Spring Break

In 2006, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the ELCA (through Lutheran Disaster Response) offered its first-ever collective ASB opportunity to students at ELCA Colleges and Universities and ELCA Campus Ministries. Over the last four years, the effort-–called “What a Relief!”–-has provided week-long service opportunities for over 4,000 students representing nearly 100 campuses nationwide.

In the same year, Lutheran Student Movement-USA received a generous grant from Thrivent Financial to fund an alternative spring break program called "Breaking Out!" The intent of the grant was to provide intentional service-learning opportunities to LSM members, combining the desire of students for meaningful service with time for theological reflection. LSM held Breaking Out trips in Atlanta in 2006 and Ocean Springs, MS, in 2007.

Beginning in the spring of 2009, Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Student Movement-USA partnered to create a stronger ELCA Alternative Spring Break program. These ELCA-specific ASB trips began to have an increased emphasis on the principles of accompaniment and service-learning in addition to completing work projects. Twenty-two campuses and nearly 350 students participated in the combined ASB effort in 2009.

The emphasis on service-learning and partnership continues as we unveil the 2010 ELCA Alternative Spring Break program and the Lutheran Student Movement Service-Learning Institute. We hope to continue improving this important ministry in partnership with ELCA campus ministries and colleges and universities.