Service-Learning
Lions Quest K-12 programs are recognized by the National
Youth Leadership Council, the National Service-Learning
Clearinghouse, and the Service Works Retrospective Evaluation
as Highly Effective service-learning programs.
Service-learning methodology is woven throughout the
Lions Quest K-12 curricula and combines school and community
service with curriculum-based learning linked to academic
content and standards. Lions Quest programs encourage
students to address real and defined needs in the school
and community that equally benefit both those served
and serving. Service-learning encourages civic education
and participation in a democracy and is appropriate
for all ages. The Lions Quest programs encourage all
students to engage in service-learning projects in the
school and community by joining with local Lions clubs
and other school and community leaders to:
- Identify an important need in the school or community
- Research the local organizations and agencies that
meet the needs and find out how they can help
- Identify individual talents and abilities
- Create school-community connections
- Provide a meaningful service that makes a difference
- Utilize academic skills to carry out projects
- Reflect on the service-learning experience to discover
personal, social, emotional, ethical, and academic
learning and meaning
- Demonstrate and celebrate the learning with audiences
outside the classroom through reports, videos, presentations,
artwork, and school-community celebrations.
The Lions Quest Skills for Growing program introduces
students in grades K-5 to service-learning projects
in the middle of the school year. Skills for Adolescence
for grades 6-8 teaches and reinforces life skills education
and character development through service-learning after
the second unit and encourages service-learning projects
with each successive unit theme. Skills for Action
for grades 9-12 offers a service-learning/life skills
curriculum that prepares young people to apply their
academic skills in service to others and become engaged
citizens in the democratic process.
Service-Learning Projects
Service is the Lions primary mission, and a key component
of all Lions Quest programs. Service-learning projects
should stimulate students' intellectual curiosity, guiding
them towards active citizenship and positive social
action. Service-learning projects work best when they
are age-appropriate, include engaging activities, explore
the context of the underlying societal issues they address,
and incorporate reflection activities before, during
and after the service experience.
The following tools can help you get started with your
service-learning projects:
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