American Hiking Society

Location: Gladstone, Virginia
Travel: Flight, van
Lodging: Cabins
Cost: $650

James River State Park has 22 miles of trails within its 1561 acres. We need help every year with maintaining existing trails, doing reroutes, and rehabilitating closed trails. Prior to beginning any project, we do a thorough safety briefing and explanation of the procedures and goals for our project, and volunteers are always accompanied and will work closely with Park and DCR staff. Volunteers will hike less than a mile each day.

Arkansas

Children’s Hospital

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: $250

Arkansas Children’s Hospital is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the U.S., with a Level I trauma center that serves children from birth to age 21. Participants will support behind-the-scenes hospital operations, organize donations and medical supplies, assist with clerical work and lead enrichment activities with patients.

Please note: ACH has specific requirements for volunteers, such as passing a criminal background check, a TB test, up-to-date vaccination status, and more. The full list of requirements is available on their website.

Ashby House

Location: Salina, Kansas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Farmhouse
Cost: $200

Ashby House is dedicated to empowering homeless families and individuals to improve self-sufficiency, self-advocacy and holistic recovery. Past projects included prep and painting apartments for the transitional housing program, sorting and organizing donations, gardening projects and painting and renovation at the main office building. Past participants have also worked in the daycare program and observed life skills classes.

Buffalo National River
Co-sponsored by University Recreation

Location: St. Joe, Arkansas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Primitive Camping
Cost: $200

Buffalo National River was established in 1972 as the country’s first national river. It includes 4,293 acres and approximately 135 miles of free-flowing river within the boundaries of the park. The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Projects may include trail maintenance for over 100 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, water quality sampling and creel surveys to help collect data on fish populations.

Please note: This trip will involve primitive camping in tents for lodging and may include shared or outdoor restroom facilities. Participants may not have access to electricity and wi-fi during the trip.

Galveston Bay Foundation

Location: Kemah, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: $200

Interested in participating in an immersive week of outdoor activities? Join the Galveston Bay Foundation and assist in beautifying and maintaining the Texas coastline. Tasks may include native plant propagation, seagrass restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, dune restoration, invasive species removal and general support of Galveston Bay Foundation’s mission.

Peaceful Valley

Donkey Rescue

Location: San Angelo, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Remodeled house with bunk beds
Cost: $120

Join Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in their mission to provide a safe and loving environment for abused, neglected or abandoned donkeys. Participants will assist in caring for adoptable donkeys as well as with day-to-day basic grounds work, including but not limited to habitat maintenance, construction, organization and cleanup.

San Antonio Food Bank

Co-sponsored by Fraternity & Sorority Life

Location: San Antonio, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: No cost for Fraternity & Sorority Life members. Contact FSL for information.

Join forces with the San Antonio Food Bank and spend the week learning and serving through their urban garden program, the Kids Café, Haven for Hope and food warehouse programs. Hands-on service and educational sessions will provide participants with insight into the social issues impacting the city of San Antonio. Service tasks may include sorting food donations, serving meals, gardening and other outreach projects.

Please note: This trip is exclusive to members of UTD Fraternity & Sorority Life community. Interested participants should contact the Fraternity & Sorority Life office for details.

Soul NOLA

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Travel: Flight, van
Lodging: Airbnb
Cost: $400

Come together with Soul NOLA in their restoration and disaster relief activities in New Orleans. Participants will explore local communities and help rebuild city landscapes by planting trees on designated streets that have been affected by floods. In addition to tree plantation projects, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with food banks and schools to improve the current hunger disparity and actively contribute to after-school programs.

Please note: Tree planting is a physical activity with medium levels of exertion. Participants will be provided with all necessary aid to execute this project.

Basic Needs (local)

Co-sponsored by the Basic Needs Resource Center

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Travel: Van
Lodging: N/A (participants will depart and return to campus each day)
Cost: $50 (will be reimbursed to participants upon completion of ASB)

Want to learn more about services in the DFW area that address basic needs issues impacting our local population? Join local organizations in their missions to develop, support and advocate for communities in need. Participants will explore and learn about the historical causes and contemporary issues impacting communities. Volunteers may assist with meal distribution, community outreach and education and administrative tasks.