college students spend "alternative spring break" at guadalupe school

By Cassie Bingham, Communications Specialist

​Last week Guadalupe School was fortunate to welcome nine volunteers from across the state border. Seven students and two employees from the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) visited to lend a hand for two and half days. CSI is just one of a growing number of colleges and universities that are helping facilitate "alternative spring breaks," where instead of traveling to Hawaii or the Bahamas for some relaxing time in the sun, students step out of their bubbles and contribute volunteer time to various charitable organizations. 

The student volunteers are studying a variety of majors, including elementary education, digital media, and outdoor recreation. They applied their studies well to the large array of tasks they were assigned during their time with Guadalupe students. Each volunteer had one-on-one time with students, helping with math problems, reading comprehension, and art projects. They also shared team building games and exercises with students at recess, organized bookshelves in the library, and helped sixth grade peer leaders develop an educational safety video to be shown at the next assembly. 

Students and volunteers alike enjoyed their experiences together, and were able to learn from each other. The CSI volunteers lamented that they would not be staying even longer, and expressed interest in stopping by just to visit if they ever pass through Salt Lake City again. Frankly, we are not surprised to hear it, as Guadalupe students and staff seem to have that effect on volunteers and visitors! Guadalupe School is very lucky to have the frequent opportunity of providing uplifting volunteer experiences to high school students, college students, corporate groups, and senior citizens. We feel even luckier to be the recipient of so much dedicated time and talent. Thank you volunteers! 

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