COEUR d'ALENE - During spring break, 50 local high school students traded some of their free time for a chance to make a difference in the lives of others living in the region.

Students from Lake City, Lakeland and Post Falls high schools joined hundreds of young adults and student volunteers nationwide who participated in United Way's Alternative Spring Break, an annual program that grew out of youth efforts to help rebuild the Gulf Coast following hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005.

The local version of the endeavor is called Project Spring Break.

Students from Kootenai County spent two days building a deck for arts programs at Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d'Alene, and painting five classrooms at Lakeside High School, a public school on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in Plummer.

"Project Spring Break is not just about a two-day service learning project, it is about connecting communities and teaching students about a culture different from their own," Jessica Godderz told The Press.

Godderz, United Way of Kootenai County's Community Impact Coordinator, said the youth connected with each other through team building activities. They were joined by Mark Stanger with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's Cultural Department. Stanger taught the students about the language and history of the Tribe and brought smoked buffalo meat for them to taste.

"Through this cultural exchange and volunteer experience our local youth built lasting relationships," Godderz said. "And learned about the importance of culture and giving back to the community."

Project Spring Break takes place with the assistance of sponsors including Learn and Serve America, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Texas Roadhouse, the Benewah Medical/Wellness Center, Architects West, Pepsi Beverages Company, and the Coeur d'Alene Casino and Resort.