helping others,” said
Elizabeth Henry, a junior
from DeLand High
School. “I remember
helping my teacher
with Scholastic Book
Fairs when I attended
Woodward Avenue
Elementary. I helped
with the orders by
handing out the books
when they arrived.”
Elizabeth Henry at DeLand High School
b WILD
SUMMER CAMP
ADVENTURES
Kandi Almanza, another
junior at DeLand High
School, has assisted
various teachers over the
years. This past year, she
shadowed Dr. Stephanie
Bryson at Countryside
Animal Clinic in DeLand
and today volunteers
at her high school’s
Preschool Program
during her lunch hour.
AWARENESS = ACTION = SUCCESS
Most high schools require a minimum of 100 hours of community service
by the time the student graduates, while some colleges like to see 200-
to-300 hours or more. In addition to high school test scores, community
service hours can be a determining factor in college acceptance. Why
is this? According to Forbes Magazine, students who have been active
in their community are more likely to be active in school social life and
contribute to a school’s mission.
There are a host of community service activities kids of all ages can get
involved in, and seeing elders get involved inspires children to do the
same. In addition to meeting new friends and gaining new experiences,
donating time to helping others creates a platform for developing
personally in a way self-serving tasks do not.
“Volunteering in one’s community builds character and the social-
emotional part of children that can’t fully develop in the classroom
alone,” said Felicia Benzo, Founder/President of CATALYST Global Youth
Initiatives, Inc. “Obtaining a good GPA is not sufficient to building a
well-rounded human being,” added Benzo.
There are many opportunities for young children to help their
community. Have them collect a pile of books they’ve already read to
donate to a school library. Encourage them to fill a bag of outgrown
clothes and shoes to bring to a local drop box. Shop for nonperishable
foods for a food bank. Making cookies for a homeless shelter or cards
to send to Veterans or deployed U.S. Troops can be educational, fun and
impactful – impactful on the recipient(s) of their service and on the child.
As the nation grows, our future depends on developing more young
community ambassadors.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Duvall Homes by contacting
[email protected]. (Resources: Reasons to Get Involved,
KidsHealth.org; Service Projects for Kids, KidWorldCitizen.org)
HURRY...
CAMPS FILL
QUICKLY!
SUMMER CAMP
PROGRAMS
Half & Full Day Camps
(Ages 5-17)
Cub Club Programs
(Ages 2-5)
To register call 407.323.4450 x 123,
email [email protected],
or go online at www.centralfloridazoo.org
3755 W Seminole Blvd (I-4 exit 104), Sanford
V O L U S I A parent M A G A Z I N E | 9