Orono - It seems giving back is a growing trend for college students in Maine.

"Recently, the Maine Commission put out a summary of a federal study on civil engagement in America, and that study showed that Maine ranks 6th in the nation for volunteerism by college students,"said Lisa morin, the coordinator for the Boswell Center for Volunteerism.

At the University of Maine in Orono, they're proving it.

This spring break, more than 200 students will be traveling to help others.

Some are staying right here in Maine.

"We're going down to Sebago Lake to work with Camp Sunshine. They're mission is to offer respite experience for youth with terminal illnesses and their families with as little medical intervention as possible," said Roosevelt Boone.

Some are going to West Virgina.

"We're going to be working with the Southern Appalachian Labor School. They focus mostly on, like, housing projects, reconstruction, a lot of weatherization in the community, just whatever needs to be done on the housing side," said Taylor Buotte.

One group is heading out west to Arizona.

"We're going to be northeast of the Grand Canyon. We're moving barbed-wire fencing to facilitate prong-horned antelope migration. So, what's happening right now, is the barbed-wire fencing is too low for them to crawl under it, because prong-horned antelope likes to crawl under fences, instead of jumping over them. So, we'll be moving the lowest layer of barbed-wire up to make sure that they can safely migrate," said Finn Bondeson.

The UMaine Chapter of Engineers Without Borders is making the trip to Honduras.

"They've had plenty of problems with flooding and sewage problems, so, previously the Engineers Without Borders UMaine chapter has constructed a sewage system for this community were going back to make sure it works," said Benjamin Pomeroy.

Why do they do this?

"It's a really, really unique experience," said Bondeson.

"Hopefully, we do a lot of good for the world," said Pomeroy.

"It keeps me humble and allows me to appreciate the blessings that I have," said Boone.

"It can be a life-changing experience if you let it be and if you put the work into it," said Buotte.

"Let yourself be open to the experience and and it will change your life," said Dube.

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