SLIPPERY ROCK — Instead of relaxing, 32 Slippery Rock University students spent part of their winter break volunteering time to community service in two other countries and Atlanta as part of SRU's Care Break Program.

Care Break trips are planned and financed by the students and are part of SRU's Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. Since their inception, the service projects have provided more than 200,000 hours of volunteer service, which is valued at $4.25 million.

During the break, 16 students spent time in Petersfield, Jamaica, working in local schools to assist with daily activities and tutoring. Some added light construction work to their volunteer efforts at the schools and at the community center in Petersfield.

Seven SRU students visited Cochabamba, Bolivia, to lend a hand with various light construction projects, including laying bricks and a painting project that will improve the community. They also were involved with a number of community youth projects.

Nine students volunteered in Atlanta helping local organizations there, including soup kitchens, inner-city schools and after-school programs that need additional staffing.

All of the groups returned home in time for the start of SRU's spring semester Tuesday.

BRADY TWP — Jennings Environmental Education Center will hold “Homeschool CSI: The Great Backyard Bird Count” on Feb. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.The program will allow home schooling families to learn about birds, while contributing to scientific research. It will feature hands-on discovery centers, an introduction to bird identification, guided observation and counting of birds, and instructions for participation in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.The program is designed for ages 5 and older, with a cost of $3 per person, and a maximum of $12 per family. Enrollment is limited. Registration and payment should be done by Feb. 3 online at www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar or by contacting the center at 724-794-6011.