Summer Service for the Whole Family
By Kerry Hutton ’09, Hannah Storm Journalism Intern         

Summertime means backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and the Fourth of July. This summer, why not add service to the mix? The Notre Dame Alumni Association is offering a number of summer service opportunities that will allow you and your family to make a difference while enjoying the sunshine.

What could be better than spending time with your family in a meaningful setting like the beautiful campus of Notre Dame? How about teaching your children the value of giving back to others at the same time?

With ND Family Volunteer Camp, you’re invited to bring your spouse, kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends to campus for a week of unique experiences designed to engage the whole family in community service—and have a whole lot of fun at the same time!

You will meet other alumni families who share your commitment to service and your memories. And in the span of one week, your family will make cross-country friendships that can last a lifetime.

Participants perform four to six hours of service projects each day at South Bend area non-profit organizations such as The Northern Indiana Food Bank, Center for the Homeless, and Camp Millhouse, an overnight camp for adults and children with disabilities. Participants also may attend fun events organized by the Alumni Association, such as baseball games, bowling, and an ice cream social.

Families stay in Alumni Family Hall, which this year is Carroll Hall. Carroll is not disability accessible, and it is not air-conditioned. However, linens, pillows, and other services such as bike rental are provided. Projects are planned to accommodate teens and children above the age of seven.

For alumni and families looking for a way to combine service with learning, the summer service trip to Costa Rica will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture while participating in service activities that the whole family will enjoy.

From July 25–August 4, you can stay with a host family in Costa Rica while participating in a variety of unique environmental and social volunteer projects.

Living with a host family is important as it provides the full immersion experience. The host families have been carefully screened to support you as you work to improve your language skills and make new friends.

In Costa Rica, you can study Spanish in the beautiful, natural setting of a private tropical reserve at the edge of the rainforest. While you study Spanish, your children will be enrolled in Spanish and environmental education programs specifically designed for them.            

Learn more about the service opportunities available through the NDAA, or send an e-mail to Katie Zakas ’04, NDAA director of service to reserve your spot at Family Volunteer Camp or Costa Rica.