Some Students Swap Sun and Sand for Hard Work and Heart at Cloudland Canyon State Park
RIT Students Leave a Permanent Mark in Cloudland Canyon State Park
In March 2025, a gang of 18 students from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York decided to kick off their spring break by doing some good instead of lounging on a beach. They traded their usual vacation spot for Cloudland Canyon State Park, one of Georgia's most adored and visited parks.
Rather than soaking up rays, these students chose to give back to the community and get closer to nature. Everyone had their reasons for signing up, but a common theme was a love for the outdoors and a drive to make a difference. As one student proclaimed, "I'm bloody passionate about making nature more accessible and sharing environmental knowledge. I mostly work on this stuff in class, but I wanted a chance to get out there and actually do something hands-on."
Throughout the week, the group worked their tails off on major projects across the park, affecting a total of 4.6 miles of trail. Their efforts included repairing dilapidated wooden bridges, refurbishing backcountry restrooms, revitalizing a disc golf course, and completing vital plantings to liven up the park's entrance. Although these tasks were physically demanding, they're crucial for keeping the park pristine, secure, and welcoming for the thousands of visitors who explore its trails each year.
Beyond the grunt work, students gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to maintain public lands. One participant shared, "I learned so much about trail maintenance and how to maintain trails. I'll never look at a hiking trail the same way again and have a whole new appreciation for all the hard work that goes into maintaining parks." By the end of the week, it was clear that the experience left a lasting impression, motivating many to continue supporting public lands in the future.
The staff at Cloudland Canyon State Park were equally touched by the students' dedication, expressing, "The RIT students provided a great deal of assistance at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Our park manager was very impressed and appreciated their efforts." Thanks to the students' perseverance and positive energy, the park is now better prepared to cater to visitors for seasons to come.
If you're keen to make a difference while enjoying a break from studies, look into Alternative Breaks! American Hiking Society (AHS) offers trips where you can pair your passion for travel with meaningful service work. These experiences provide a unique opportunity to create a lasting impact while exploring new destinations and cultures. Check out the AHS trips here!
Are you a fan of trails? Join AHS's National Trails Day events and unite with volunteers from across the country as they celebrate and enhance trails nationwide. Learn more here.
What's an Alternative Break?
Alternative Breaks, also known as Alternative Spring Break programs, are structured service initiatives that offer college students and young people the opportunity to take part in impactful community service during their academic breaks instead of opting for traditional vacation or leisure activities. These programs focus on social justice, community development, and personal growth through direct service, education, and reflection.
How Can I Get Involved in an Alternative Break?
- Start or Partner with an Existing Program:
- Research: Explore established Alternative Break programs at your institution (many colleges and universities already have these programs).
- Partner: Connect with student affairs offices or organizations to learn how to collaborate on upcoming projects.
- Customize: If your group is small or independent, design your own Alternative Break by identifying a local need, connecting with a community organization, and organizing a short-term service project.
- Plan Your Trip or Project:
- Choose a Focus: Select a social issue or cause that resonates with your group's values.
- Contact Community Partners: Connect with local nonprofits or service organizations for volunteer opportunities.
- Arrange Logistics: Plan transportation, accommodations, food, and safety considerations.
- Incorporate Education and Reflection:
- Workshops: Include sessions on the history and context of the issue you're addressing.
- Reflection: Schedule group discussions and personal journaling to process experiences and insights.
- Promote and Recruit:
- Raise Awareness: Use social media, flyers, and campus announcements to attract participants.
- Inclusivity: Ensure that all interested students, regardless of their background, feel welcome to join.
- Follow Up:
- Debrief: After the project, hold a debrief session to discuss what was learned and how the experience can inform ongoing service or advocacy.
- Sustained Engagement: Encourage participants to remain involved with the cause or organization beyond the break.
- For students seeking an alternative to traditional vacation spots, consider volunteer vacations like Alternative Breaks, where you can combine service work with travel and outdoor-living.
- Working with organizations such as the American Hiking Society (AHS), you can sign up for Alternative Break trips that focus on trail maintenance, environmental-science, and public lands.
- By joining AHS's National Trails Day events, you'll have the chance to work with other volunteers to maintain and improve trails across the country, promoting outdoor-living and home-and-garden.
- Alternative Breaks not only provide an opportunity to make a difference in communities, but also serve as a means for education and self-development, exposing participants to various aspects of environmental-science and lifestyle.
- If an established Alternative Break program isn't available at your institution, consider starting one or partnering with existing organizations to customize a service project tailored to your group's interests.
- Beyond the direct service work, Alternative Breaks encourage reflection, learning, and long-term commitment to environmental causes, helping you to grow as an individual and contribute positively to the world.
