Fall Break: Exploring Columbus Through Service
Buck-I-SERV and Pay It Forward are excited to present Exploring Columbus Through Service (ECTS), an immersive volunteer experience, during fall break 2024. ECTS offers three full days of direct, hands-on community service with local agencies and nonprofit organizations as well as three engaging excursions around Central Ohio. Throughout the break, students will have an opportunity to build relationships with one another, participate in service projects focused on community needs and assets, engage in educational and reflection activities and get to know the Columbus community through both service and excursions. Exploring Columbus Through Service is FREE for students.
Service projects and community partners for fall break 2024 are not yet finalized. Examples of past ECTS projects include assisting in a local community garden, serving at local food pantries, and visiting and building relationships with high school students. Students will have an opportunity to indicate preferences for areas of interest when registering for Exploring Columbus Through Service. Although we cannot guarantee students will be placed at their top choices, we will make every effort to take preference into consideration during the placement process.
Evening excursions during ECTS 2023 included a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, movie night at Gateway Film Center and dinner at the North Market! Stay tuned for more information about ECTS 2024 activities!
Specific schedules with official service site placements will be shared with participants after registration closes, along with additional logistical and programmatic information.
For a general overview of the program and what to expect, check out the event outline below:
Exploring Columbus Through Service Program Outline
Wednesday, October 9 – Exploring Columbus Through Service Kick-Off from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. in Ohio Union Great Hall Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 (dinner is provided!)
Thursday, October 10 – First day of service
- Meet at Ohio Union at 8 a.m. to connect with group and pick up lunch
- Travel to service site via bus
- Volunteer from approximately 9 a.m. - 5p.m.
- Group excursion in Columbus from approximately 5:30-9 p.m.
Friday, October 11 – Second day of service (same schedule as Day 1 – see above)
Saturday, October 12 – Third day of service (same schedule as Days 1 and 2 – see above)
Sunday, October 13 – Exploring Columbus Through Service Closing Ceremony from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Ohio Union Great Hall Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 (brunch is provided!)
Exploring Columbus Through Service Registration Process
Participation in Exploring Columbus Through Service is offered through a registration-based process rather than an application. Registration for ECTS 2024 is open! By completing the registration form, you are committing to participate in the program. Registration will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of 75 registrants. If/when the maximum amount is reached, registration will close. If the maximum is not reached, registration will remain open through September 29.
Registration for Exploring Columbus Though Service can be accessed here.
Please contact Madison Barnes at barnes.972@osu.edu with any questions about Exploring Columbus Through Service.