Through wilderness stewardship programs, service projects, or trail crews, college outdoor programs can help land management agencies with their maintenance needs and provide student participants with rewarding service learning opportunities. Trail crews are usually composed of volunteer outdoor enthusiasts who take part in a multitude of…

A study explored the effects of participation in two kinds of volunteer activities--community service and child care--on adolescents' attitudes toward social and personal responsibility skill development and knowledge acquisition. It was part of an evaluation of the New York State 4-H Youth Volunteers Program. Written questionnaires, interviews…

The motivation of students to volunteer to participate in research studies was explored in two studies. The first study explored the motivation of 300 introductory psychology students at a large midwestern university to volunteer for research participation when one exam point was offered for each hour of participation. Study two, which was…

Techniques, materials, and coordinating efforts used in a political campaign are outlined for high school students. The objective is to familiarize students with these techniques so that they can become effective campaign volunteers. Topics include the candidate and the press, campaign publicity materials, organization of headquarters, receptions,…

Four elements of the planning by objectives system (purposes, long- and short-term objectives, and planning details) are explained in this manual for people who work with high school or college student volunteer programs which provide experiential learning through community service. Following an introduction on the fundamentals of the system, a…

The efforts of the University of Nebraska to build a new educational program based on community service are described. NOVA combined traditional instruction with a year-long field experience for undergraduate students in Nebraska communities. Emphasis was on problems related to poverty. The planning phase of the project is reviewed, along with an…

As an instructional module, this training booklet provides the vehicle to assist the school volunteer to master library skills and effective story telling techniques and to become proficient in the operation and use of materials and equipment in the media center. This booklet specifically focuses on learning through the use of audio-visual…

From her forthcoming history of volunteers in the United States, the author outlines the development of our system of education and the concept of "learning by doing" from the Colonial period to 1900. She describes various organizations and their efforts in many causes, including child and student volunteerism. (MF)

Describes the activities of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in which student volunteers work as organizers with low income neighborhood groups to help them deal with economic and political issues. Includes ACORN state offices and a community organizer job description. (MF)

The present study assessed the effects of a companion program on college student volunteers and mental patients. Overall, the effects of companionship were negative for students and patients, while questionnaire responses indicated positive feelings toward the overall program. Because of this discrepancy, caution should be exercised in introducing…

For young people, service to others can develop important habits and skills that help them become an asset to their neighborhoods. This guide was created to help adults teachers, parents, after-school providers, and members of community-based organizations to find and create opportunities for young people to answer President George W. Bush's call…

This report shares findings from research that examined service learning, a teaching strategy that combines service to the community with classroom curriculum in K-12 schools. The research focused on how service learning was relevant to schools. The results show that many U.S. youth feel alienated from both their schoolwork and from traditional…

Service learning, an instructional strategy for educators, has the potential to challenge students in diverse ways. It offers students experiential learning opportunities that are personally engaging, are educationally rigorous, require the direct application of knowledge and critical thinking skills, and transform both the community and the…

The Scio-Physical Developmental Program trains college student volunteers to work in one-to-one relationships with hospitalized adolescents with emotional handicaps. Volunteers are taught anecdotal summary writing, adolescent development, basic helping skills, modeling procedures, etc. Program activities include athletics, social activities, and…

Using the talents of student volunteers allows students to tackle social problems and deal with human needs. The curricular approach to experiential learning integrates students' schooling with community needs. (Author/RK)