Ahhh…spring break is here! 'Tis the season students from all over the country get one week to refresh themselves before it’s back to the books! A group of students from the University of Rochester, NY, chose to visit Mason Neck State Park. From March 6th -11th students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty.
Here’s a look at their weekly schedule:
Monday- Treated to an Interpretive Hike and Eagle Program by park rangers, then started work rebuilding trail steps from the playground to turtle pond.
Tuesday- Finished steps and resurfaced landing, mulched flower beds, cleared down limbs and leaves.
Wednesday- Finished landscaping; assisted refurbishing interior and exterior of historic site on park property.
Thursday: Off to site-see and visit downtown D.C.
Friday- Voyage home.
Don’t assume these students were Park and Recreation majors either…they range in everything from Architecture to psychology to pre med, the list goes on!They say they crave the fresh outdoor air, mother-nature, and hands on learning experiences they receive from park rangers and interpretive programs.One student admitted to “overcoming a fear of bats, realizing they are actually really cute little creatures," while another mentioned how “…cool it was to see the eagles.”
When I asked students if they would rather be doing something more stereotypical during spring break, like going on a tropical vacation, they said they wouldn’t trade it in for anything.“This was a therapeutic experience…I never see herds of deer or get to look out my window and see miles of quiet, peaceful land and water…” said a psychology major.
We’re happy to invite groups to return to Virginia State Parks each year.As students confessed they enjoy traveling and visiting different parks each year, they all agreed that “Virginia is one of the few states that has parks with mountains and beaches,” and they can count on us for a great experience and something different year after year.
If your school is interested in an alternative spring break program for next year, be sure and contact our Office of Volunteerism and Community Engagement. You can email them at by clicking here.