Volunteer Opportunities with Christian Appalachian Project

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK

CREATE A TRADITION

To see the young people from St. Anne’s-Belfield coming here... it has just been extraordinary.

St. Anne’s-Belfield School participated in CAP’s YouthFest as a part of Doug’s Trip, in honor of their classmate, Douglas Wardle. At his school he advocated for service learning and realized that these efforts helped build school community as well as assist others.

During a service trip to Nicaragua to build houses in 2007, Douglas collapsed and later passed away from a brain aneurysm. His senior classmates dedicated their class gift to the freshman class: Doug’s Trip. Each year the seniors continue this cherished tradition.

YouthFest is an alternative spring break that offers high school students a chance to have a hand in making homes safe, warm, dry, and accessible. Groups like St. Anne’s-Belfield School build ramps, replace siding and windows, install drywall, and paint. WorkFest offers a similar experience for college-aged students.

The students at St. Anne’s-Belfield saw the impact of their work when a participant had a medical emergency. Because of the ramp they built, emergency medical professionals were able to reach the participant quickly and safely.

“What’s incredibly special is that there are things that happen that remind us of our son Douglas,” said Bill Wardle, his father. “He wanted to right the wrongs. He wanted to fix things. He wanted people to respect others. To see the young people from St. Anne’s-Belfield coming here and seeing some of those same things [in them], it has just been extraordinary.”

CAP’s alternative spring break service trips for college and high school students run in March and April each year. YouthFest (for high school students) and WorkFest (for college students) create an opportunity for students to be a part of essential projects. CAP provides meals and lodging, jobsite leadership and evening programming to enhance students’ appreciation for, and understanding of, the region. No experience is necessary!

Learn more by following the QR code or apply at christianapp.org/apply-now