Fairfield University Spring Break Immersions 2016

1. AMAZING BREAKS 2016
FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY
SPRING BREAK IMMERSIONS

2. WHAT ARE AMAZING BREAKS?
Each year during spring break,
Fairfield University students volunteer
for a week of service in various areas
of the United States. Campus Ministry
sponsors these exciting and
challenging programs, which seek to
embody the University’s commitment to
the service of faith and the promotion
of justice.
Amazing Breaks are a Fairfield
tradition!

3. Participants help in a variety of ways such
as:
•Repair substandard housing and build homes for low-income
families, prepare meals and serve at soup kitchens, tutor school
children, offer hospitality to those in need, engage in the culture
and with the people.
•Groups engage in projects during the day while evenings are
dedicated to reflection, group activities and relaxation!

5. VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS
In addition to building relationships within our own
groups, our mission is to learn about the societal
realities that uphold marginalization and share them
with others when we return home, discuss the
injustices that create poverty and perhaps also
consider a faith perspective on social justice.
WHEN APPLYING, CONSIDER THE COMMITMENTS YOU ARE ASKED TO
MAKE:
 Time
 Raising money and awareness
 Exploring faith, yours and others
 Live simply
 Restricted/limited cell phone use

6. TIME COMMITMENT
Once applicants are selected, groups meet regularly until departure –
once each week starting next semester.
TRIP MEETINGS ARE MANDATORY.

7. FORMATION
Each participant will be invited to share in
reflection and discussion. We ask everyone to be
prepared to contribute and engage with the
group. People of all faiths, those seeking and
those with no faith tradition are welcome on the
trips and encouraged to explore their faith
further; all you need is a willingness!
Openness to building community among team
members.
“God doesn't require us to succeed;
he only requires that we try.”
- Mother Teresa

8. FUNDRAISING
Each participant will need to raise a significant amount of money. We
encourage volunteers to raise this money by seeking support from
family, friends, employers, home parish community, etc. through a
letter writing campaign and fundraising activities planned by your
group. (examples of group fundraisers: late-night pizza sales and
Sunday breakfast in res halls, dorm storms, bake sales).

10. 2016 SPRING BREAK IMMERSIONS:
WorkFest Appalachia, Kentucky
IN HONOR OF THE 10TH
ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE
KATRINA
Plunge! Into New Orleans
Camp Restore, New Orleans
Operation Nehemiah, New Orleans

11. WORKFEST, KENTUCKY
Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) encompasses
community, service and spirituality. Surrounded
by the beauty of the Appalachian mountains,
“WorkFest” allows you to devote your time and
energy to improve the homes of Appalachian
residents and immerse yourself in the culture
while learning about the injustices and realities
of poverty they face throughout their lives.
COST: $350

12. PLUNGE! INTO NEW ORLEANS
Not for the faint of heart! A sample day: Engage in
dialogue about systemic issues like race with the
Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal,
serve meals to the homeless at the NOLA Mission for
the first part of the day and then each afternoon
volunteer with St. Bernard Project doing rebuilding
projects before returning to Camp Hope to collapse.
This trip will have a large social justice component. Our
goal is for you to have a well-rounded, Jesuit-style
experience!
COST: $600

13. CAMP RESTORE, NEW ORLEANS
The mission of Camp Restore is to “restore
faith, home and community to victims of
Hurricane Katrina.” They strive to do this by
equipping volunteers to bring renewed hope
as they rebuild homes, churches and schools
in New Orleans and the surrounding area.
Work includes gutting houses, drywall,
painting, landscaping, etc.
COST: $600

14. OPERATION NEHEMIAH, NEW ORLEANS
Operation Nehemiah is a faith based non-profit
organization committed to the cause of helping all
individuals in the New Orleans community rebuild all
aspects of their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina. You will be engaged in Individual, Family,
Community, Green & Specialty Projects
COST: $600.

15. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1. Application deadline: Monday, November 2, 2015
2. Submit completed application including:
a. two references (employers, teachers, church, etc.
References from RAs/peers not accepted)
3. Sign up for an interview at Campus Ministry when
dropping off application. Signup sheet on Wylie
Blake’s door
4. Interviews early November, decision before
Thanksgiving
5. When accepted, submit deposit for half of amount
($175 KY, $300, NOLA)

16. “AMAZING BREAKS”
THE ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK
Guaranteed to be one of the most
memorable weeks of your life…
It’s the spring break trip you’ll be
PROUD to tell mom about!