This summer there are more than 10 service retreats available to students. Service opportunities are always available as they provide the necessary support for the community and leave a lasting impression on volunteers and the individuals they assist.
Many summer service opportunities are listed on the JC website under “Patriot Experience.” From there, Patriots can click “Service Learning,” and the options will be there.
Sign-ups for these events are located online, mainly by forms or emails. An email is sent about the opportunities and how to connect.
There are two types of service: direct and community. Direct services benefit the poor or less fortunate. Community services are voluntary but are not directly related to the less privileged.
The service opportunities include both types, with the Appalachia Work Trip, The Arc, and Gallagher Services being some of the direct options. Community opportunities include FCA camps, Camp Intervention, and Beachmont.
The Appalachia Work Trip is chaperoned by Group Leader Shannon Olsen. She has gone on the trip for 15 years.
About 90 teenagers, young adults, and adults within the Archdiocese of Baltimore will travel to Preston County, West Virginia and will stay together at a camp and work on home projects, to serve about 10 families. At the work sites, they will fix the homes by painting, replacing windows, building decks and patching roofs.
This trip has a lifelong impact on volunteers and the groups who need help. Ms. Olsen said, “I have watched where someone lives go from a house to a home because of the amazing work that has been done by our teens and adults.”
An overnight, direct service option is Camp Opportunity. This trip is only for volunteers 16 and older as they work with children ages eight-11 who have experienced neglect and abuse.
This summer, FCA is hosting two different camps available for volunteers. The All-Abilities Day Camp needs assistance playing adaptive sports with individuals.
The other FCA camp is the Power Camp. They are looking for high school athletes to supervise a small group of students. An application to become a “huddle leader” is online through the website.
Another camp is Camp Intervention, which is held July 7 though 11. It is at St. Joan of Arc School. This opportunity gives 33 hours for a week of community service. They need help with things like projects and group games.
Besides camps, the Harford County Public Library offers a Summer Reading opportunity. After filling out an online application, students may help with registration and events.
Bel Air United Methodist Church has a large food distribution center that can also always use volunteers. In the morning on the first Saturday of each month, they distribute the food they collect.
The Arc hosts monthly game nights and respite days for youth with disabilities. This offers a fun way to get service hours and make new friends with the participants.
Service Learning Coordinator Kristen Brown will be working with Gallagher Residential Services over the summer.
This work includes doing crafts and having conversations with those living there. They are looking for volunteers to go with Mrs. Brown once or twice a month for two hours at a time.
Mrs. Brown said, “I love giving everybody the opportunities to support, and I am happy to give everyone connections to stay involved.”