Service

This is my third year with Bear Breaks and every year it just keeps getting better.  I was so excited to go to Dallas to learn more about education and its impact on kids and the community. The community partners we worked with, Wesley-Rankin Community Center and Vogel Alcove, blew me away with all the programs and services they provide to homeless families. It is so amazing to me how these organizations can provide completely free services to people who need them.

It was fun interacting with the kids during their Spring Break camp as well as do indirect service such as cleaning and organizing clothing since it meant we were doing small jobs that allowed the organizations to focus on bigger tasks, such as serving their clients.

Magic

This trip was so special to me this year since I helped my friend, Moe, lead the trip. It was a such a cool experience for me since I got to see his progress as a leader throughout this entire year. In addition, it was so cool to see how participants’ perspectives and opinions about the effects of homelessness and poverty changed throughout the week. I think this is what makes Bear Breaks so great because we have reflections that lead to important discussions about social justice and active citizenship.

For me, it is hard to explain the magic of Bear Breaks because going on a trip and experiencing it firsthand is so much better than reading about it. (Apply for a Fall or Spring Break trip next year 😉 )  I am so grateful that I have these experiences with Bear Breaks because they helped me realize that I am still learning and that active citizenship is a process. 

Special shoutout to our GAs, Elayna and Amy- we couldn’t have done it without y’all! Also thanks for driving us everywhere <3

Thank you to all our trip participants- y’all rock and I am so thankful that I know you beautiful souls. 

And last but not least, thank you to Moe since you were the BEST trip leader and you are a great friend.