Several students in the Class of 2016 spent a week on campus learning about different volunteer opportunities at Elon.
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The Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement welcomed 14 incoming students for its annual Pre-Serve program, one of Elon’s First-Year Summer Experience opportunities.
Over the course of six days in June, students took part in several community service projects spearheaded by Pre-Serve student coordinators. The week included team-building activities on Elon’s Challenge Course, followed by “icebreakers” to learn more about each other before settling into campus housing for the week.
Several Elon staff members led the student volunteers in service projects that involved working at the Conservator’s Center in Mebane, N.C.; building a house with Habitat for Humanity; serving meals at Allied Churches; working at Elon’s Loy Farm; and assisting with a field day at Mayco Bigelow.
“Throughout the week, we worked to introduce service opportunities that can be continued when the students return in the fall along with learning about different social issues that coincided with the service we performed,” said Betsy Carroll, one of the student coordinators.
First-Year Summer Experience programs help new students transition into the Elon University community by introducing them to fellow classmates, faculty, and staff through a variety of social, recreational or service activities both on and off-campus.
The goal of the Pre-Serve program is for students to learn about important social issues and how service can be used as a tool for personal growth and community building. This summer enrichment opportunity attracts first-year students who are passionate about service and hope to immerse themselves in college volunteerism.
Participants also enjoyed fun outings with visits to downtown Graham, N.C.; exploring Lake Macintosh; and enjoying a dinner with Elon President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley. The program ended June 29 with students reflecting on their service experiences and learning how they can volunteer through the Kernodle Center.
For more information about the Pre-Serve program, contact Evan Small at esmall@elon.edu or call 336-278-7250.