Alternative Break Trips

Student Travel and Service Trips

Each year MCC offers Alternative Break Trips which engage students in service to make a real difference in people’s lives all around the globe. Recent service has included projects for an Indian Reservation in South Dakota, staffing medical clinics and health education facilities in Dominican Republic and supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families in Florida. For more information on a specific trip, contact the advisor(s) listed below the description.

Give Kids the World Florida, USA

MCC student service trip to Give Kids the World in FloridaWhen: May, After Finals

Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses from around the world. Our goal is for these kids and their families to experience a memorable, joyful, and cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, as well as enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village.

As a volunteer, you will help support children and their families by participating in themed activities and events, scooping ice cream, driving the train, participating in the life-size Candy Land game and much more!

Advisor Contact: Joanne Jagodowski

Global Health Club, Dominican Republic

MCC students on Global Health service trip to Dominican Republic.

When: During Winter Break in January 

NOTE: As of 10/24 the Dominican Republic (Medical Mission) is FULL and no longer accepting applications for the Jan 2025 trip.

MCC’s Global Health Club served in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic over winter break through the Foundation for Peace. Students helped provide mobile medical clinics in rural areas where many people lack access to healthcare.

Advisor Contacts: Jill Reid or Julie Patrikas

Medical Mission Ecuador, South America

This trip is ON HOLD at this time. We look forward to resuming our Medical Mission service trip in the future.

When: During Winter Break in January

Our Medical Mission team travels to help others, learn culture, and serve with a team of MCC students, faculty and local medical professionals. Training is included, all majors are welcome. Our team will participate in setting up medical clinics in rural communities through Timmy Global Health. Students who speak Spanish are encouraged to come as translators.

Advisor Contacts: Jill Reid or Judith Landry

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
South Dakota, USA

When: After Spring semester ends in May

Our team volunteers with Re-Member, a service organization on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. It is an emotional and life-changing week where you will witness the extreme poverty afflicting the Lakota people of Pine Ridge, build relationships with the Lakota People and learn of their rich culture. Our team will take on service projects such as building bunk beds, repairing leaking roofs, or skirting trailers. This trip is a balance of serving and cultural experiences.

Advisor Contacts: Kimberly Kulesza or Veronica Hibbard or Michelle Scott

Sea Turtle & Jungle Conservation
Excobilla, Oaxaca, Mexico

Baby sea turtle in Oaxaca, Mexico

When: Spring Break, March 2025

NOTE: The deadline to apply for this trip is November 1, 2024.

This community-led service trip in partnership with CAS Trips, invites students to journey to Escobilla, a small beach town on the Pacific coast of Mexico over spring break, in March. Students will partner with the local community through cultural workshops and coordinating conservation efforts. For over two decades, community members have protected the nesting grounds of millions of sea turtles annually. Students will actively participate in various conservation activities, from night patrols safeguarding sea turtles and their nests, to planting trees in the jungle, and tidying up beaches. A highlight of the trip includes a visit to the turtle hatchery, where students may have the opportunity to release baby sea turtles. Throughout the experience, students will gain insights into sustainability and conservation efforts, both locally and globally, in this biodiverse region of the world.

Advisor Contact: Sadie Reed-Stimmel1

Alternative Break Trips Forms