Fall Break: Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership
Registration for fall break 2025 will open in late-August!
Leadership and Community Engagement is excited to present Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership (ECTSL), an immersive volunteer and leadership development experience, during fall break. ECTSL offers three full days of direct, hands-on community service with local agencies and nonprofit organizations as well as continuous leadership development and 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 and Leadership is FREE for students.
Service projects and community partners are not yet finalized, but examples of past ECTSL projects include assisting in a local community garden, serving at local food pantries, and visiting and building relationships with high school students. Examples of leadership development and team building activities include identifying values, servant leadership, emotional inteligence, and wellness. Evening excursions have 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 this year's activities!
Specific schedules with official service site placements will be shared with participants after registration closes, along with additional logistical and programmatic information. All service sites, leadership activities, and excusions are subject to change.
For a general overview of the program and what to expect, check out the event outline below:
Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership Program Outline
Wednesday, October 15 – Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership evening kick-off in Ohio Union (dinner is provided!)
Thursday, October 16 - Saturday, October 18 – Days of full engagement
- Travel to and from service site
- Four hours of direct service (either morning or afternoon)
- Lunch provided
- Two hours of team building and leadership development (either morning or afternoon)
- Group excursion in Columbus during the evenings
Sunday, October 19 – Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership morning closing ceremony in the Ohio Union (brunch is provided!)
Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership Registration Process
Participation in Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership is offered through a registration-based process rather than an application. By completing the registration form and completing the confirmation actions sent by email by the appropriate deadlines, you are committing to participate in the program. Registration will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of 45 registrants. If/when the maximum amount is reached and participation is confirmed, registration will close. If the maximum is not reached, registration will remain open through October 5.
Registration for Exploring Columbus Though Service and Leadership will be opening soon.
Please contact Leadership and Community Engagement at sl-lead@osu.edu with any questions about Exploring Columbus Through Service and Leadership.