Students Spend Spring Break Working With United Way

Barefoot Republic Camp

Usually, college students can’t wait to hit the beach to enjoy the sun and sand for spring break. But a group of students decided to bypass the typical spring break plan and opted for an alternative spring break.

United Way of Williamson County launched its first Alternative Spring Break project from March 10-14th, 2014 at the Barefoot Republic Retreat Center located in Scottsville, Kentucky.

Students from North Caroline State, Texas A&M, Purdue University and Western Kentucky along with several other schools have chosen to take part in the Alternative Spring Break project.

Debby Rainey, United Way representative said the students were very excited to participate in the program—two students from Michigan had never flown on an airplane before, five students from Texas rode a Greyhound bus for 25 hours just to be a part of the program and many students have already made plans to attend next year.

Each day, the students will help Barefoot Republic maintain and improve facilities as well as programs for campers. The focus of these projects is on improvements to landscaping, painting and construction. In addition to these service projects, students will work with children from the local 4-H clubs as well as The Boys & Girls Club.

Barefoot Republic has served thousands of students over the past 14 years through day and overnight camps. Their mission is to facilitate Christ-centered relationships between individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds through the use of artistic, athletic and team building programs.

On a national basis, United Way has provided a way for students to give back during spring break for the last seven years. Over the last seven years, more than 2500 students have traded in their swim suits for tool belts by participating in the Alternative Spring Break program contributing over 77,000 hours of community service.

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