Extra Curricular Activities Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities
Extra Curricular Activities and Community Service are an important part of life in general. While this is not a graduation requirement from High School, participation in outside activities (either school based or in the greater community) can help round out a student in terms of applications for colleges and careers.
Some students choose to get letters of participation or keep a volunteer "card" to record hours and duties from their volunteer activity to keep in their portfolio as "evidence". Technically, the school does not have an "official" method of record keeping as it is not required. However, we have created an example for your use of reference in creating your own (available in the Counseling Office or for download below).
Most important is the quality of the participation, not the number of activities. Students should focus the things they are interested in, what they learn from the experience and how they are able to participate in their greater community.
Varsity Letter in Community Service! The Varsity Letter in Community Service recognizes high school students for their outstanding volunteer work during the year by presenting them with a high school specific varsity letter in community service. Students participating in the program complete 145 hours of volunteer work from May 1 to April 30. All hours are verified by the Labor Participation Committee. There is an awards program held at United Way of Washtenaw County followed by a dessert reception to recognize the students who participate in the program. All Varsity Letter Applicants are honored at a reception in early June. Time and location TBD.
Benefits for Students The Varsity Letter Program has many benefits. The program promotes not only community involvement, but also school involvement. Students who are not in sports or music are given a chance to earn a varsity letter by doing community service outside of school and with school organizations. For seniors participating in the program, there is a chance to win a scholarship. Volunteer work also enhances college and scholarship applications, as well as résumés. Students also get a chance to learn more about their community and its needs
Basic requirements Be a student in grades 9-12 in Washtenaw County Complete at least 145 hours of community service in one calendar year (that is only 3 hours per week!) At least 50 of the total hours MUST be in non-school related activities Have at least one school related volunteer activity All volunteer activities must be verifiable
City Year Americorps Project Deadline to apply 10 month community service project, 17-24 yr olds, weekly stipend, school credit, enhanced college admissions http://www.cityyear.org
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Emergency Training through Homeland Security http://www.citizencorps.gov
Glacier Hills Nursing Center -Summer volunteer possibilities (734) 769-6410.
GlobalQuest Summer Session. The Summer Session will be open to recent graduates, rising seniors, and select rising juniors. 7 week programs will be offered in Thailand and Ecuador/Galápagos Islands.http://www.gquest.org/207-879-1722http://www.globalroutes.org
Home of New Vision, Washtenaw County residential substance abuse treatment facility for women, seeks high school volunteers for child care and other assigned tasks. Call Shanna at 975-1602 or e-mail [email protected]
Landmark Volunteers 2 week volunteer jobs at various 56 programs in 21 states at historical sites or parks with leading environmental, historical, cultural and social service organizations. (800) 955-1178http://www.volunteers.com
University of Michigan Teen Volunteer Northwood Community English Language Program -summer volunteers wanted (734) 764-8463
National 4-H Council http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/getinvolved/index.asp The National Park Foundation, chartered by Congress, strengthens the enduring connection between the American people and their National Parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. http://www.nationalparks.org
Rustic Pathways offers trips for high school students,college students, groups and families. Summer programs are available for students from 13 years of age. Rustic Pathways also offers scheduled family adventures and customized family trips, as well as organized overseas programs for schools, universities, groups and clubs of all sorts. The company runs programs year round to Australia, Thailand, The Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Vietnam, India, Africa, and The American Southwest. http://www.rusticpath.com
St. Joseph Mercy Health System's Summer Teen Volunteer Program, must be 14 and need to commit to 4 hr/week for 8 weeks. Call beginning April 1 to sign up. (734) 712-4159[email protected]
1. Summer Crew Programs, Students work in teams to fix up, clean up or otherwise improve parks and trails around the USA. Leadership, outdoor skills, conservation education and service is emphasized. http://www.theSCA.org/serve/national-crews
2. Jewish High School Student "Kosher Crew" Program, tuition-free outdoor volunteer experience, http://www.the SCA.org click on the Kosher Crew.
Youth Volunteer Corps Summer Programs divided by service teams, great volunteer opportunities exist for all high school students at Safe House, Neutral Zone, YMCA, Glacier Hills and assorted community service projects with 8 sessions to choose. http://www.annarborymca.org734.663-0536