Building Bridges: Misericordia University Students Volunteer at Kiptopeke State Park

Over their spring break, a dedicated group of Misericordia University students chose to spend their time giving back to public lands. They traveled to Kiptopeke State Park in Virginia to volunteer on trail improvement projects, making a lasting impact on both the park and themselves.

Not every college student chooses to spend spring break volunteering, and this group’s commitment to service made the trip especially meaningful. Throughout the week, students worked hard on a critical project: improving a section of trail that would support the transportation of supplies and increase accessibility for future visitors.

One student reflected on how the work carried a larger meaning for the group:

“I love the lodging (the best I’ve had on a service trip), the RV volunteers, the staff of the park who took great care of us and appreciated our help, the opportunity to work alongside great people, the views, nature. One standout was figuring out how to shore up the trail over a boggy area to allow the ATV’s to transport supplies. We problem-solved and built a ‘bridge’ that actually held up during our stay. That was a great experience physically, spiritually and metaphorically. ‘Building Bridges’ became our motto for the week.”

Alongside the hard work, students found joy in the community they built and the new experiences they shared. One student noted:

“I learned about new ways to volunteer that are good for the soul. Working outdoors with great people for a common good was a great experience.”

The impact of the trip was felt both by the park staff and the students themselves. Not only was an important trail project completed, but the students also discovered new strengths and built lasting memories.
As another student shared:

“This trip was full of meaningful moments. Your staff went above and beyond! We wanted a campfire one night and they made sure that we had what we needed to sit by a blazing fire. We discovered the beautiful night sky and sat on the beach after dark to view the stars. We worked until our bodies hurt and then got up to do it again…we learned that we could do hard things. It was all great!”

The week at Kiptopeke was about more than trail work — it was about building bridges between people, communities, and nature. Thanks to the spirit, hard work, and heart of the Misericordia University students, the trails — and the memories — will continue to inspire for years to come.

To learn more about Alternative Breaks and how your college or youth group can participate, learn more here!

AHS also offers Volunteer Vacations, which is a great way for individuals of all ages to combine their passion for travel with meaningful service work. These trips provide a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while exploring new destinations and cultures. Check out our trips here!

Finally, if you’d like to participate in National Trails Day events organized by AHS, where volunteers come together to celebrate and improve trails across the country, learn more here.