Student Activity Fee Program & Events

Buck-I-Serv

One World Running (http://oneworldrunning.blogspot.com/) Belize City, Belize- Shoes. Probably something you slip on every morning but take mostly for granted. For many, not having shoes means being more susceptible to diseases picked up through foot sores, being denied public education past a certain level (like in Haiti for instance, basically a “no shoes no service” approach to education because being able to afford shoes makes a child worth educating in the eyes of the government), and having a much tougher time securing employment. One World Running was formed in 1986 to give shoes to the needy around the world. The organization has sent thousands of pairs of shoes and changed countless lives in the past two decades (check out www.oneworldrunning.com for more info). Now, OSU has the opportunity to help in this endeavor.

For the second year in a row we are partnering with One World Running to head to Belize for our international service-learning trip.  One World Running is an international program promoting an awareness of health, fitness and nutrition by providing running shoes to those in need in the United States and around the world. They also put on 5K walk/runs to foster an environment of exercise and to increase understanding and goodwill between people. Since 1986, a group of runners in Boulder, Colorado, has collected, washed and sent to Third World countries new and "near-new" athletic shoes, T-shirts and shorts, along with medicine and school and art supplies

Ohio State students attending this trip will aid in the delivery of donated shoes to the citizens of Belize City, Belize.  In addition, the group could potentially put on a 5K run/walk, fit adults for their proper shoe size, visit local orphanages, site-see throughout the area, and possibly coordinate health presentations for a local school if the group shows interest in creating those presentations!  In addition, the group spends some time being “tourists” in Belize and experiencing various aspects of the culture.

There will be 12 individuals attending this trip.  The trip leaves the morning of Saturday, March 20 and returns, the evening of Sunday, March 28, 2010. Flights are out of Columbus International Airport.  Lodging and meals are provided in addition to a majority of the excursions during the trip (with the exception of meals in the airport).

Lodging: Lodging changes throughout the trip and students must be willing to experience various levels of comfort throughout the week.  Students may stay in a hotel, hostel, and wildlife sanctuary.  The wildlife sanctuary is in nature so please take note that this may be an aspect to this particular trip.  Each location in Belize leads to great insight into what Belizeans find important within their communities.

Final details for this year are still being established; however, it is important to know when traveling on an international service trip that the schedule will more than likely change during the trip due to unforeseen complications in country.  This trip is sure to be eye-opening as you will get to see how a non-profit organization headquartered in the United States partners with developing nations to provide resources.

Fundraising: There are opportunities available for participants of this trip to fundraise a portion of their expenses.  The fundraising efforts will have to be organized and lead by the participants of the trip.  Fundraising plans would need to begin as soon as participant selection occurs at the end of November in order for the money raised to be received from local businesses before Spring Break 2010.

COST: $1500.00

Domestic Sites:

Buckeye Service Sampler: Columbus, OH Participate in the first ever Columbus based Buck-I-Serv trip.  Participants will focus on a different issue each day and serve at a different organization in Columbus.  Focus areas of the trip may include the issues of hunger, HIV/AIDS, animals, homelessness, and rehabilitation from addiction.  Participants will stay at the University’s retreat house throughout the entire week and as a group will experience the touristy side of the city and the social justice issues facing our community.  This is sure to be a trip unlike any other! Housing: OSU Retreat House Cost: $115

ARC of Baltimore: (www.arcofbaltimore.org) Baltimore, MD- It is the ARC of Baltimore’s mission to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have maximum opportunities to actively participate in all aspects of community life and to offer programs and services that support them in doing so. You will be working with folks with developmental disabilities in some capacity.  The task is still being decided.  Last year’s group created a mural! Housing: Hostel Cost: $300

Camp Heartland (www.campheartland.org) Willow River, MN: is a camp for children living with HIV/AIDS. Past groups have carved signs, painted, and done projects to improve the grounds for the children before the Summer. This trip has consistently received amazing feedback about the staff you get to work with and the knowledge you gain about HIV/AIDS.  Many participants go back to the camp during the summer as counselors because their experience is so impactful! There are no children present during spring break. (Meals/Housing: Provided by Camp Heartland). Cost: $285

Elephant Sanctuary (elephants.com) Hohenwald, TN-   This is a place, which provides a safe home for abused and retired elephants.  Students will most likely be doing physical labor, such as building/repairing fences, painting, etc.  There will be no interaction with the elephants, as this a part of the mission for there to be limited human contact with the animals.  Housing: Cabins at Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve. (Meals not Provided) Cost: $210

