Eighteen incoming first-year students explored a variety of service opportunities and got to know Alamance County as part of a summer experience through the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement.
The Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement welcomed 18 incoming students in late June for an annual summer program that introduces students to service opportunities and leadership activities available through the university.
Through Pre-Serve, one of Elon’s First-Year Summer Experiences, students participated in several service projects coordinated by four student facilitators. The program included team-building activities on Elon’s Challenge Course to learn more about each other before settling into their residence hall for a week.
Participants contributed to service projects across Alamance County, including volunteering with the North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center in Mebane; building a house with Habitat for Humanity; staffing the food pantry at Allied Churches; working at Peacehaven Community Farm; and assisting at Paws4ever, a local animal shelter.
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.
Service sites were designed to give students an introduction to opportunities in the Alamance County area. Through service, Pre-Serve aims to give students an introduction to social justice, teach students about pressing social issues in our local community, and demonstrate how service can be used as a tool for personal growth and community building.
Participants in Pre-Serve live on campus for the week and are able to spend time with a variety of faculty, staff, and administrators at Elon. This year, the group participated in service with Provost and Executive Vice President Steven House, dined with Vice President and Dean of Students Smith Jackson, and interacted with staff from Residence Life, Campus Recreation, the Center for Leadership, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office of Student Activities, New Student and Transition Programs, and the Kernodle Center.
“Pre-Serve meant new beginnings,” said incoming student Abby Poirier. “I was not only introduced to my new school, I was able to have my questions about Elon answered while becoming familiar with the community around it, both in terms of social activities and opportunities for deep and meaningful service. I really felt like I grew during the program by interacting with others and self-reflection.”
The program ended with students reflecting on their service experiences and learning how they can become engaged in service throughout their time at Elon.
For more information on service at Elon, visit the Kernodle Center’s website: www.elon.edu/service