In our current popular culture, the term Spring Break is associated with bikinis, alcohol and MTV week-long specials.

But for several Baker students, spring break offers an opportunity to assist their fellow inhabitants of the world and a chance to grow spiritually.

For the last 18 years, University Minister Ira DeSpain has sponsored and traveled with a group of students on a mission trip to Alabama.

The projects students partake in vary from year to year, with previous projects containing work for Habit for Humanity, as well as restoring natural nesting habitats for sea turtles in the sand dunes on the Gulf of Mexico coastline.

“On two occasions, our work teams have planted sea oats and other plants in the sand,” DeSpain said. “Two years ago, in seven and a half days, our work team planted 7,000 plants, so it’s pretty intensive work.”

This year, DeSpain expects enough students to fill two or three work teams to accommodate the needs of the specific work assigned to the Baker group upon their arrival.

Along with the student volunteers the project has accumulated, both the men’s and women’s golf teams will be traveling with the mission group in order to assist with the work and to take advantage of the southern climate to hone their skills in the offseason.

For freshman golfer Cody Bonebrake, it is not only a chance to improve his game, but also to provide assistance to others less fortunate.

“I’m looking forward to spending some time helping others somewhere out of my normal habitat,” Bonebrake said.

The trip is set to take place from March 14 to March 20 and the group of students accompanying DeSpain will find out their specific assignments in either January of February.

Among the students attending the trip are seniors Bryce Lathrop, Kari Hilmes, Christine Janssens and junior Molly Schmeidler.

For Schmeidler, it will be her first venture on the annual trip.

“It’s a really cool opportunity to participate in mission work … as well as grow in fellowship with one and other,” Schmeidler said.

And, at least for Schmeidler, her vision of spring break does not necessarily coincide with media-perpetuated associations.

“When I think of a spring break, I want to have a period of relaxation from classes, as well as establish good friendships,” Schmeidler said.

The trip is set to cost $650 per person, covering food, housing accommodations and transport for both the student volunteers and golf teams.