More than 300 students are preparing to embark on Spring Break Campaigns to 19 different locations at home and abroad.
While most of the campaigns will remain within the U.S., a few trips feature less domestic experiences in places like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Most of the excursions have filled to capacity; however, the trip to Corpus Christi still is in need of five volunteers, and the trips to Boulder, Colo., and Honduras are searching for one male volunteer each. The slot for Honduras is being offered at a discounted price.
As long as nothing dramatic happens in one of the foreign locations, all the trips are ready to go, said Ben Rogers, senior finance major from Athens.
Spring Break Campaigns started more than 30 years ago with a trip to Guatemala led by Max Lucado. Every year since then, the campaigns have grown, flourishing into the integral part of the ACU identity they are today. Students like Daniel Burgner, senior political science major from Orange County, Calif., say they look forward to this experience every year.
“I am really excited to go and serve,” Burgner said. “Spring Break Campaigns are a really important component of the ACU mission.”
Now, the campaign leaders are finalizing details and helping the mission teams bond. The teams meet each Thursday for Chapel in various locations around campus to fellowship, go over logistics and pray, said Ben Rude, junior youth and family ministry major from Spokane, Wash., and first-time campaigner.
“We pray over different things,” Rude said. “One week we prayed for unity; one week it was for the homeless; one week it was for support. Praying helps us to rely on God more than ourselves.”
Rogers emphasized the importance of submitting all required elements, like money and paperwork, since adherence to deadlines ensures a smoother experience for all involved.
Spring Break Campaigns will take place March 13-20. Students interested in grabbing those last few spots can find forms online at www.acu.edu/sbc, or visit the SBC main office located downstairs in the McGlothlin Campus Center in Room 33.