When Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast of Texas in 2008, we felt like we had no choice but to help. Sixty-seven younger and older adults joined us that year in the spring of 2009. And thus, this annual trip, and one of our favorite times of the year, was born!
Since 2009, we have taken hundreds of young adults and college students to the Texas Gulf Coast to serve others. Each year it becomes more evident that what happens in Texas goes much deeper. Lifelong friendships are established, people are reconnected, or connected for the first time to God. Questions get answered, memories are made, and we grow together. While the Epworth League is a Christian Organization this trip is designed for everyone and you do not need to be a Christian to attend and you do not need to participate in any of the spiritual activities unless you feel comfortable doing so.
So yes, at the heart of this trip is service. But during this week, young adults also get to meet new people, grow friendships, experience life-firsts like swim in the ocean, build a house, see alligators, and have a chance to get away from every day busyness and grow as a person.
QUICK INFO
Dates for 2024:
March 9 - 16 - CLOSED
March 16-23 - CLOSED
March 23 - 30 Open For Registration
Surfside Beach, Texas
small beach town
just southeast of Houston
$395 per person
per week
covers food, lodging,
activities, T-shirt &
transportation in Texas
be a part of something bigger this spring break
TYPES OF WORK
From local churches to food pantries to even City Hall of Surfside Beach, the work sites and projects can vary greatly from day to day. The work sites and projects change from year to year too, depending on the work that is needed. We have established good relationships with many organizations and people over the years though. The types of work you'll do typically fall between one of these three categories:
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HELPING INDIVIDUALS
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PAST WORK PROJECTS
REBUILDING HOMES IN REFUGEE COMMUNITY
Of our larger projects has been helping the rebuilding process for homes and greenhouses that were destroyed by flooding from Hurricanes.
BUILDING WHEELCHAIR RAMPS on HOMES
In the last several years, we've teamed up with a local organization and their carpenters to build and install wheelchair ramps on homes of people in need.
BUILDING TRAILS AT WILDLIFE REFUGES
Over the years we have established a great relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We have helped with a number of projects in the local U.S. wildlife refuges including building new trails and a range of construction projects.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CITY PARK
One of our larger projects in the past was landscaping of a city park including the installation of a fitness path.
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION
Call a beach house home for the week!
We rent big beach houses along the Gulf Coast. These houses can sleep up to 25 - 35 people, so you get the chance to build and grow your community and get to know new people as you prepare meals, hang out, and live together for the week! Did we mention the ocean is basically in your backyard too?
Road trip down with friends!
We do not offer transportation to and from Surfside Beach; most young adults choose to carpool together though.
If you are not a part of a group though or in need of transport, let us know, and we will do
our best to connect you to
a carpool or caravan.
PACKING LIST
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Work clothes
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no tanks or short shorts allowed at work sites
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must be okay to get paint on or get dirty
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Closed toed work shoes
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must be okay to get paint on or get dirty
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Beach towel
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Swimsuit
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Water shoes (like flip flops/sandals)
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Sunscreen & bug spray
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Sweatshirt or light jacket (gets cool at night)
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Extra tennis shoes
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Water bottle
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Games & other free time activities
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Flashlight (if wanted)
DO NOT PACK: shower towels or bedding (those are provided)
SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK
saturday arrival
4:00 PM check-in begins
6:00 PM dinner
8:00 PM welcome & orientation
9:30 PM free time
sunday funday
9:00 AM breakfast in houses
12:00 PM worship service in Houston
2:30 PM free time to explore Galveston
6:30 PM dinner as a group in Surfside
7:30 PM group game / activity
8:30 PM worship service (optional)
9:30 PM free time & games
monday - friday
7:00 AM sunrise meditation (optional)
7:30 AM breakfast in houses
9:00 AM at work sites
3:00 PM free time
6:00 PM dinner as a group
7:00 PM worship service (optional)
8:00 PM small groups (optional)
9:30 PM free time & Games