Students interested in participating in spring break missions can start making plans. The Spring Break Campaign Committee announced the 27 leaders who will lead 14 campaigns across America and four South American Countries.
“We’re really excited about our leadership teams,” said Emily Hood, PR marketing committee member for SBC. “I think the overall commitment of our leaders this year is better than we’ve had in years past, and I think that’s because we chose quality over quantity.”
The SBC committee chose fewer campaigns and leaders than last year, mainly because they received fewer leader applications than in previous years, said Hood, senior education major from Spearman. However, she said they are happy with the people who did step up to lead.
In addition to offering fewer campaigns, SBC committee members also decided to cap the number of students for each campaign at 15, with exceptions to the campaigns going to Seattle and New Orleans.
The change came from campaigners’ feedback through surveys administered each year at the end of spring break, Hood said.
However, committee members continue to remain optimistic about SBCs in the spring.
“I think we have a fantastic group of leaders this year,” Meredith Platt, SBC Chair said. “They all seem very focused and energized and ready to work with students, not only on campaign stuff, but also on spiritually guiding them on the trip.”
Platt is leading a trip to Nicaragua – her first SBC to South America. She said international campaigns provide a different experience than campaigns inside the country.
“In some ways international trips are easier to keep focused on God,” Platt said. “Just going further seems to really open people’s eyes and get more excited about it than just going somewhere in America.”
Tate Stewart, senior criminal justice major from Lubbock, is leading a campaign to Salem, Ore., with Caroline Conwell. This is his first time to lead a campaign, but he said he is looking forward to it.
“I think we’re going to be able to work off of each other well,” Stewart said. “We’ve already come up with fun ideas for the very first Chapel, and if things kind of retain that environment and attitude, I think it will be special.”
Stewart said he and Conwell have been friends for a while and already share a strong bond. He said one of their goals for the campaign is to bring the same sense of unity to the entire campaign.
“SBC enables you to grow close to a group that maybe you haven’t exactly hung out with much, and it gives you a chance to do stuff with students of other classes,” Stewart said. “It really helps you get out of your comfort zone.”
Platt offered similar advice to students considering committing to a campaign.
“Don’t be afraid to go on one that you don’t know anyone else who is going,” Platt said. “Be willing to make new friends, and step outside your comfort zone.”
For more information on SBC visit their website, www.acu.edu/sbc.
