Information on the October "Mini MAlt" trip--a return to Merck Forest and Farmland (see below)--will be e-mailed to all students the week of September 14.
MAlt February Break Trips will be announced in early October--the date and time for the information session for interested participants wil be e-mailed soon.February Break Student-Led Service Trips
2008-2009
February Break Student-Led Service Trips
2008-2009
“Unbelievable.” “Invigorating.” “Eye-Opening.” “Inspiring.” “Amazing.” “Great.”
~A few comments from last year’s MAlt Feb break participants.
MAlt is a perfect opportunity to get involved with rewarding and meaningful service work during break as well as a great way to connect to a community. Learn how you can make a difference on a February Break service trip.
Click here to see photographs and read about the February 2009 MAlt trips.
Questions? Please contact co-chairs Matt Cherchio (mcherchi@middlebury.edu) or James Tresner (jtresner@middlebury.edu).
Click here to read a trip summary from the Fall 2008 MAlt trip to Merck Forest and Farmland Center.
Click here to see photographs from the Feb. 2008 MAlt Trips
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Middlebury Alternative Break (MAlt)? MAlt is Middlebury’s alternative break program. We provide affordable, service-oriented alternatives to traditional February break activities: skiing and sleeping. We offer opportunities for students to help others and to expand their own experiences and perspectives by serving on local, domestic, and international trips. The trips are drug- and alcohol-free and provide a great chance to do a type of community service that is very different from the work that can be done while school is in session.
Why February break? MAlt trips run during Feb break because students do not have any schoolwork at this point, and we have free time to prepare for the trips during the typically laid-back winter term.
Where do trips go? MAlt generally includes at least one regional, one domestic, and one international trip each year. Past destinations include Boston, New York City, New Mexico, New Orleans, Utah, Washington D.C., Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. This year for the first time, there will be October and spring break “mini MAlts,” which will involve three or four days of service here in Vermont.
Where will you stay? Depending on the trip, groups typically stay at hostels, hotels, schools, or campgrounds, or participate in home-stays.
Who is in each group? Each MAlt trip typically has a total of 10-12 participants, including two well-qualified and trained leaders, all Middlebury students.
What if you think you can’t afford it? YOU CAN! MAlt does tons of fundraising throughout the year to make sure that anyone who wants to go can go.
Who serves as the campus advisor for MAlt? The Alliance for Civic Engagement advises MAlt. Associate Director Peggy Burns serves as the primary contact.