Florida Aquatics Preserve (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/aquatic.htm) Tampa Bay, FL: You will be working on environmental projects on islands in the Bay area.  It may entail removing foreign species of plants, planting native species, mapping the island, or standard maintenance of the islands. Housing: Cabins Cost: $275

Food and Friends (www.foodandfriends.org) Washington, DC- Along with nutrition counseling, Food & Friends prepares, packages and delivers meals and groceries to more than 1,350 people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses throughout Washington, DC, 7 counties of Maryland and 7 counties and 6 independent cities in Virginia. They prepare over 3,000 meals each day. Volunteers will help prepare these meals. Depending on the organizations availability during that week, some volunteers might also be able to help out with delivering the meals. Housing: Hostel Cost: $325

Give Kids the World (www.GKTW.org) Kissimmee, FL-  This organization grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at their magical Give Kids the World Village. You will be doing various activities for the Village and for the children and families, as well. Please check out the website to get a full understanding of what all occurs at GKTW on a daily basis! This site was a spring break & summer break favorite last year and the participants left having an unforgettable experience with the kids! A participant from the spring break trip described going to GKTW as “one of my most rewarding things I have done in my life”. You are sure to create memories to last a lifetime if you head to GKTW this winter break. Housing: Oak Plantation Resort Cost: $325

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (http://www.gmhc.org) New York, NY- Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. Their mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, they will remain true to their heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians.

GMHC's most popular service provides over 300 nutritious and delicious meals five days a week in the spacious and friendly Peter Krueger Dining Room.
Kitchen Assistant volunteers assist Meal Program staff in preparing soups, salads, desserts and a choice of entrees daily for GMHC clients. Also assist with serving and clean-up. Housing: Hostel Cost: $325

Greater Boston Food Bank-(www.GBFB.org or www.NewFoodBank.org) Boston, MA Volunteers will inspect, sort and repack donated grocery products that are then distributed to hunger relief agencies. All volunteers are trained in food safety at the beginning of the shift. Volunteers work together as a team on an assembly line, and may be working alongside other groups. Some volunteers load boxes onto conveyer belts, other volunteers inspect products, others sort products, and others check and label boxes. A few of these "jobs" require the ability to lift a box of about 30 pounds, but the majority of positions simply require that a volunteer can stand and inspect products for a few hours. Housing: Hostel Cost: $325

Guadalupe Center (http://www.guadalupecenter.net/) Immokalee, FL. In a community where 40 percent of the people live below the poverty level, the Guadalupe Center is dedicated to serving the disadvantaged poor of Immokalee.  The center has been running for more than 25 years and it includes a soup kitchen, clothing center, shower center, and an after school program for children.. At this site you will be reorganizing the clothing pantry, performing general upkeep of the center, working in the kitchen, and possibly serving food during the morning. In the afternoon you will be volunteering at an after school program from 3:30-5pm daily. Dinners are provided. Housing: Immokalee Friendship House. PLEASE NOTE: You will be staying in a homeless shelter in a city where the per capita income was $8,576 according to the 2000 census (Columbus was 20,450). This trip is designed for those who wish to immerse themselves into the issue being addressed at the service site. Cost: $210

Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity West Palm Beach, FL (http://www.habitatpbc.org/) is a 501c3, nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of substandard housing by building simple, affordable, safe houses for working families in partnership with God, our community volunteers and local organizations. HFHPBC was established as a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1986. We have built 93 houses to date. HFHPBC has an aggressive strategic plan with an annual housing production goal of 30 houses by 2010–2011.

 Cost: $250

Habitat for Humanity: Bay St. Louis, MS (http://www.habitatbaywaveland.org/)

Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland Area began as a disaster office of Habitat for Humanity, Jackson, Mississippi, shortly after hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. In January 2008, we became an independent affiliate. So far, we've built more than 80 homes in Hancock County with volunteers, sponsors, donors, partner families and friends.Cost: $250

Habitat for Humanity:Portland, ME (http://www.habitatportlandme.org/) Portland, Maine has a population of just over 60,000 people. With a unique and diverse downtown area, Portland is a heavily visited area by folks who are visiting "vacationland". In 2009, Portland was chosen as Forbes "Most Livable City!". There are a variety of entertainment options nightly in the Old Port area of Portland. This includes art museums, live music and excellent restaurants. Maine is also known for it's natural beauty and you do not have to travel far to find it! Their affiliate covers all of Cumberland County which includes 25 small towns and communities. Housing: Volunteer Center Cost: $225

