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Alternative Break Trips are organized twice a year during winter and spring break for any student interested in community-based learning. Through these experiences, the COVE strives to train students as leaders and advocates for social change. Students are encouraged to take an active role in applying for and leading trips that challenge their perspective of the world. 

Winter 2026 Alternative Break Opportunities

Affordable Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity

Winston-Salem, North Carolina (January 11 - 17, 2026) 
Trip Fee: $400, financial aid available

Steadfastly adhering to a philosophy of a “hand-up, not a hand-out,” Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County is a powerful engine of collaboration and reciprocity whereby those who qualify–by having a history of steady income, verifiable need, and a willingness to work hard–soon become engineers of their own dreams of homeownership. Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Participants will work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers in direct service on residential construction sites to help build affordable homes and complete critical home repairs. You may also assist at the Habitat ReStore, which saves reusable household items and construction materials from landfills. You will have the opportunity to reflect on the landscape of affordable housing and compare the strengths and limitations of policy solutions. 

Applications are due by midnight on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Spring 2026 Alternative Break Opportunities

Application deadlines vary; please check dates for each trip below. 

Leading with Empathy at Pathfinder Village

Edmeston, NY (March 16 - 20, 2026)
Application Deadline: February 6, 2026 
Trip Fee: $0

Pathfinder Village is a caring community that offers independence to people living with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Volunteers will take part in a five-day inclusive team-building program designed to build shared learning, mentoring, and coaching relationships between Pathfinder Village Otsego Academy students and college-age peers. Student volunteers will work with residents on a variety of activities and live on-site at the Pathfinder Inn. These may include a ropes course, photography projects, cooking, and planning fun events for other residents. The goals of this trip are to build relationships with Pathfinder staff and residents while providing the organization with valuable services that will impact participants' lives for years to come.

Affordable Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity 

Tacoma, Washington (March 15 - 21, 2026)
Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
Trip Fee: $400, financial aid available

Using affordable homeownership as an anchor for hope, change, and stability, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity has been building in the community since 1985. Committed to transforming neighborhoods by fighting blight and advocating for just housing policies, Habitat welcomes volunteers to help bring affordable housing to hard-working families. Participants will work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers in direct service on residential construction sites to help build affordable homes and complete critical home repairs. You may also assist at the Habitat ReStore, which collects reusable household items and construction materials to keep them out of landfills. 

Environmental Conservation with Kiptopeke State Park

Cape Charles, Virginia (March 15 - 21, 2026)
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Trip Fee: $250, financial aid available

Participants will spend the week exploring the natural landscape of one of Virginia's coastal state parks and working alongside seasoned park staff to preserve access to its four beach boardwalks and coastline. Kiptopeke State Park is 562 acres set on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia's Eastern Shore and includes over 3 miles of beachfront and 5 miles of trails. The park includes marine forests, is a popular birding destination, and receives thousands of visitors for the beach and fishing. Through hands-on service, you will learn about environmental stewardship practices and the requirements of maintaining equitable access to public lands. Possible service work may include removing decking and railings from the existing boardwalk structures, shoring up structural supports, and re-decking and rebuilding railings. No prior trail or construction experience is required. 

Empowerment for Farm-Working Families with Rural & Migrant Ministry

Lyons, New York (March 15 - 20, 2026)
Application Deadline: February 6, 2026
Trip Fee: $200, financial aid available

On this joint volunteer trip with Hobart & William Smith Colleges, students travel to Lyons, N.Y., and work with the Rural & Migrant Ministry to advocate for social change on the working conditions of migrant farm workers and explore the dynamics of our food system. Students get the chance to stand with workers from South and Central American countries (including Mexico, Jamaica, and Haiti), examine the various power and privilege dynamics between large agribusinesses and the rural workers, join programming with the Justice Organization of Youth, and speak to legislators about current social issues.