A look into Alternative Fall Break
On the first morning of Fall Break, while many students are packing cars for a trip home or sleeping in, a group of Utah State University students will be loading into vans with work gloves and water bottles.
They’re not heading home or to a vacation spot — instead, they’re going to communities in need. These students have found an Alternative Fall Break is how they want to spend their time off.
Since 1996, the Utah State University Christensen Office of Service & Sustainability has offered Alternative Breaks as a way for students to spend their time serving in communities. These trips encourage students to engage in social issues, learn about impactful organizations and participate in hands-on activities.
From Oct. 10-12, students will head to Moab to volunteer with Community Rebuilds and the Youth Garden Project, two programs whose goals are to build healthy, connected communities.
“It’s about turning passion into purpose. These trips combine education, service and reflection to help students become informed, active citizens. Students often return with a deeper understanding of the issues, new friendships and even a renewed sense of direction,” said Giselle Bandley, USU Center for Community Engagement student leadership & development coordinator.
The programs are designed to give students hands-on experience with social issues while working alongside local organizations.
“Think less lounging, more learning. It’s a meaningful alternative to a traditional break — no partying, no distractions. Just a group of passionate students diving into real community challenges in a fully immersive, drug and alcohol-free environment,” Bandley said.
This year, COSAS will be hosting several Alternative Breaks throughout the academic year, including Fall Break, Presidents Day weekend and Spring Break.
“From what I understand, COSAS is all about helping and giving back to the community, which I love. So, I’m looking forward to the experience,” said James Greenwall, a USU student attending the Fall Break trip.
Each trip focuses on a specific theme such as sustainability, community responses to homelessness, animal welfare or food security and waste. Partner organizations are chosen based on how closely their work aligns with those issues.
“We’re always looking to grow, whether that’s by expanding trip locations, exploring new social issues or making the experience more affordable for students,” Bandley said. “Lodging is one of the biggest expenses, so we’re also working on building stronger partnerships to help reduce costs.”
Trips are currently funded through a small portion of COSAS’ budget and students’ registration fees.
Bandley explained keeping these experiences affordable for students is a top priority, especially as organizers look for ways to expand.
As for who participates, Bandley said the trips attract a variety of students.
“Some are seasoned volunteers, returning participants, and others are just curious or want to do something meaningful over break,” Bandley said. “Many are passionate about civic engagement, some need service hours and a few just want to try something new.”
While students’ reasons for joining vary, the trips are structured to give participants a deeper understanding of community needs while also offering an alternative to a traditional student break.
“Through direct service, reflection and education, students start to see how their own values, choices and voices can shape the world around them,” Bandley said.