It's a feel-good, philanthropic option that's considerably healthier than the Cancun bacchanals featured on MTV, and one that's becoming increasingly popular. Some 36,000 students participated in these programs in 2006 alone, according to Break Away, an organization that helps colleges and other organizations start their own alternative spring break programs. And travel agents say those numbers are rising. If your child is interested in an alternative spring break, have him check with his college to see what programs they already have in place. Or, check below for a variety of other options:
- United Way's Alternative Spring Break: This international, fundraising organization offers reconstruction and philanthropic projects in Michigan, Indiana and along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast. The 2009 spring break program runs Feb. 28 through March 21, with rotating groups of volunteers, ages 18 and up, flying in for a week at a time. The program costs $150. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation.
- Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge: Famous for its home-building activities, Habitat's collegiate program offers week-long programs across the United States. During the week of March 1, 2009, for example, Habitat is building homes in Sacramento, Miami, Lexington, Denver, and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast near Biloxi. The Biloxi gig is open to volunteer groups (minimum age 16, cost $125 each, including accommodations and meals) who will rebuild homes for Hurricane Katrina victims.
- Crosscultural Solutions' Insight Abroad: This voluntourism organization runs an alternative spring break program – Insight Abroad - that’s been described as a mini-Peace Corps experience. In 2009, for example, sites include Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Morocco, Peru and Russia, at a cost of $1,765, including in-country transportation, meals, accommodations and insurance.
- Earthwatch: Volunteer for a travel-based ecological conservation project or archaeological dig through an organization such as Earthwatch, which offers educational field work at sites around the world.
- Other Sources: For more ideas, check this article on "Voluntourism and Families" and this guide to voluntourism resources too.
