University of Dayton Summer Appalachia Program
Living Simply, Loving Deeply: UDSAP
The University of Dayton Summer Appalachia Program (UDSAP) is UD's longest running service program, and will be celebrating it's 60th year this summer. This 8 week summer immersion and service program brings UD students to Salyersville, KY to run a day camp, teen center, and volunteer at a nursing home. The summer focuses on intentional community, simplicity, spirituality, and social justice, and includes a $3000 stipend. The program is relational, and encourages participants to engage in relationships of mutuality through a practice of presence and immersion into the Salyersville community.
Important Dates 2025:
- Labor Day Breakout: August 30th to September 1st
- UDSAP Info Nights: September 12 and October 23, 6:30-7:30PM in Liberty Hall 08
- Applications Due: November 13th.
- Interviews: November 18th to 26th.
Applying for the Summer Program
If you are considering applying for the summer program, there are several important concerns to keep in mind:
Commitment
The commitment to the UDSAP program involves three stages. The first is to participate fully in all the planning sessions and fundraising efforts during the second semester, before the summer program. The second is to participate fully in the nine week UDSAP program in the summer. Anytime away from the group (graduations, weddings, etc.) are to be arranged before the group leaves for the UDSAP program. The final stage is to participate in the Appalachia Club on campus, bringing interested students down for visits and if possible, help in the recruitment and publicity for next year's UDSAP program.
Upholding a Tradition
It is important to remember that each UD student is participating in a Tradition much greater than their summer experience. For the UD student it may be one unique and wonderful summer, but each year the UDSAP program makes a difference in the lives of the families who expect the Dayton Group to come down each summer. A whole generation of children and teens from Royalton, Tick Lick, Gun Creek, Mine Fork and a whole generation of UD students have experienced UDSAP, and it has made a difference in the lives of everyone!
Final Note
It is essential that all UD students applying for the UDSAP program understand that this experience in an interchange of living, learning and service. We learn as much as we teach, we are given to as much as we give, we are served as much as we serve. This attitude makes for effective service and an overall profound experience for all involved.
Please e-mail Meaghan Crowley with any questions!
UD in Appalachia: 1965-Present
In November of 1965, Fr. Joseph Dunne, the pastor of St. Michael's Church in Paintsville, KY and the director of PACE (Program in Appalachia through Christian Effort) came to UD to speak. Moved by Fr. Dunne's speech, a student named Tony Pappano organized "Give Your Heart to Appalachia Week," including a food and clothing drive sent to Paintsville. In February of 1966, Pappano organized the Appalachia Committee with 10 other students, Fr. Cy Middendorf and Bro. Ed Nadalsky. They began traveling to KY on weekends to help with the PACE program, work at the recreation center and develop a Bible school under the guidance of Fr. Bill Poole. The rest is history.