Serving and learning form the dual mission of a Miller Center trip. Students
work on projects that benefit communities suffering material or social disadvantages;
building relationships with those they serve, students learn about the world's needs
and gain vocational self-understanding. Through guided discussions and journal writing,
students explore their values and social concerns, beliefs and commitments, gifts
and limitations. Service teams may be hosted by churches or other faith communities;
however all activities are led in ways appropriate for individuals from any faith
or non-religious perspective.
Costs
Student costs listed for each trip include lodging, food, transportation, and
cultural outings. The costs also include any construction fees to the service agency.
Students will also be asked to pay for passport fees, visas, vaccinations and meals
in the airport. Personal spending money will also be needed.
Passport
A copy of an updated passport is required at the time of application for trips
outside the U.S. Applications for international trips without passport copy attached will not be considered,
and the passport must be valid six months beyond travel dates.
If you are abroad or on leave in the fall semester, you will not be able to apply
for the January trips. If you are abroad or on leave in the spring semester, you
will be unable to apply for the summer trips.
You must be a degree-seeking student at Hendrix to apply.
Application
The 2018 Application can be found HERE!
You can also pick up a hard copy in the Miller Center (SLTC 133) or email
millercenter@hendrix.edu.
Important Dates
- August 1
Applications available - September 11
Applications due by 4:00 pm - September 25 - October 10
Interviews - October 11
Notification of acceptance - October 18
Trip deposits due - December 3
Ferguson Orientation (6:00-9:00pm) - March 4
Taize Orientation (6:00-9:00pm) - April 22
Belize Orientation (6:00-9:00pm)
2018 Trips
Miller Center Service-Learning Trip
Ferguson, Missouri
January 7-13, 2018
Cost: $100 per student
In August 2014 the shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer sparked protests that drew national attention to the city of Ferguson, MO. While the immediate crisis soon faded, the underlying issues of racial and economic injustice persist, not only in Ferguson but throughout the United States. Working with the Center for Social Empowerment (CSE), founded by Dr. F. Willis Johnson in response to Michael Brown's shooting, this trip will focus on systemic issues that produce racial injustice. The group will participate in CSE's programs of education and community-based social engagement, which seek equity, inclusion, and the transformation of economic and social systems. Students interested in discussions of race, privilege, and systemic injustice are particularly encouraged to apply.
Office of the Chaplain
A Pilgrimage to Taize, France
March 17-24, 2018
Cost: $400 per student
Passport Required!
In 1940, at the age of 25, Brother Roger arrived in France to answer his call "to create a community where simplicity and kind-heartedness would be lived out as essential Gospel realities" (www.taize.fr). Taize began as a retreat for war refugees, yet soon became a community where Christians could share spiritual and material lives. Today, the small village of Taize, France is home to brothers of Catholic and Protestant traditions from twenty-five countries. Young adults from around the world make the pilgrimage to Taize to worship three times a day through prayer, singing, and silence; to serve the community by performing practical tasks; and to meet in small groups for discussion. The end of the trip will include time to see the city of Paris.
Interfaith Service-Learning Trip
Belize City, Belize
May 13-19, 2018
Cost: $400 per student
Passport Required!
This trip to the Collet neighborhood of Belize City will focus on building interfaith community while serving the children of the Muslim Community Primary School. The group's work will include making physical improvements to the school, such as expanding the cafeteria, as well as tutoring and playing with the children. We will also have time to enjoy some of Belize's beautiful beaches and other activities. Led by the new Interfaith Initiative in conjunction with Peacework, this trip will focus on interfaith cooperation, asking how a community of diverse religious, spiritual, and philosophical commitments can work together for the betterment of the world. Students interested in building relationships with people of different traditions-- whether religious or not-- are especially encouraged to apply.
Past Service-Learning Trips
- Chincha, Peru
Summer 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2008 - Kansas City, Missouri
Spring Break 2002
- Boston, Massachusetts
Spring Break 2003 & 2006 - Arlington, Texas
Spring Break 2003
- Tarpum Bay, Bahamas
Summer 2003, 2004, Spring Break 2008 & Summer 2012 - Taize, France
Summer 2003, 2005, 2009 & 2013
- Chicago, Illinois
Spring Break 2004 & 2012 - Shiprock/Santa Fe, New Mexico
Spring Break 2004 & 2009
- Quesada, Costa Rica
Summer 2004 & Winter Break 2006 - Ekaterinburg, Russia
Winter Break 2005
- San Diego, CA/Tijuana, Mexico
Spring Break 2005 & 2010
- San Francisco, California
Spring Break 2006, Winter Break 2009 & 2013 - La Paz, Bolivia
Summer 2006 & 2010 - New York, New York
Spring Break 2007 - Koinonia Farms, Georgia
Summer 2007 - Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Summer 2007 - Pascagoula, Mississippi
Spring Break 2008 - Beverly, Kentucky
Summer 2008, Summer 2016 - Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Summer 2009 - Dumas, Arkansas
Spring Break 2010 - Poland
Summer 2010 - Cuba
Winter Break 2011 - New Orleans, Louisiana
Winter Break 2011 - South Africa
Summer 2011 - Birmingham, Alabama
Summer 2011, Summer 2017 - India
Winter Break 2012 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Summer 2012 - Epworth by the Sea
Spring Break 2013 - Alaska
Summer 2013 - Dominican Republic
Winter Break 2014 - Seattle, Washington
Spring Break 2014 - Kosovo
Summer 2014 - Guatemala
Winter Break 2015 - New Orleans
Spring Break 2015 - Arkansas Delta
Spring Break 2015 - Pine Ridge Reservation
Summer 2015 - Camp CAMP (San Antonio, TX)
Winter Break 2016 - DOOR (Hollywood CA)
Winter Break 2016 - Miami, FL
Summer 2016 - Bahamas
Winter Break 2017 - Washington DC
Summer 2017