Professors Jessica Navarro and Tony Reyes worked with students to design, test and launch a collection of hands-on activity kits aimed at supporting community-based learning
Assistant Professors Jessica Navarro and Tony Reyes in Elon University’s Department of Human Service Studies (HSS) worked with students throughout the 2024–25 academic year to design, test and launch a collection of hands-on activity kits aimed at supporting community-based learning (CBL) and strengthening student engagement with local service sites.
The project, supported by a Teaching and Learning Grant from Elon’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL), resulted in the creation of a lending library of activity kits now housed in the HSS Department. The library gives future students access to adaptable, ready-to-use materials they can check out for internships, practicums and CBL courses.
“These hands-on activity kits give students a chance to try out how they approach and engage with community members—before they’re actually out in the field,” Navarro said. “It might feel awkward at first, but practicing through role play or dyadic work really helps build their confidence. It also gives them more to offer when working with our community partners, creating more meaningful experiences and stronger connections.”
In fall 2024, Reyes guided students in two sections of HSS 1110: The Art & Science of Human Service Studies as they developed activity kits based on what they were seeing and learning at local service-learning sites like Burlington Homes, Blakey Hall, the Positive Attitude Youth Center and the CityGate Dream Center. Students identified needs within these communities and designed kits to help future students connect more easily and meaningfully at their sites.
In spring 2025, Navarro launched a new CBL course, HSS 3240: Issues and Perspectives in Aging, drawing on her experience as a gerontological social worker. Sixteen students from a wide range of majors—including human service studies, political science, computer science, biochemistry and accounting—worked in teams to create kits for use with older adults, youth, and children.
“We wanted the kits to be reusable, sturdy and easy to adapt for different physical and cognitive needs,” Navarro said. “But just as importantly, we wanted them to be fun and flexible, so students could tailor them to different interests and situations.”
For MJ Volpe ’25, an environmental studies and public policy double major, the project was about more than just creating a fun activity, it was a lesson in empathy and listening. As she developed her kit, she found herself thinking deeply about the kinds of activities actually reflect the interests of older adults, especially men who are often overlooked in settings like nursing homes.
“I realized how important it is to step outside of my own experience and really pay attention to what people want and need,” Volpe shared.
Through conversations, observation, and active listening, Volpe designed Target Practice—a light-hearted, energetic game using foam Nerf guns and stackable targets.
“No matter someone’s age, everyone appreciates connection, competition, and a bit of silliness,” she said. “I’m grateful for the chance to create something engaging, and I hope future students and community members keep approaching this work with empathy, creativity and a willingness to listen.”
In addition to Volpes’s kit, the student-developed kits span a wide range of topics and activities, including:
- Computer support and virus detection
- A “wisdom capsule” storytelling project
- Gentle yoga and movement
- Fishing games
- Jeopardy
- Beach day reminiscence
- Casino night
- Bowling
Each kit includes clear instruction sheets to guide students through initial conversations and help adapt the activities to participants’ needs. The kits were piloted in partnership with several local organizations, including Twin Lakes, Blakey Hall, Burlington Homes and the Kernodle Senior Center.
“What made this project especially rewarding was seeing students take what they learned in class and at their sites and turn it into something creative and useful—something that will benefit both future students and the people in our community,” Reyes said.
The CBL activity kit lending library will remain an ongoing resource in the HSS department. As the collection grows, it will continue to support student learning and strengthen Elon’s commitment to engaged, community-based education. Faculty interested in using the kits for their CBL courses can reach out to Navarro and Reyes.