Weekend Immersion VOLbreaks are a 3-day service opportunities taking place over a weekend in the Fall and Spring semesters in which participants travel locally to help meet community needs. Participants examine the root causes of the social issues they work with through pre-trip education and reflection during the trip. Students meet with their team once prior to departure and one time after the trip. Past participants have traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Each VOLbreaks group typically includes 10-12 total participants, two VOLbreaks Leaders (VBLs), and one faculty/staff Learning Partner.
Fall 2025 Weekend Trip
Strawberry Plains, Tennessee
Trip Focus: Equine Therapy
Trip Leaders: Bella Bartolini and Micayla Domingues
Trip Dates: November 7-9
Join us on a local, weekend immersion VOLbreak to Hoof & Harness, an equine therapy farm in Strawberry Plains, TN specializing in horse grooming instruction, literacy and cart driving lessons, and trauma-informed equine assisted therapy. Participants will assist with projects around the farm to help Hoof & Harness complete their mission of enhancing the quality of life for physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged individuals through safe interaction with equines. Participants interested in supporting those with neurodevelopmental differences or wanting to learn more about careers in the therapy field should register for this awesome opportunity!
VOLbreaks Cost & Dates
- November 7-9, 2025
- Registration will open in August
- Registration fee includes transportation to service sites and excursions, meals, a t-shirt, and program materials.
Important Details
- Due to the nature of the VOLbreaks program and the necessity for early planning and purchasing of supplies, cancellations are not permitted and refunds will not be awarded. If a student has a medical or family emergency and cannot attend their VOLbreak program, cases will be considered on an individual basis for a refund to be considered and documentation is required in an email to leadserve@utk.edu. If no documentation is provided, an absent participant will be marked as a “No Show” and their trip registration fees will not be refunded.
- Switching a registration to another trip is not permitted, and would only be considered with extenuating circumstances and if space is available on the desired trip. Eligible trip switches will be made for a $25 processing fee. The $25 processing fee will be placed on the student’s MyUTK account.
Questions, Concerns, or Needs for Accommodation?
Check out FAQs or reach out to us at leadserve@utk.edu or 865-974-1039