Blackburn students traveled to Kiptopeke State Park in Virginia for “Beaver Break,” a service-learning alternative to traditional spring break that emphasizes environmental stewardship and experiential learning.
A new opportunity for students was offered this spring: Alternative Spring Break (better known as “Beaver Break”), a week of service, travel, and hands-on learning. Five students and two staff members hopped in a van in the Demuzio Campus Center parking lot and traveled 15 hours to Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles, Virginia. From the outset, this experience was entirely student-driven, with participants taking the lead in planning the trip’s location, purpose, and daily activities. For many students, this was their first time traveling to this part of the country, creating opportunities for new experiences, perspectives, and personal growth.
In partnership with the American Hiking Society, students worked closely with Kiptopeke park rangers on a meaningful environmental project, the construction of a labyrinth. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is a single, continuous path designed for reflection and mindfulness, offering visitors a space for quiet thought and personal connection. Through hands-on service, students contributed to creating a lasting feature that will benefit future park visitors.
A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to engage with Catherine Anderson, who led the labyrinth project. Senior Michaela Moulton said, “Catherine’s insight and passion gave me a much deeper understanding of the project’s purpose and long-term impact.”
In addition to their service work, students explored the natural beauty of the park, including its scenic, if chilly, beaches, visited the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and spent time at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Overall, the trip offered a valuable combination of leadership, service, and experiential learning. Students not only contributed to a meaningful project but also strengthened their connection to community engagement and environmental stewardship
“This experience was incredibly valuable to me because it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with others in a meaningful way, and contribute to something that will have a lasting impact,” Moulton shared. “I gained a deeper appreciation for service, teamwork, and the importance of taking time to reflect. I would strongly encourage other Blackburn students to participate in Beaver Break in the future, as it provides a unique opportunity to travel, give back, and grow both personally and professionally.”
Junior Ashley DeSherlia believes it was one of the best experiences of her life. “Not only did we have the opportunity to travel to such beautiful places, experience new things, and connect with some really awesome people, but we also got to learn a lot about the State Park itself. We got to explore nature and augment it in a way that didn’t harm the ecosystem at all. We made friends along the way not just with fellow students but with the staff of Kiptopeke and Catherine. They were all such great people with a wonderful outlook on life and the natural world and how that connects deeply with our mental and emotional health. I am so glad I was able to help a cause I really believe in and it was very rewarding to see the end result. We all worked really hard and very well together and what we accomplished in such a short time was super impressive. I would love to do this again if I had the chance and I urge anyone who has the smallest desire to do something of this sort to go for it! It was an unforgettable and amazing Spring Break.”
The “Beaver Break” initiative was partially funded through a Work Colleges Consortium Experiential Work Learning Grant.