The stereotypical idea of Spring Break includes a week full of boozing, the beach, and bathing suits. However, a group of Washburn students will be trading in their traditional break for a hard hat, hammer and hard work.

This year 12 students will be traveling to Lexington, Va., as part of an Alternative Spring Break where they will participate alongside Habitat for Humanity to build a home. “I’m excited to go back to Virginia again because last year’s trip was a really good experience. That’s why I wanted to organize another trip this year,” said Alicia Burris, a junior at Washburn and the coordinator of this year’s trip.

Burris is a part of the Bonner Program, a community-service based organization on campus in which members must complete 900 community service hours in two years. As part of her membership, she’s taken on the job of organizing the trip.

According to Burris there’s been no shortage of students willing to participate in the alternative Spring Break.

“There were only 12 spots available for this trip and they filled up really quickly. There are even five people on the waiting list,” she said.

Trent Snyder, and Sarah Wuersele, are two more returning volunteers on this year’s trip.

“The cool part of the experience is you get to learn new things,” said Burris. “Last year we got to put siding on a house, and the sight supervisors taught us how to do things like electrical wiring.”

The student volunteers will be in Lexington from March 19 –26, where they’ll work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the trip they can spend sightseeing and socializing with other volunteers.

The trip costs $125 per student for lodging and the remaining expenses for food and gas will be provided through funding from the Washburn Student Government Association and fundraising.