What is service learning? A service learning component allows students to earn hours for their participation in service learning projects. Service learning is a teaching method designed to involve students in authentic and meaningful service to their communities.

“Freshmen and sophomores need to complete 25 hours each year or write three reflections about the community service they completed,” Lieberman said. “There are also requirements for government classes, but you might want to ask one of the government teachers about that to get the specific number of hours. Students pursuing the IB Diploma need to earn 150 CAS hours over junior and senior years.”

A fun way to gain service hours is to participate in service projects. Freshman Tessa Hawley does a project every summer.

“I do service projects because they’re usually pretty fun, and it helps me figure out what I want to do in the future,” Hawley said, “Also because giving back to the community is a big deal since many don’t have the opportunities I do.

Her upcoming service project is during this summer. Hawley hasn’t decided fully on what she’s doing yet, but is thinking about doing either the Meals on Wheels project in DC, Habitat for Humanity, or the Yellowstone Project.

The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest organization supporting the national network of more than 5,000 Senior Nutrition programs that operate in all fifty states and U.S territories. Their vision is an America in which all seniors live a nourished life with independence and dignity, the mission being that no senior should go hungry.On the other hand, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumencial Christian Ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live.

Some might go to Yellowstone for the adventure. They will work on three separate projects, traveling to three distinct areas of Wyoming and Montana. In between each service project, campers will have “rest days” filled with exciting activities like rafting, zip-lining, and rock climbing.

Hawley has done a few projects so none of this is new to her. She was a camp counselor at a girl scout camp for underprivileged kids last year, as well as a Chesapeake Bay clean up crew project and the Pollution project at Assateague island.

“My most memorable experience was when I went to the Chesapeake bay for a few days to clean up the watershed,” Hawley said, “One of my friends fell in and got stung by a jellyfish.”

Even though stressful at times, Hawley really likes it because she gets to do the things she loves and help others while also having a good time. Not to mention the quick gain of service hours.

“Service projects take a lot of devotion and hard work, and you have to be prepared to take care of people,” Hawley said, “But don’t get discouraged. They can also be really fun because you make tons of new friends and take part in cool adventures.”

There are so many opportunities available for service hours. To learn more about these service projects, please contact your counselor or go to the sites below:

http://www.wildernessventures.com/service-adventure/yellowstone-teton-service-adventure/

http://www.habitat.org/

http://www.mowaa.org/