Student Stewards Make a Difference

There are many ways that a college student could spend their spring break; suntanning at the beach, hanging out with friends, and relaxing at home are easy ways to unwind after months of classes and exams.  Instead, the idea of taking an “Alternative Break” is growing in popularity among college campuses. Alternative Breaks offer students the opportunity to spend their breaks completing community service projects in a wide variety of fields.

Students from Ohio State, one of ten schools participating in AHS’s Alternative Break Program

In 2008, American Hiking Society launched its own Alternative Break program to focus specifically on trail stewardship.  Now, every year hundreds of college students take part in these exciting volunteer adventures across the country.  Many students seek out American Hiking Society’s Alternative Breaks because of their outdoor appeal and connection to nature and conservation.  Kenzi H., a student trip leader from Ohio State University, commented, “OSU has thirty-two Alternative Break options. We chose American Hiking Society because we all enjoy the outdoors and wanted to take a step back and enjoy nature while giving back.”

OSU was one of ten college groups that participated in American Hiking Society’s Alternative Break program this year performing trail maintenance, cleanups, and general park sprucing up for the public to enjoy.  The student groups provide land managers with volunteer assistance at a very important time- as they ready their parks and trails for the spring season and a rush of visitors.

The benefits of Alternative Breaks are multi-faceted: Trails in- need receive attention and care, while students return to school with new-found friendships, a renewed appreciation for the outdoors, and fond memories of their week spent making a difference.  Kenzi H. summarizes her trip: “Spending a week in the woods, volunteering outside every day, and forming close friendships with the other participants was truly such a fantastic experience.” In the future, beaches and couches might see fewer college students over spring break. Thank you to all the student stewards who got out and gave back this season!