Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break in Grand Canyon National Park

College students from across the country will make a difference this Spring Break with SCA and an environmental service project. The week-long service adventures will take place at one of the country's most spectacular locations, Grand Canyon National Park.

The Crew from Alternative Spring Break 2008 - Grand Canyon

Volunteers will set up camp at Mather Campground on the South Rim and spend their days hiking along some of the Canyon’s most beautiful trails while accomplishing important vegetation projects, as well as removing graffiti from some of the Park’s most important cultural sites.

FAQ - Alternative Spring Break

Can I still apply to go on Alternative Spring Break this year?

We are no longer accepting applications for this year.

What Does SCA Provide?

• $300 travel reimbursement.
• Transportation from the airport to Grand Canyon and back to the airport.
• Food and transportation within the park.

What Will I Need to Provide?

• The purchase of your own travel to and from group meeting site at the airport.
• Personal gear such as a tent, sleeping bag and pad.

Can I have/bring alcohol or drugs?

No. The SCA Alternative Spring Break experience will be a lot of fun, but it will be alcohol and drug-free. Your week will primarily be about providing conservation service, meeting new people and having a great time. Consumption, possession, or transport of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited for the entire duration of the week of service. If you violate this policy, you will be dismissed from the site and you will not receive your $300 travel stipend.

How long is the experience?

One week. We have two sessions, For each session SCA will be accepting 30 college students.

• Two Grand Canyon Sessions
  Session 1: 03/14/2009 – 03/21/2009
  Session 2: 03/22/2009 – 03/28/2009

How do I get to the site?

You must purchase your own travel to and from home to the airport near Grand Canyon (SCA will let you know which airport) At the completion of your week of service, SCA will give you a $300 travel reimbursement. SCA and the National Park Service will provide airport pick-up and all transportation to, from, and within the project site. You do not need to bring a car.

Which airport should I use?

It is important that you travel only to the airport specified by SCA in your acceptance packet in order for us to be able to pick you up and transport you to the site.

What if I want to drive my vehicle to the site?

If you choose to drive to the site, you will still receive your $300 travel reimbursement. Please inform SCA of your intention to drive as soon as possible after you are accepted so that we will be able to provide you with driving directions to the site, and make special arrangements for parking and entrance fees. SCA is not responsible for your vehicle or the contents within.

I’m an inexperienced camper. What can I expect?

At Grand Canyon, we will be camping in the front country: Luxuries such as flush toilets, coin-operated showers, electricity and running water will be available.

What will our work days be like?

You will wake up early, probably around 7 a.m., eat breakfast and pack a lunch. Your project leaders will brief you on the day’s plan, including safety considerations, whether or not you’ll be divided into smaller teams, where you’ll be working that day, and what the projects are.

You will then travel to your project site and begin your work day, which will last approximately eight hours, including lunch and other breaks.

At the end of the work day, you will return to camp, have dinner, and relax. There will be the opportunity for recreation such as swimming, fishing, hiking, bird-watching, frisbee, etc.

The structure of your week of service will look something like this:
Day 1:  Arrive at Airport, meet SCA Staff and Travel to the Park
Day 2:  Project and Safety orientation and work
Day 3:  Work
Day 4:  Educational Fun Day
Day 5:  Work
Day 6:  Work and Wrap Up
Day 7:  Travel to the Airport and fly home

Do I need to bring my own food?

No. All food will be provided by the SCA. If we are given adequate notice we can accommodate most specific dietary restrictions and needs. Please be sure to include ALL food allergies or dietary restrictions on your medical screening form. Please be sure to email the SCA admissions department at Admissions@theSCA.org if you have additional questions or concerns.

What will the weather be like?

Weather in the Grand Canyon varies greatly depending on your location.      We will be camping all week on the South Rim, elevation roughly, 6000 ft.  The average temperatures for March on the rim are a high of 51 F and a low of 25 F.  We will also be working and hiking down into the canyon throughout the week.  Temperatures can often vary 30 degrees from top of rim to canyon floor.  Please be ready and prepared for any kind of weather: sunshine, rain, and even snow.   We cannot stress enough the importance of  BEING PREPARED with proper gear and clothing for all weather conditions to ensure you have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.

Unless the weather is dangerous, (Lightning, hail, very high winds,) we will be working in it. So come prepared to live and work in the outdoors for the entire week.

What should I bring?

Minimally you need to bring your own personal gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, day pack, sleeping pad, rain gear, toiletries, flash light, water bottles, hiking or work boots, and work clothes.

What should I wear?

You are required to wear long pants and boots while working. It is best to wear layers to adjust to the temperature. SCA will provide hardhats, tools, gloves and other work materials. Bring your own rain gear, shade hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and water bottles.

During your time off, you are welcome to wear sandals, swimsuits, shorts, etc.

If you are accepted to the program, you will receive a complete “Recommended-What to Bring” list in your acceptance packet.

What if I don’t have a tent or sleeping bag or both?

We suggest that you try to borrow these from a family member or friend rather than buy new. SCA has some equipment that it can lend to students on very limited case by case basis. If you are accepted to the program please, notify us at Admissions@theSCA.org ASAP if you need to borrow something from SCA.

Will there be cell phone reception?

Cell reception will be variable to non-existent. Plan for no cell reception. If there is reception cell phone use will be limited to free time only.

What if a group of my friends want to work together?

We can not guarantee placement together at a particular site or that your whole group will be selected for a particular site.

Additional questions?

Email SCA Admissions department at Admissions@theSCA.org. Please be sure to include the subject of your question in Subject Line of the Email.

What Colleges and Universities are Represented at ASB 2009?

University of Wisconsin- Madison
University of Maryland
Principia
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
Tufts University
SUNY-Alfred
University of South Alabama
New York University
Univesity of Nebraska-Lincoln
SUNY- Geneseo
Clemson University
University of West Georgia
Edinboro University
SUNY- Plattsburgh
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Warren Wilson North Carolina
Connecticut College
Auburn
Trinity College
University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Clemson University
Roger Williams University
Shepard University
Georgetown College
Hocking College
University of California -Santa Cruz
University of California - Riverside
Harvard University
Central Connecticut State University
University of Missouri- Columbia
Missouri State University
Harvard University
University of Missouri -Rolla
Ohio University
Kennesaw State University
Augustana College
University of Colorado- Boulder
SUNY-Potsdam
Kent State
University of Illinois- Urbana -Champaign
Whitman College
Furman University
University of Washington
Ohio State University
University of California- Los Angeles
Oberlin
University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
McGill University