SearchFrequently Asked Questions
What is a Spring Break Service Trip (SBST)?
How can I find out more about SBST’s?
What kind of service is available?
When are SBST’s?
Will I need to bring any money?
Who goes on SBST’s?
Do I get to choose where I will I be going for my SBST?
Where will I be staying?
How will I get there?
How do I sign up?
What are the “SBST Pillars”?
What should I bring and not bring?
What is the selection process?
What is a Spring Break Service Trip (SBST)?
SBST’s are week-long trips (except ½ week Omaha) during spring break on which students serve and learn with one of 25 community partner hosts across the country. Two student coordinators trained in reflection and social analysis lead a group of 6-11 students. You will engage in a variety of service experiences, learn about local social justice and sustainability issues, and have a blast getting to know other Creighton students.
How can I find out more about SBST’s?
Ask around -- over 400 current Creighton students have participated in just the past few years! More than likely multiple people you know can tell you about their experiences. Click around the website, it has a lot of information about Service Trips. Watch the video
What kind of service is available?
There’s something for everybody: gutting houses in New Orleans, tutoring/playing with children, working in soup kitchens, caring for Alpacas, and much more!
When are SBST’s?
March 6- 13, 2010. Some trips will leave Friday, March 5 after classes. All will return by Saturday, March 13. The Omaha trip is only half of spring break.
Will I need to bring any money?
Sleeping arrangements, food at the site, transportation, and a donation to our community partner host will be taken care of. You will only need a little spending money (around $20) in case you stop for a meal on the way there or back, etc.
Who goes on SBST’s?
Students from every undergraduate school (Freshmen-Seniors), graduate and professional students participate in SBSTs. Faculty or staff interested should speak with Kelly Orbik at the CCSJ (korbik@creighton.edu or x1293).
Do I get to choose where I will I be going for my SBST?
Although we cannot guarantee your destination, we try to match students to sites of interest to them based on their application, interview, number of SBSTs, and year in school.
Where will I be staying?
Each site is different. Groups stay in churches, post-grad volunteer program houses, Catholic Worker Houses of Hospitality, or with community organizations. You will have access to showers and all necessary (though often simple!) facilities.
How will I get there?
Your group will travel to your site, whether it is in Omaha or New Orleans by Creighton vehicle or rented Budget vans. Student drivers must complete a driver safety session.
How do I sign up?
You can pick up an application at the Info Nights or you can download an application.
What are the “SBST Pillars”?
The Pillars are: Service, Justice, Community, Simplicity, Solidarity, Sustainability and Reflection. The trips are grounded in these seven areas. Come find out more about these pillars in your SBST meetings.
What should I bring and not bring?
You will not need much for your SBST. One of the pillars is Simplicity. Therefore, we ask students only to bring one bag with clothing appropriate to your site. You may also want to bring a journal. We ask that you do not bring cell phones, personal iPods, cameras, etc. (Basically we ask you to “unplug” for the week so that you can be fully present to your experience and group.) Every group will have a group camera and a group cell phone for emergencies and to contact families when you arrive. If you feel you must bring a cell phone, we ask you to keep it off and use it for emergencies only.
What is the selection process?
After you fill out your application, you will sign up for a 10 minute interview in the CCSJ office. The interview is to get to know you better so that we can properly place you and to let you know more about what you can expect from the SBST program. After the interview, we will place all applicants on a trip and post the list in the office and you will receive an email.