family farm on the Navajo reservation that utilizes traditional farming practices and installed solar panels at the homes of families on the Navajo reservation. There will be opportunities to see key areas of the Grand Canyon as well as other outdoor activities.  Housing will be in cabins or tents.

Advisors: Carol Williams & Becka Neary DeLaPorte  
Participants: Alyssa Askeland, Amanda Steffes, Andrew Schanbacher, Bonnie Keller, Brady Stier, Emily Phipps, Mallory Todd and Nereyda Manriquez.
Site Leaders: Alexa Guessford & Sheila Narh
Cost of Trip: (without Eggink Endowment funds): $800

                                     

Children and Poverty:

 Participants on the mystery trip will embark on a service adventure that will volunteer with children living in poverty in an orphanage.  The group will have the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of areas that include working with kids in the following areas. Recreational volunteer activities at the orphanage will include soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Small projects working on the grounds maybe include. There also maybe opportunities to assist with medical and health needs of the children and individuals of the area.  The service will be based on the skills and interest of the participants. The group will take trips to the beach, local markets, and villages. Participants will leave with a new perspective on service and life. Passports will be required, but not needed at the time of applying.

Advisors: Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson and Dr. Matt Hanson
Participants: Corey Hannula, Jacklyn Johnson, Jessica Kelly, John Killpack, Kelsey Davidson, Sharon Feld, Tesia Posekany, and Turissa Moreland.
Site Leaders: Caitlin Hoffman & Shelby Ripperger
Cost of Trip: (without Eggink Endowment funds): $1,200

Hunger and Homelessness:

 Seeking a new experience along with a great opportunity to serve others? Get involved with a week-long immersion into Hunger and Homelessness volunteer service in Seattle, Washington. Our days will be filled assisting 2,000-2,500 people each day, who are confronted with a variety of poverty issues. Open your eyes to some of the basic needs families and individuals deal with each day of their lives and return from this spring break with a transformed heart. Along with working at food Banks and shelters, the BVU team will be offering assistance at a food storage warehouse and other non-profits in Seattle. Students will also visit the "Flying Fish" at Pike's Fish Market, soar to the top of the Space Needle, and take a ferry around Puget Sound.

Advisors: Ken Messiner & Donna Musel
Participants: Erika Garcia, Jeff Loving, Jennifer Marshall, Jessica Thuma, Kevin Coriolan, Mayra Lopez, Sloane Morrow, and Caitlin Bach.
Site Leaders: Zach Ahrens & Dominique Daily
Cost of Trip: (without Eggink Endowmentfunds)$850