EC
Emma Creekbaum
  • Class of 2017
  • West Terre Haute, IN

Emma Creekbaum traded vacation for service during fall break

2013 Oct 23

Emma Creekbaum of West Terre Haute, IN, spent fall break in service of others at The Romero Center Urban Challenge, Camden, NJ.

Emma was one of many students who participated in a University of Dayton Fall BreakOut service trip. Fall BreakOuts occur during the University's annual fall break. Students trade in their vacation time for a weekend of service to others, while learning about a new part of the country and learning about themselves.

"People are looking for something different to do than a typical vacation, and these breakouts fill up very quickly," said Mary Niebler, coordinator of cross-cultural immersion for the Center for Social Concern, which offers annual BreakOuts for students during the fall semester mid-term break, spring break and after classes end in May. "We provide both a learning experience and have them spend time doing service."

This year's trips were Oct. 10-13 at the following locations across the country:

  • Camden, N.J. for the Romero Center Urban Challenge. Students confronted issues of poverty, race and class by serving in schools, at an HIV and AIDS drop-in center, and a food bank.
  • Glenmary Farm, Lewis County, Ky. Students blended service, education, prayer, reflection and sharing in an environment of simple living. They worked with several local sites doing housing construction, visiting with nursing home residents, working with those with developmental challenges, and at a food pantry.
  • Salyersville, Ky for an Appalachia Immersion. In rural Appalachia, students got a glimpse into the UD Summer Appalachia Program (UDSAP) by visiting the local residents and learning of their rich culture, while building relationships.
  • Little Ferry, N.J. for Hurricane Sandy cleanup. Students worked with a volunteer agency and restored homes destroyed by the hurricane last year.

Some students didn't travel at all. They stayed in Dayton and participated in REAL Dayton, which enabled them to Reach out, Enrich themselves, act for others and Learn about the city their University calls home.

As a Catholic, Marianist institution, the University of Dayton encourages students to learn, lead and serve.