Alternative Spring Break: Philippines is an intensive 11 to 12 day community service-learning program that is designed to introduce students to diverse communities and an array of important social issues.  Students conduct projects in partnership with various organizations across the Philippines.


The YMCA is proud to offer 6 spots to deserving cause-driven students for this once in a life time opportunity. Additional attendance may be possible. The project will be located on Bantayan Island, Philippines to help restore and improve Patao School, as well as a health and birthing clinic in Patao Barangay.
 
Highlights include:

• Working side-by-side with college students from Hiroshima and local people in the Philippines
• Interacting with and mentoring children
• Repairing and painting the roof and facility
• Day of sightseeing in Cebu, Philippines

We also make sure that we include some fun and site seeing into the agenda. Atherton YMCA hopes that this experience leads all of its participants along an exciting new path of service to others and the larger community.  We thank you for your interest in our Alternative Spring Break Program, and we hope you can join us!
Limited spots available.

Destination:  Bantayan Island, Philippines

Dates & Cost:
Spring Break 2016 - Friday, March 18 - Tuesday, March 29, 2016.
The YMCA is proud to offer 6 spots to deserving cause-driven students for this once in a life time opportunity. Additional space may be available pending funding received. $500.00*  fee includes room and  meals, local transportation and airfare. All costs are the sole responsibility of the participant. The participant deposit fee of $250.00 is non-refundable, due by February 20, 2016.  

*Please note that due to the generosity of our founders, this price includes financial assistance. If you require more help to pay for your trip, we strongly suggest you take advantage of the fundraising opportunities we will have made available.

Health & Safety
Work assignments normally involve strenuous physical activity. Team members must be in good physical health. ASB team members participate at their own risk.

Meetings, trainings,  cultural events and trips.
All participants are required to attend and actively participate in planning meetings. Participants are to take  a role in service activities and projects. Attendance for all meetings, trainings, and trip preparation are important and required unless excused by the Program Director.

ASB Code of Conduct
1. All participants will exercise good judgment, be aware that their personal actions have consequences, and work to maintain a positive "group dynamic." Everyone will contribute to the group's welfare and will not take unnecessary risks that could jeopardize the success of the program. The program will be physically and mentally challenging and individuals should avoid situations that impair their health and judgment. 

2. A "buddy system" will be used while traveling, and on site. Buddies do not have to be room mates, but should be designated in groups of  2 to 4. Students will watch out for one another even during ‘free time’. The directors should be contacted immediately if there is any reason for concern. 

3. If someone asks or suggests to a participant that his/her particular behavior is inappropriate, the participant will take the request into consideration.. Extremely disruptive behavior will result in dismissal from the group, and the offending individual will be responsible for any additional costs incurred (including airfare back home).

Atherton YMCA
Alternative Spring Break Program
Philippines 2016

Agreements/Travel Code
I agree to be responsible for paying the entire cost of the trip for the above Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip, or the remaining balance. Payments will be made according to the payment schedule. 

I understand that the cost of the airplane ticket is non-refundable once tickets have been issued.  I understand and agree to pay all costs/fees/deposits associated with ASB in full and on time, if full payment has not been made by the delegated date, I forfeit my plane ticket and all previous payments, and will not be allowed to travel to the Philippines.

I agree to uphold the ASB Group Social Contract (this will be created by the group) and the ASB travel code.  I understand that I may be removed from the ASB trip due to the violation of the Social Contract and Travel Code. If this occurs during the spring break component, I may be required to leave the group at the Executive Director’s discretion, and will be responsible for any additional costs incurred (including airfare back home).

I understand and recognize that there exists the possibility and risk of bodily injury to me, or damage to my property while participating in this program, including travel to and from the program site.

I will not possess or use alcohol or other illegal substances while participating in any events sponsored by the program.  I understand that any use of alcohol or any misconduct may result in my dismissal from the program with any paid deposits or fees to be forfeited to the YMCA, and any costs for return to Honolulu, Hawaii to be at my expense.

In consideration of the Atherton YMCA for allowing me to participate in this voluntary activity, I hereby release, relieve, and hold harmless the Atherton YMCA, its trustees, officers, employees, and agents from any liability or claim of liability arising out of my participation in the program, including travel to and from the program site/host country.

I am aware that I will be involved in an experience that will be multicultural, may present physical and emotional challenges, and require the highest standards of character and moral behavior.  I am prepared for such an experience and will comply with the guidelines provided by our in-country hosts and YMCA staff leaders.

VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE:  I hereby authorize the YMCA of Honolulu, to use any video/photo taken me during my participation in ASB.

Click here to complete the Alternative Spring Break: Philippines application.

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