Service Learning By Matthew Odom

Boys and Girls Club of AmericaDuring the fall semester of my freshman

year in college , I volunteered for the Boys and Girls club in downtown Valdosta. I was assigned to tear down a hazardous equipment shed, which was hampering the safety of the kids that were participating in their daily activities.

I thoroughly enjoyed giving back to the program that showed me so much fun when I was a kid. I am glad that future generations of children will enjoy the program without worrying about their safety

Boys and Girls Club of AmericaThe procedure of tearing down and old hazardous storage

shed with a faulty foundation was a fun but dangerous task for me and my fellow volunteers. The first thing we removed was the chemicals, which were very combustible. We dumped the chemicals into the dumpster that was provided for us, and continued working. Minutes later we saw smoke coming from the dumpster and smelled the chemicals that we had thrown away. Being around the chemical fire caused us to become woozy and some were freaking out terrible. Children were playing on the football field yards away from the shed and for the kids safety, we called the fire department and got them to put the flame out for us. Thanks to them none us, but especially the kids were not hurt.

Kappa Alpha Tommy Swan Memorial Skeet Shoot

During the spring of 2008, I participated in Kappa Alphas Memorial Skeet Shoot for Muscle Dystrophy.

The tournament was created to honor one of our fallen brothers and also raise money for research that goes towards finding a cure for this deadly disease.

All of the money raised in this tournament goes directly to MDA.( Muscle Dystrophy Association )

Kappa Alpha Tommy Swan Memorial Skeet Shoot continuedOn Saturday March 29, I worked the

tournament from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. participating in shooting sports clays and selling raffle tickets.

Overall the tournament raised over 15,000 dollars and was one of our best contributions yet.

Why Service Learning Is ImportantIt helps out people in need who might not get

that help other wise. It can greatly impact the community.It leaves you feeling that you have given

something back to the community.

Definition of Service LearningThe use of community service within

Educational systems.

Benefits of Service LearningIt can help out a number of different people If you get in trouble with the law, you can use

the hours you accumulate as community service

It gives you a better feeling of accomplishment .

ReflectionI thoroughly enjoyed participating in my

service learning activities. It brought a great deal of gratification, knowing that we raised a great deal of money for an even bigger cause. This project has showed me the positive effects of taking out a day of your time for someone else's bigger needs.

The EndDoes anyone have any questions ?