Harvest Farm (http://www.denverrescuemission.org/harvest.html) Wellington, CO-   Harvest Farm is a 209-acre farm and rehabilitation center for men, located in Wellington, Colorado, 70 miles north of Denver. The Farm accommodates up to 72 men who participate in a long-term treatment program. Men determined to break cycles of addiction and poverty are referred to the Farm by detox facilities, social service agencies, and the legal system. Once there, the men find educational, spiritual, and emotional support to assist their transition into society. The specific tasks will be assigned as the trip draws closer; however, tasks could include Volunteers typically spend a large part of their time in agriculture, prepping the land for the growing season. Groups are welcome to work in other areas (kitchen, maintenance, fleet) alongside men going through rehabilitation for alcohol and drugs. Meals are provided. Housing: on site Cost: $250

North Texas Food Bank (http://www.ntfb.org/) Dallas, TX. The North Texas Food Bank was established in 1982 to address the critical issue of hunger in the North Texas area by securing donations of surplus unmarketable, but wholesome, foods and grocery products for distribution through a network of charitable organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry in 13 North Texas Counties, including Dallas, Denton, Collin, Fannin, Rockwall, Hunt, Grayson, Kaufman, Ellis, Navarro, Lamar, Delta and Hopkins. In the first year of operation, the Food Bank distributed 400,000 pounds of food. As a volunteer you will be boxing and sorting food for distribution to Dallas’ 260 member agencies as well as cooking in the kitchen. Meals not provided. Housing: Dallas Irving Backpackers' Stop (Hostel) Cost: $275

Old Friends Equine http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/ Georgetown, KY: Old Friends is a retirement and rescue facility for at-risk racehorses to provide them with care and an open space to the public. The facility promotes education and awareness about retired thoroughbreds. This trip will "trot" on new grounds, helping with a variety of tasks throughout the equine. Volunteers may have the opportunity to work with the horses and is perfect for anyone interested in the equestrian field. For more information, check out: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/sports/24tour.html?_r=1 Housing: Hostel/Cabins Cost: $210

Operation Breakthrough (www.OperationBreakthrough.org)  Kansas City, MO: Working with children to provide a safe, loving, educational environment. Students get hands on experience with children in an educational environment. Operation Breakthrough is a community center in the heart of Kansas City that serves children 8 months to 18 years old and their parents.  Through education and programs like daycare, a food pantry, dress for success and music therapy, the center works relentlessly to improve the lives of local families, many of whom live beneath the poverty level.

As a volunteer, you will work primarily with children and teachers in the classroom in the morning, while helping maintain the center in the afternoon while the students nap.  From reading a book to the class or setting out their lunch, to organizing donated food and clothing goods or delivering furniture to a family in need, this site offers something for everyone in an exciting and nurturing atmosphere. Please be prepared that as part of this trip you are required to have a tetanus shot and a doctor signature stating you are healthy. These are both required to work with children in the afterschool program. Housing: Church Cost: $175

Peace River Refuge (http://www.peaceriverrefuge.org/) Zolfo Springs, FL: The Peace River Refuge and Ranch is a sanctuary dedicated to the lifetime care of abused, neglected, confiscated or unwanted exotic animals to prevent them from being destroyed. The rescued animals range from big cats such as tigers, cougars and leopards to wolves, bears, primates, small wild cats, bats and more.  This site, an Alternative Break favorite, offers students the exciting opportunity of participating in a wide variety of activities! (Please understand you may not get to work directly with the animals due to the risk involved.)   The location, in Zolfo Springs, Florida, is beautiful too!  Housing: Cabins at Peace River Refuge Cost: $200

Refugee Family Services (RFS) (refugeefamilyservices.org)/Hands on Atlanta (handsonatlanta.org) Atlanta, GA-  This organization promises to help refugee women and children to become self-sufficient with educational and financial support.  Those going on the trip will be working with the children in the after-school programs.  Due to RFS only being an after school program it is possible the group will be working with another resettlement organization in Atlanta or finding service at an organization which focuses on another issue within the community. Church. Housing: Hostel/University Cost:  $260

Second Wind Dreams (www.secondwind.org) Alpharetta, GA: Second Wind Dreams® was formed in 1997, growing out of the work of geriatric specialist P.K. Beville, M.S. who co-authored Second Wind, a novel about people living in a nursing home. Over the last twelve years, SWD has become involved in more than 290 eldercare communities in 40 states, Canada and India. The mission of Second Wind Dreams® (SWD) is simple: through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities, SWD seeks to change the perception and experience of aging, empowering elders to age with dignity, hope and joy. Housing: Hostel/University Cost: $260

