Shared by Hannah Grady, Marketing Intern, as Guest Blogger.

Everyone has different motives for why they want to volunteer their time and provide helping hands to others. Many people volunteer for the experience, to get more involved with their community, for a resume booster, to feel better about themselves, or simply because it is a requirement.

Recently Kiptopeke State Park had participants from four different colleges come out to help their park. Students came from Appalachian State University, Bellermine University, Ithaca State University, and James Madison University. A big reason that these students came out to help a park was because they believed that the value of volunteers is irreplaceable and that we succeed by helping others. They also volunteered to gain a better understanding of the issues that our society faces daily and to have a positive impact.

Ithaca State University students working at the pier at Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park had many different projects going on all at the same time. Thanks to the volunteers, this park was able to get quite a few projects completed to prepare them for the busy season.

Appalachian State University, located in Boone, NC, had 8 volunteers work 288 hours over 5 days. Bellermine University, located in Louisville, KY, had 9 volunteers work in the park for a total of 216 hours over 3 days. Ithaca College, located in Ithaca, NY, brought 7 volunteers to the park that worked 252 hours over 5 days. James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, VA, brought out 10 volunteers that worked 10 hours each for a total of 100 hours.

Appalachian State University students replace railing on a boardwalk

Some of the projects that these volunteers participated in included replacing boards on boardwalks, repairing fences, removing debris, trimming edges of trails, cleaning the outside of the contact station, and removing sand. These projects wouldn't have been completed or would have had to be put on hold without the help of these college students.

Bellermine University students gather materials need for their project

These college students are considered millennials, which are known for being heavy technology users and not getting outside very much. By participating in volunteer work through the Alternative Spring Break program, these students demonstrated that they were not afraid to stray from technology and embrace nature and the outdoors.

JMU students take advantage of the beautiful view from the park's fishing pier for a group photo

Alternative Spring Break is a week for college students to help have a positive impact by participating in volunteer work instead of doing something simply for themselves. 

For more information on volunteering at a state park near you or our alternative spring break program, click here.