Another Glimpse into my Service-Learning World

I led a really cool Service-Learning Camp for Harpeth Hall School’s Summer Program last week. Fourteen girls in grades 2-6 signed up to volunteer each morning for five days.

Through direct service, activities and reflection games, we explored how we can make a difference in our communities – and we had a lot of fun doing it. Here is a sample of our schedule.


Monday - Educational Opportunities and Healthy child Development
We’ll be talking about the importance of providing a safe, nurturing and educational environment for all children, and we’ll be helping Preston Taylor Ministries get ready for their summer camp. Then we’ll talk about how we can encourage younger children in our lives with words and actions.

Tuesday - Care for the Sick and their Families
We will visit Ronald McDonald House, learn how they serve others, help with house beautification projects, and encourage the residents with creative and yummy gifts. Then we’ll think about ways we can help sick or hurting people in our own lives.

Wednesday – Community Gardening
We will spend the afternoon at the Nashville Urban Harvest Gardens, learning of the importance of community building and helping with the community garden. Then we’ll make jewelry – from recycled materials – to take home with us.

Thursday - Supporting Art and Green Spaces
We will talk about the importance of art and green spaces in our community, we’ll see the beautiful grounds at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, and we’ll help prepare art materials for the Cheekwood children’s programs. Then we’ll make something to promote recycling in our own homes!

Friday - Providing for the needs of the Hungry
We will learn how they help the community and discuss the issue of hunger. We will be doing a scavenger hunt to collect food for the hungry in Nashville. We will also be making rice bags and cards to distribute in food boxes through Charis Ministries.

Susan Ragsdale and I enjoy planning service-learning opportunities for groups – whether directly leading young people or writing curriculum that youth workers/teachers can follow. If you know a group that would benefit from this kind of expertise, I hope you'll refer them to our work - www.theassetedge.net.