It's not your typical spring break for a group of students at James Madison University.

JMU senior, Sarah Midkiff, says, "We want to get a holistic feel of some of the issues in areas of need in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham area."

Midkiff is one of a small group of students that have decided to stay local for their break. Instead of relaxing on the beach for the week, she and others are packing their days full of community service all across the Valley with the help of the United Way.

Midkiff says, "Giving back through community service is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, so it's really an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for me."

Janet Maasch, the executive director of Camp Still Meadows in Linville, adds, "It's huge. It's huge because we run on volunteer power."

The students have made a stop at the camp to clear the way for a brand new septic system and Maasch says the students sacrifice speaks wonders for the community.

Maasch says, "They have a great future ahead of them. Anybody that volunteers like this when they could be out at the beach or something tells me a whole completely different group of kids are growing up here."

Maasch says it gives the students a better perspective on the area beyond the campus.

She says, "There are something fantastic things going on here, and this gives them a chance to see what there is."

Midkiff says the traditional spring break is not something she's missing.

Midkiff adds, "A couple of my friends are and I know they are having fun, but we are too. And we are meeting new people, hanging out with JMU students that wouldn't otherwise meet."

The students will continue to volunteer all week long, helping out at the Elkton United Services, the Valley Program for Aging Services, and various other places.