2008 Woodie Awards
Habitat's Collegiate Challenge travels to Miss. this Spring Break
Stephanie Lyons
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: News
The time has arrived to start thinking about possible destination spots for Spring Break, and Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge could be an option for ISU students.
Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge will travel to Biloxi, Miss. on March 10 and return on March 16.
"We chose this destination for a number of reasons. It is within a days drive, they are still doing Katrina relief there and the fee for students was low," Tom Gerschick, faculty advisor at Habitat for Humanity, said.
While on the Collegiate Challenge, students will help build a house in one week.
"We do everything from framing to roofing. We actually go all the way up to the siding. We don't do any of the interior, but we pretty much put up all the exterior," Alex Sherfy, co-coordinator of Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge, said.
By taking part in the Collegiate Challenge, students will meet people and take part in a new experience.
"You go down there and other schools are down there as well. You just meet a bunch of people and help out a community that is in need," Brent Heider, president of Habitat for Humanity, said.
Gerschick said that besides being affordable, students would get to volunteer the whole week.
"You get the opportunity to provide over 40 hours of volunteer work in a very short period of time. That is something that is very difficult to do during the school semester," Gerschick said.
Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge should not be confused with Alternative Spring Break.
"It's not associated with the campus Alternative Spring Break this year. We get money from the school to run our own spring break this year," Sherfy said.
The Collegiate Challenge also differs from Alternative Spring Break on required meetings.
"In terms of pre departure events or return events. There is a lot more reflection in Alternative Spring Break, and a lot more meetings. But like Alternative Spring Break, it is a service oriented event," Gerschick said.
Gerschick said if there is a violation of the rules for the trip it will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
"They are representing both the university and Habitat for Humanity. We expect them to behave in a mature and responsible way. Yet, there's plenty of space for having fun," Gerschick said.
The trip will only consist of 15 to 20 ISU student participants.
Habitat for Humanity will be looking for certain characteristics in students during the application process.
"We are looking for people who work together with teams, people who are responsible, who are service oriented, mature and people who like to have fun," Gerschick said.
In the past, Habitat for Humanity has traveled to Alabama, New York City and Virginia, among other locations.
Students interested in participating in the Collegiate Challenge can contact Tom Gerschick with any questions involving the trip.
Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge will travel to Biloxi, Miss. on March 10 and return on March 16.
"We chose this destination for a number of reasons. It is within a days drive, they are still doing Katrina relief there and the fee for students was low," Tom Gerschick, faculty advisor at Habitat for Humanity, said.
While on the Collegiate Challenge, students will help build a house in one week.
"We do everything from framing to roofing. We actually go all the way up to the siding. We don't do any of the interior, but we pretty much put up all the exterior," Alex Sherfy, co-coordinator of Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge, said.
By taking part in the Collegiate Challenge, students will meet people and take part in a new experience.
"You go down there and other schools are down there as well. You just meet a bunch of people and help out a community that is in need," Brent Heider, president of Habitat for Humanity, said.
Gerschick said that besides being affordable, students would get to volunteer the whole week.
"You get the opportunity to provide over 40 hours of volunteer work in a very short period of time. That is something that is very difficult to do during the school semester," Gerschick said.
Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge should not be confused with Alternative Spring Break.
"It's not associated with the campus Alternative Spring Break this year. We get money from the school to run our own spring break this year," Sherfy said.
The Collegiate Challenge also differs from Alternative Spring Break on required meetings.
"In terms of pre departure events or return events. There is a lot more reflection in Alternative Spring Break, and a lot more meetings. But like Alternative Spring Break, it is a service oriented event," Gerschick said.
Gerschick said if there is a violation of the rules for the trip it will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
"They are representing both the university and Habitat for Humanity. We expect them to behave in a mature and responsible way. Yet, there's plenty of space for having fun," Gerschick said.
The trip will only consist of 15 to 20 ISU student participants.
Habitat for Humanity will be looking for certain characteristics in students during the application process.
"We are looking for people who work together with teams, people who are responsible, who are service oriented, mature and people who like to have fun," Gerschick said.
In the past, Habitat for Humanity has traveled to Alabama, New York City and Virginia, among other locations.
Students interested in participating in the Collegiate Challenge can contact Tom Gerschick with any questions involving the trip.
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