I'm very intrigued by the concept of Alternative Spring Break , which encourages young adults (18- to 24-year-olds) to engage in meaningful volunteer service instead of heading for the beach to party.

Generally the programs run in late February and throughout the month of March. College students from all across the country are doing everything from rebuilding homes in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast to improving child-care centers in snowy Detroit. Very cool stuff.

Alternative breaks aren't just for spring, too — many schools participate in programs that offer longer programs over the summer and all over the world, from Latin American countries to Indian Reservations in my South Dakota backyard .

Keep in mind that participation in most of these programs isn't free — you still have to find transportation to get there and pay for meals and lodging while you volunteer.

So why pay to work when you could be on the beach? Well, I'm guessing that the connections you make with people and the impact you have on deserving communities are better than a suntan and a hangover any day.

Anyone participating in Alternative Spring Break this year? Or if you've done it before, tell us about your experience!