The Steel Yard (http://www.thesteelyard.org) Providence, RI: The Steel Yard is located at the historic Providence Steel and Iron site, along the Woonasquatucket River in the heart of Providence's industrial Valley neighborhood. With a 5612 square foot industrial shop featuring a foundry, ceramics studio, blacksmithing shop, and welding shop, as well as studio space and outdoor work and exhibition space, the Steel Yard is a multi-use venue. The Steel Yard's program areas, focusing on arts education, the incubation of new business and arts initiatives, and the establishment of a lasting community arts resource, cater to working artists, students, community members, tradespeople, arts educators and entrepreneurs.  BuckIServ participants will get to experience this unique organization for the whole week, intimately working with the Steel Yard's staff on a variety of projects, while also exploring the exciting cultural life beautiful Providence has to offer.  Housing: Hostel/Board Member’s Home  Cost: $275

West Tennessee Family Solutions (http://www.wtfs.org) Memphis, TN: WTFS is self defined as an organization that is redefining Community Care for people with developmental disabilities in West TN. Ohio State students will get the opportunity to work directly with clients of WTFS in many different capacities. Volunteer work may include outdoor landscaping for clients or other enrichment program assistance needed by WTFS. Housing: Pilgrim House Cost: $225

Women’s Issues: Los Angeles, CA This trip is focusing on women’s issues by volunteering at multiple sites throughout the week. A Window between Two Windows and the Downtown Women’s Center will be our service sites for 3 days. The other two days are still in the planning stages due to the organizations’ planning schedule.  It is the preference to have all the sites focus on women’s issues but site availability may cause a couple of days to focus on another issue facing LA. Students will be flying to LA.  Cost includes transportation and lodging. (http://www.awbw.org/awbw/home.php  & http://www.dwcweb.org/ )  Cost: $600

The Following Trips are sponsored by various campus departments and are only open to certain demographics of students.  Please rank one of these sites #1 if you fit into these groups and wish to be considered for the trip.  They will only be selecting participants from students who rank their site #1:

First-Year Students: Inspiration Corporation (http://www.inspirationcorp.org/) Chicago, IL - Working to help homeless and low income individuals gain the skills to succeed in the workforce and increase self sufficiency. Past groups have served meals, interacted with guests, painted, and done projects to improve the facilities. (Housing: Hostel; Breakfast and lunch provided most days) Cost: $275. Note: This trip is sponsored by Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience and is only open to first-year freshmen and transfer students.

University Housing Students: Adams County College Access (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_County_Public_Library) Adams County, OH - Who gets to go to college?  Who doesn't?  And what can you do to help college access in one of Ohio's Appalachian Counties?  Sponsored by the Economic Access Initiative and University Housing, this out of the ordinary opportunity will explore access to education in Adams County.  You'll learn about this vital social and economic issue from the perspective of an access advocate with over 30 years of experience in the field.  We'll work on-site with elementary, middle and high school students as well as parents and families to provide both inspiration and college planning information.  Planned activities may include: hosting a night for parents to learn more about planning for higher education, presenting information from the Know How 2 Go campaign, playing "college planning" games with little kids, and learning more about a part of Ohio you may be unfamiliar with.  Some facts about Adams County ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_County_Public_Library):  It's in Southwestern Ohio and is home to a large Amish population and abuts the Ohio River.  About 20 % of the children in Adams County live below the poverty line. Housing: Local Accommodations; Meals: At least some provided) Cost: $175 Note: This trip is sponsored by OSU housing and is only open to residence hall students.

What is BUCK-I-SERV: the Alternative Breaks Program?

BUCK-I-SERV trips are weeklong, community service trips to a city outside of Columbus during the university's breaks at Winter, Spring, and Summer. Students volunteer for the entire week with one agency to learn more about the needs and capacities of that organization and its social issue. Training is provided for all Participants and Leaders. No previous experience is necessary to participate in a BUCK-I-SERV trip!

Each trip has 10 participants total and travel by a 12-passenger van to their location.

When are the trips?

BUCK-I-SERV Trips take place during each University Break period – Winter, Spring & Summer. During Winter and Summer the break trips always take place the week following finals week. This year’s trip dates are listed below.

Winter Break: December 12-19, 2009

Spring Break: March 20-March 27, 2010

Summer break: June 12-June 19, 2010

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, Charleston, SC, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay. See list Above

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.

Information about Spring 2010 locations can be found above.

Trip Leaders

Each BUCK-I-SERV trip is led by two student Trip Leaders. Trip leaders are required to attend a 2-hour, 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 Leaders 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.

Trip Participants

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!

Trip Expenses

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-$325 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 $325. *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 Advisors

Each trip is staffed by a Faculty or Staff 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. Please see the advisor application to the right of this page.

Contact Us!

For more information about Buck-I-Serv please contact Rosie Holmes in the Ohio Union at holmes.443@osu.edu or call us at 247-8654.