One week can change a life forever….

A Collegiate Challenge trip may be the best school break you will ever have. What other program gives you and your friends an opportunity to travel to South Carolina and spend a week working side-by-side with a future Habitat for Humanity homeowner? Not only do you help people in need–it’s also fun! You’ll have the chance to improve your carpentry skills, connect with new people in a new place and put your faith into action by making a real difference in Habitat for Humanity’s work of eliminating substandard housing.

Our 2012 Schedule of Schools Visiting Sumter Habitat This Spring!

February 19 - 25  / Brock University, Ontario, Canada   (35 Students)                                                        February 26 - March 2  / Duke Univesity Medical Group   (11 Students)                                                   March 4 - 10 / Westminster College HFH CC  + Duke University HFH CC   (35 Students)                        March 11 - 17 / Saint Lawrence University HFH  CC + Boston University HFH CC (35 Students)                 March 18-24 / Ohio State University HFH CC  (35 Students)                                                                   March 25 - 31 / University of Delaware Break Group  (25 Students)

What is Collegiate Challenge?

The Collegiate Challenge program began in 1989 and has grown into one of the largest year-round alternative break programs in the United States and Canada. Each year, thousands of high school and college students, as well as youth from church groups and other community organizations, participate in Collegiate Challenge. At Sumter Habitat, we welcome you and your organization to join us in the Palmetto State for this year’s Collegiate Challenge. If you are interested in learning more send us an email.

How does it work?

During the months of February, March and April, Sumter Habitat hosts groups of 25 to 30 students weekly from up to 10 colleges and universities. The students each make a small donation and commit to volunteering approximately 32 hours on the construction site. In return, Sumter Habitat provides the group with no cost housing, several meals, daily refreshments, construction skills training, and a safe and fun alternative to traditional spring break trips.

How can the Sumter Community help?

Sumter Habitat relies on the support of local organizations, churches and businesses to provide each student group with the amenities necessary to make their trip a success.

• Group Host: Have a large activity center, meeting room or gymnasium with kitchen and shower facilities? Provide the students a place to rest after a hard day on the construction site. Group hosts are asked to make overnight facilities available for a full week.
• Meal Host: Hard-working volunteers need fuel to make it through the day. Prepare or provide a meal to keep hungry students motivated. We typically provide a lunch daily Mondays through Fridays, and Sunday night, Wednesday night and Thursday night meals. 

To learn more about assisting Sumter Habitat during Collegiate Challenge, call Derek at (803) 775-5767 or send him an email.