Spring Break Service Trip 2025 Application

Want to do something different over Spring break?
Do you want to change your life and the lives of others? Join us for:
Newman Catholic NIU College Spring Break Service Trip!

Who? College students between the ages of 18-26 are welcome to apply for Newman’s Spring Break Service Trips. These are Catholic service trips, but all are welcome. This year the trip is limited to 17 people total. Registration and acceptance on the trip will be on a first come, first served basis.

When? Saturday, March 8 through Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Why? The purpose of Spring Break Service Trips:

To provide a prayerful and faith-based service opportunity over spring break
To provide the opportunity for cross-cultural ministry, especially among those most in need
To provide an experience of living in community & serving God through serving others
To give of self in ways not always directly available in everyday student life

What? This Spring Break Service Trip will give students an opportunity to serve with Habitat for Humanity in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Habitat’s mission is not only to build affordable houses for families in need, but also to build hope.
We will be working on new construction of homes. The build will have you involved in a variety of jobs; including, but not limited to: siding, roofing, putting in new windows, painting, cleaning, organizing etc. You do not need any previous experience, you will learn in partnership with retired carpenters and handymen.

The spirit of a Spring Break Service Trip is to serve others and is not intended to be a vacation. The week will require a spirit of sacrifice and self-giving to all you encounter. It is important to note that the trip will have evening reflection and community time. Each evening after preparing and sharing dinner together, time will be spent reflecting on the day’s work and where God’s presence was made known. This is a time to gauge how we are doing as Christ’s servants to the people we are helping and to each other. The group will also attend daily Holy Mass together.

How? The following are the steps to apply for the Spring Break Trips. These steps are meant to assist you in understanding the purpose and commitment of a service trip, and to ensure that the trip is a successful experience in missionary service work for you, your tripmates and those you serve!

Complete the application & deposit by February 5 -to the Newman Office.
Attend an informational meeting held at Newman leading up to the trip.
Maintain an open heart & mind while serving those in need & serving your fellow trip members.

Cost? We carpool and use student’s cars for travel, our housing is covered by our worksite, and most meals are either donated by local churches or we grocery shop & cook our own food; as a result we are able to keep the cost of the trips lower.

The total cost of the trip is $150.00. This includes: transportation, housing & most meals during the week.

The cost does not include: spending money for souvenirs, meals on travel days or recreation/group outings.

A minimum deposit of $50 is due with your application by Feb. 5, 2025.
The remaining balance of $100 is due by March 1, 2025.
Cash, Check or Credit are accepted. If your deposit is a check please make payable to "Newman Catholic Student Center" with Spring Break Service Trip noted in the memo.

If you have any questions or for more information about the Spring Break Service Trips please contact the parish office by stopping in or by phone, 815.787.7770 or reach out to our student leaders at studentministry@newmanniu.org.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Date of Birth*

Date

Email*

example@example.com

Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Local Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Anticipated date of Graduation*

Date

Major*

Religious Affiliation*

I have a valid driver's license*

YesNo

Another way we keep expenses low is through the generous donation of use of personal vehicles for our transportation for the week.
Car owners please note: Cost of Gas will be covered for the trip. Car owners will also be reimbursed up to $25 (by check) towards an oil change after the trip – a receipt is needed for reimbursement. -- WE NEED DRIVERS!

I have a car and would be willing to use it for the service trip. (Drivers will be rotated).*

YesNo

Total number of seatbelt my car has available

Name of Health Insurance Company*

Please note we will need a copy of your health insurance card to have on file during the trip. We will make photo copies of everyone's driver's license and insurance cards at the informational meeting.

Emergency Contact*

First NameLast Name

Emergency Contact Relationship (ie. Mother, Father, Aunt, Family Friend etc.)*

Emergency Contact Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Tetanus Shot Date*

Date

Do you have any allergies or medical conditions?*

YesNo

If yes, please list all allergies (food, medications etc.) or any medical conditions or daily medications (please list in case of an emergency)

Do you have any special needs or dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan)?*

YesNo

If yes, please list/explain

T-Shirt*

Why are you interested in attending the Newman Spring Break Service Trip to Tennessee? What are you hoping to gain through this experience?*

Have you ever been on a service or mission trip before? If yes, when and with what group? or have you ever had any experiences working with individuals who are disadvantaged? Describe your experience*

What do you think will be the most challenging or difficult part of the trip for you? *

Participants will sign a code of conduct before the trip for the protection of each individual attending as well as the integrity of The Newman Center as an organization. We require all participants to adhere to these standards to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for all involved. The Newman Center reserves the right to determine whether a participant’s behavior is considered offensive or inappropriate and to take appropriate action in the best interest of the whole group.

Any participant who does not adhere to the code of conduct or engages in immoral behavior will be asked to leave the program and return to their place of residence at their own expense. Support of this policy by all involved is essential for a safe and socially responsible service trip. Please sign to indicate that you have read, fully understand, and agree to this policy.

Signature