Bearkat Service Break

About Bearkat Service Break

SHSU's Bearkat Service Break (BSB) Program places teams of students in diverse communities to engage in service and experiential learning during spring break.  Students are immersed in a rich environment that cultivates the understanding of complex social and cultural issues with the goal of encouraging life-long community collaboration.  Our goal is for students to develop and demonstrate skills such as leadership, communication, self-awareness, and advocacy of social change in future community participation.

Learning Outcomes

  • Distinguish your placement on the Community Collaborator Continuum before completing service
  • Develop knowledge and be able to discuss characteristics of the social issue, community, and site before engaging in service
  • Practice skills learned, from pre-trip preparation, while engaging in service
  • Articulate learning from the service experience during reflection sessions on trip
  • Relate the work completed, during service, back to your home community
  • Distinguish your placement on the Community Collaborator Continuum after completing service
  • Recall and describe what you learned on your trip and how that impacted your view of service

Spring 2023

Registration for Spring 2024 will open in November 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Site Leader?

A Site Leader is a student responsible for the overall coordination of the BSB trip. Site Leaders are responsible for ensuring the accomplishment of the planned objectives of specific trips with everyone involved (participants, community organization representatives, etc.)

2. What is included in the trip cost?

The trip cost includes transportation, lodging, and most meals, and and a cultural experience. Out of pocket expenses can include any leisure activities or meals outside of lodging facility.

3. How are applicants selected?

Applicants are required to respond to 4 questions that are part of the application process. Selections will be made based upon the written responses.

4. Is BSB a Religious/Spiritual "Mission" trip?

No, BSB focuses on community service and service-learning.

5. Will I earn "service-hours" for my college, student organization, or class by participating in BSB?

Yes! We will award service hours for all trip and each trip is dependent on the amount of hours that your volunteer!

6. How many students will be selected for an BSB Trip?

A maximum of 9 students for each trip would be chosen. This includes two site leaders, 9 student participants, and also room for luggage.

7. If I have friends or family near my service site, will I be allowed to meet up with them on my own during the break?

The BSB team must stay together the entire time during the service break. Participants will not be allowed to break from the team to visit friends and family; however, visitors are able to meet up with the entire group in public places or at the housing site for a visit at a time determined appropriate by the Site Leaders.

Need More Information?

Department of Student Involvement: Leadership & Service

(936) 294-3000

getinvolved@shsu.edu

Lowman Student Center, Suite 326