Summer may be officially coming to an end, but the impact of MBRT’s inaugural Summer of Servicewill continue to be felt by communities well into the school year. Maryland students are required to fulfill 75 hours of service-learning in order to graduate high school. This summer, more than 30 rising juniors and seniors from Allegany, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent and Wicomico counties volunteered throughout Maryland to support youth, beautify grounds and improve neighborhoods, among other activities. Here are some highlights of the Next Generation Scholars’ summer service-learning projects:
Allegany County
On June 27, Next Generation Scholars teamed up with the Children’s Adaptive Sports League (CASL)to provide sports clinics to children with special needs ages 4 to 21. CASL is a nonprofit coalition consisting of volunteers and members from the Dapper Dan Club, The Children’s League and the Cumberland YMCA’s Riverside location. Students helped CASL prepare for the clinics by setting up equipment and they also assisted during clinics, offering support during baseball drills and passing out refreshments. In addition, Next Generation Scholars cleaned up a local baseball field.
Dorchester County
On July 21 and 22, students who attend Cambridge-South Dorchester High School participated in a beautification project to paint and refresh the curbs of the school. Next Generation Scholars learned how to work together to complete a large project as well as how to open a can of paint, pour the paint and paint effectively.
“It’s so good to see the students at school and working together,” said Jerome Stover, principal of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School. “School is about more than what is learned in a classroom.”
Kent County
On July 22, students earned service-learning hours at Lockbriar Farms where they learned about growing practices, how to operate a small farm and the connection between the farm and the community. Next Generation Scholars got their hands dirty helping weed the herb harden and paint the produce display boxes. Students also toured the farm and tasted homemade ice cream featuring farm-picked berries.
“I think service is a key to happiness, for it’s in giving that we receive,” said Jacqueline Lockwood, Lockbriar Farm co-owner and chief creative officer.
Caroline County
On August 19, Next Generation Scholars joined Caroline County Recreation and Parks and the Town of Denton to help set up for Caroline Summerfest, an outdoor celebration of arts and entertainment that also serves as a fundraising opportunity for more than 75 nonprofits serving Caroline County and the Mid-Shore. This year, students helped carry and set up tables and chairs as well as prepared the trash cans for the event. Students also volunteered during the two-day event on August 20 and 21.
Throughout the summer, Wicomico High School students helped beautify their school and its grounds. Next Generation Scholars helped with landscaping, put up shelves and painted. Students will have opportunities throughout the school year to continue this improvement project to benefit their school and community.
