Spring BreakOuts 2023

Registration opens December 15, 2022 and will close on February 10, 2023 (unless there is still space on a trip).  

During Spring Break, you can spend your time learning about a different part of the country, meeting new people, sharing about yourself and helping others. Spring BreakOuts are a great way to get off campus for a short time and do something that can truly enhance your college experience and your life.

These trips will fill on a first come-first serve basis. If a trip is full, you can still apply and be put on a waiting list.

The cost of the trip covers transportation, lodging, and most food. Plan on bringing some spending money for snacks and other needs along the way. Some funds have been set aside for partial scholarships based on need (contact Mary Niebler for scholarship requests). Full payment for BreakOut trip is due February 28. If payment is not received by then or we haven’t discussed a payment plan, your space on the trip will be given to the next person on the waiting list.  Refunds will not be provided to anyone who drops out after February 28.

If you would like more information about any of the trips below, contact Mary Niebler. 

Please go to studioabroad.udayton.edu and search programs to apply and visit the payment site to submit the program fee.

Amate House, Chicago, IL

March 11-19, 2023

Cost: $250.00

Students on the Chicago BreakOut will stay with and shadow yearlong volunteers at Amate House. Volunteers with the Amate House live in community houses in the neighborhoods in which they serve. They provide critical tasks for nonprofits, schools and churches in the area. This BreakOut will provide students with a taste of what is like to live and work in the social service realm of Chicago. Plans are for students to work in schools, homeless shelters, a food pantry, and a homeless advocacy organization.

Appalachia Immersion/UDSAP House, Salyersville, KY

March 11-19, 2023

Cost: $150

In this rural Appalachian experience, UD students will get a glimpse into the UD Summer Appalachia Program (UDSAP) by visiting the local residents and learning of their rich culture, while building relationships in Salyersville, KY. This small Appalachian community welcomes UD students each year and has a great willingness to share its culture. Kentucky BreakOut’ers will likely find some time to go hiking through the mountains or time to relax in the beauty of Appalachia.

Civil Rights Pilgrimage

MEMPHIS, TN/ BIRMINGHAM, SELMA, MONTGOMERY, AL/ ATLANTA, GA

March 11-19, 2023

Cost: $250

This year's Civil Rights Pilgrimage will be paired with the Civil Rights Minicourse UDI24.
Session 1: March 11, course foundations and logistics.
Session 2-8: March 12-19 on the road class instruction led by Rev. Renita Green and the 2022 Civil Rights Cohort
Topics will include Music in the Movement, the role of the Christian church, the impact of faith, voting rights, the school to prison pipeline, the sharecroppers strike, notable Civil Rights leaders and lesser known leaders.
We will hear from people who were present during moments of tension and progress as well as tour key locations, museums, and historic sites.
Session 9: March 26 Presentations: students will give presentations highlighting their experiences and learning outcomes.

Students must register for the minicourse AND for the pilgrimage.

Registration deadline is February 10th.

Nazareth Farm, Doddridge County, WV

Date: March 11-19, 2023

Cost: $250

"I am Appalachia! 
In my veins runs fierce mountain pride...
I tell you, stranger, hill folk know what life is all about..."
-Muriel Miller Dressler

Nazareth Farm is about serving those in living in poverty, and trying to understand what Jesus was asking of us when he said, “Love your neighbor.” In order to fully reflect on the meaning of being a neighbor, components of prayer, community, simplicity, and service to others are important all of which can be found at Nazareth Farm.

At Nazareth Farm, volunteers can expect to rise early and begin each day with prayer to center their thoughts and motives. After prayer, they typically do chores (around the farm grounds) for about 45 minutes to work up an appetite for a good breakfast prepared by the House Manager and volunteers. The rest of the day is spent at the work sites. Some jobs entail roofing, insulation, painting, dry-walling, digging for septic systems, etc (no prior experience is necessary! The work site coordinators will teach you everything you need to know).

At the worksite, volunteers are encouraged to visit with the people with whom they're working. Each family we work with has its own story. Many of the people we serve are elderly, disabled or have low-paying jobs that do not provide the income to hire someone nor the time to do the work themselves.

After some free time and dinner, we end each day with prayer and reflection. The free time before dinner and after prayer is ideal for quiet journaling, hiking, playing games, bathing in the creek, joining in a campfire sing-along, or counting the stars.

So, what can be expected on a day at the Farm? A miracle.

That's what happens every day here. That's what happens every day everywhere. It just takes us noticing the things around us as miracles and not ordinary or mundane to make them so.

Visit www.nazarethfarm.org for more information.

North Carolina with the Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance (New!)

Date: March 11-18, 2023

Cost: $400

Join the Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance in Morgantown, NC at the Industrial Commons, a network of sustainable and ethical textile manufacturers who've created the COLLECTION brand (featured at UD's bookstore).  Learn about fair trade and ethical supply chain practices that create better working conditions, better pay, and better products for all. 

Curious about this experience? Find out more by watching this video created by the Carolina Textile District Immersion Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a COVID-19 vaccine be required?

For domestic trips we follow the vaccination requirements of our host sites. For more information about a specific site, please contact Mary Niebler.

How do we travel?

Domestic BreakOut groups will travel together to and from their destination, starting from UD via Campus Ministry vehicle (12 passenger van, minivan, or car). We ask that all students be back on campus the night before your departure (unless you are local and can meet in the morning or at the designated departure spot). For the January and May breaks, we will arrange for housing for all students. Those who live in UD houses or Garden Apartments can generally get extended stay for that period and we will help the others have a place to stay. Students will receive instructions on this through their orientation.

It is important that our groups travel together. There are occasional exceptions to this, which will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Students who are comfortable and able will help with the driving, after completing a safety course through the university. All university-certified drivers will be covered under UD’s insurance.

Who is in charge?

All of our Domestic BreakOut group are led by at least one, oftentimes 2-4, designated leaders. Leaders are experience and trained students, staff or faculty. The leader is trained in emergency protocol and is there to work through emotional, spiritual, and physical struggles with the students. They will also provide valuable reflection and processing of the experience with the group.

Our trips are also hosted by trusted organizations, who serve as transportation, guides, local experts and general hospitality. Over the years, we have built long-standing, trusted relationships with these organizations and individuals.

We do view all students over the age of 18 as adults. Therefore, they are responsible for signing release forms and waivers for these trips. We strongly encourage students to share all information they are learning with their families.

What if I can’t afford the whole cost of the trip?

It is our goal that these experiences are open to all students, regardless of financial circumstances. We will work with you in a variety of ways to make this trip a possibility. We are happy to set up a payment plan or a reduced price to make it work.

What happens if there is an emergency?

In the case of an emergency, our group leaders will follow the proper protocol. Campus offices such as Public Safety, Campus Ministry, Environmental Health and Safety/ Risk Management, and the Counseling Center are on hand for our groups, even when off campus. Also, our local host organizations are equipped and willing to help in emergency situations.

Our leaders and campus offices have students’ emergency contact information and will notify those contact if deemed necessary.

Who should my parents or I contact if we have a question?

You or your parents may contact Mary Niebler, Coordinator of Cross-cultural Immersions in Campus Ministry’s Center for Social Concerns with any questions.