Alternative Spring Breaks was founded in March of 1987 when seven students traveled to Boone, North Carolina to work with a variety of human services organizations during Spring Break. The program has been expanding ever since in order to accommodate increasing student interest.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers spend Spring Break doing work through the Community Service Center’s Alternative Spring Breaks program. The goal of ASB is to provide the student body with a unique and memorable service opportunity as a substitute to the conventional spring break.

ASB trips promote community service, develop leadership skills, and create strong bonds among participants. The trips allow volunteers to visit other parts of the country and learn about various social issues first-hand. ASB helps students improve the world around them while they develop leadership skills and inspire others to do the same.

Recent Announcements

2008 Registration Form and Packet (Microsoft Word format)

ASB Information Fair

Monday, January 28 from 4-7 in Metcalf Hall

If you are interested in ASB, the information session gives you a chance to take a look at all 25 of the trips.  At the fair, you will meet the coordinators of the different trips and learn about the city you will be traveling to and service you will be doing there.  It's also a chance for you to ask us about the registration process and any other questions or concerns you may have.

ASB Registration

Monday, February 4th at 6am in Metcalf Hall

If you decide you do want to go on ASB, you will need to sign up for a trip!  Sign ups will occur in Metcalf Hall at 6am, however there tends to be a line that begins the night before.  Remember, sign ups are on a first come, first serve basis; the earlier you get in line, the more likely you are to get your first choice trip.  Once you are in line, you will be expected to stay in line the duration of the registration period.  Just to remind you, the night before ASB sign ups is also Super Bowl Sunday - please plan accordingly! 

2008 ASB Destinations -- We've added new trips that you'll love! See them here.

Chaperone Applications are now available. Please return applications to the Community Service Center.

Application for New Chaperones (PDF)

Application for Returning Chaperones (PDF)

Please visit our new blog at buasb.wordpress.com!

	How many students go on each trip?
	Ten students go on each trip, except for camping trips which have twelve. Two student coordinators and a faculty or staff chaperone also accompany each trip.
	What type of service does a volunteer do?
	Upon signing up for ASB, volunteers can choose from a variety of trips, each with a different focus. Some of the trips address environmental issues whereas others work with children, people with disabilities, the homeless, or those affected by natural disasters.
	How do volunteers get to their destinations?
	The Community Service Center rents 15-passenger vans to transport volunteers to their destinations. Students are trained and certified to drive these vans. Driving is optional, however any student who wishes to drive must complete the training and certification process prior to departing. Typical travel time is approximately 20-30 hours, which makes for great group bonding time!
	Where do volunteers stay?
	Volunteers stay in a variety of accommodations, ranging from campgrounds to churches to community centers.
	How much does Alternative Spring Breaks cost?
	The fee for the Alternative Spring Breaks 2007 was $275. This covered food, housing, and transportation for the week. The fee for 2008 will be announced closer to registration. We are able to offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial need as determined by the University. Please see the Registration Packet (when it is released) for more details.
	How do I sign up?
	Sign-ups for volunteers are held early in the second semester and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Coordinator applications are available in late September. Contact the CSC for more details.

For more information on volunteering with ASB, please contact:

Laura Reed and Jess Taylor

775 Commonwealth Avenue
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-4710
Fax: 671-353-9424
Email: altbreak@bu.edu

• CSC Programs
• Afterschool
• Alternative Spring Breaks
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