Direct Service Projects: ABCs participants will engage in volunteer work focused on environmental issues. Our potential community partners (see below) provide a wide range of education on the issues and broad exposure to the local community.

The ReBuilding Center: Some of the things participants might do include: sorting and unloading materials, painting, pulling nails, sweeping, measuring doors and various other tasks to help them organize and move the building materials received.

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon: Participants typically perform outdoor, preserve management tasks at various natural areas and preserves. Some of this work might include invasive species removal, trail work, native plantings, seed collection, carpentry/fencework, and research.

The Forest Park Conservancy: Participants may be clearing down wood, restoring washed out trails, planting native shrubs, or working on small construction projects.

The No Ivy League: In order to reduce the invasive English Ivy that is detrimental to the ecosystem, participants will work on restoration projects, trail maintenance or help with research and surveying.


Housing: We are excited to partner with the Northwest Portland International Hostel. The Participants will be in 4, 6, or 8-bed dorm rooms (assigned by Break Away staff). There is easy access to shared bathrooms, and the workshop space.


Transportation: It is the participant's responsibility to arrange and pay for transportation to and from the conference. Participants flying to the conference should make arrangements to fly into the Portland International Airport (PDX). All transportation needs during the conference (starting at 3pm July 19 to noon on July 25) will be provided by Break Away.  

From the Portland International airport (PDX)

Option One (and your best, cheapest bet):

1. Board the MAX (the above ground train) from the Airport MAX station. Take the red line towards 'City Center & Beaverton TC'. Tickets and passes are available from the self-service ticket machines located at MAX stations. The cost is $2.05.

2. Exit the train at PGE Park MAX station.

3. Walk 0.3 miles north on 18th Ave. (6 short blocks), turn left on NW Glisan Street and arrive at 425 NW 18th Avenue (Northwest Portland International Hostel).

*Want more specifics for your travel?

Visit www.trimet.org and plan your whole entire MAX commute using their "Trip Planner." Simply insert "PDX" as the starting address, and 425 NW 18th Avenue as the ending address. The website will be able to provide you with specific times and other wonderful things, such as exactly how many minutes you will be walking for.

Option Two:

Hail a cab from the airport to 425 NW 18th Avenue. Fares will run from between $30 and $40.


Education: The Learning Components (Education, Orientation, and Training) are essential to a quality alternative break experience. After registering, you will be added to a listserv and will be invited to join a Facebook group for your ABCs session. Pre-conference education materials will be available through these venues and on the website prior to the event. Links will soon be provided below. Participants will also receive extensive on-site education, including the Speaker Panel, Community Dinner, additional readings, Movie Night, discussion groups, and activities at the service projects.


Participant's Confirmation Letter: Within ten days of registration and no later than June 3rd participants should receive a confirmation letter by e-mail. Pre-conference materials will be updated periodically on this website.

• Sample Schedule
• Participant Waiver
• Site Leader Waiver