What is BUCK-I-SERV: the Alternative Breaks Program?
BUCK-I-SERV trips are weeklong, community service trip to a city outside of Columbus during the university's breaks at Winter, Spring, and Summer. Students volunteer for the entire week with an agency to learn more about the needs and capacities of that organization and its social issue. Training is provided for all leaders. Trip participants will meet with their group before going to the service site. No previous experience is necessary to participate in a BUCK-I-SERV trip!
How does each group get to their site?
All trips travel by a 12-passenger van to their location. Only individuals that are 21+ are able to drive the van. Trips going to Belize and Los Angeles will travel by plane.
How many people attend each trip?
Each trip has 10 participants including leader/advisor. There are various trips with 50 students but that will be indicated on the application site information.
When are the trips?
BUCK-I-SERV Trips take place during each University Break period the week following finals week.
Where will the Trips go?
Each year the trips go to a variety of different places and focus on a number of different social issues. Places we have visited in the past include New York City, Washington DC, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay.
Each trip period will have a different set of locations and specific location information will be available on the application page as well as the Ohio Union article about the specific break period.
What is the role of the Trip Leader?
Each BUCK-I-SERV trip is led by one/two student Trip Leaders. Trip leaders are required to attend weekly training. Times and dates are listed on the application. The sites are arranged already, however, Trip Leaders are responsible for managing all trip logistics, training participants, and leading reflection. Trip Leader candidates will have a strong value for community service, appreciation of differences, ability to lead a group of peers, professionalism in dealing with community partners, good oral and written communication, and a sense of humor.
Who can apply to participate in Buck-I-Serv?
Buck-I-Serv trips are open to all students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional. Participants must apply each year to attend a trip. Participants with a variety of experiences, skills, and interests are invited to apply!
How much does it cost?
Each BUCK-I-SERV trip is funded by the Student Activity Fee and by Participant Fees. Participant Fees are relative to site location. These fees cover training, transportation (to, from, and around the service city), lodging, service site fees, and t-shirt. Meals and personal expenses are not covered by these fees unless indicated under site descriptions. Trip fees range from $175-$350 and are listed under each site description above. This spring break we are traveling to two locations (Belize and Los Angeles) that require flight so their cost does exceed $350. *Please note that in order to keep the cost down for participants many of the sites have relationships with local churches as lodging sites for volunteers. In no way are the trips religiously affiliated.
Faculty/Staff/Graduate Student Advisors
Each trip is typically staffed by a Faculty/Staff/Grad Advisor. Advisors participate fully in all training, service projects, and reflection with the rest of the trip. Advisors are also encouraged to bring an "educational component" to the trip based on the service project, host city, or other personal/professional interest.
Contact Us!
For more information about Buck-I-Serv please contact Rosie Holmes in the Ohio Union at shouman.3@osu.edu or call us at 614-247-2525.