With summer just around the corner, most students are ready for a break. That’s not the case, however, for a number of students and teachers who are planning for upcoming service-learning opportunities that will make a difference in the lives of others and, at the same time, give the volunteers a renewed perspective on life.
The first “Cherokee Immer-sion Project” is a seven-week course team-taught by Dr. Tom Coates of the department of physical education, exercise and sport sciences and Joyce Duncan of the department of philosophy and humanities.
“We will be guests of the People of Cherokee and will complete three projects,” Duncan said.
One such project will be an archeological dig at Qualla Boundary in North Carolina.
Second, in cooperation with Qualla Housing, students will spend time repairing and building homes for the elderly members of the community.
Finally, those enrolled in the course will assess and manage erosion with the aid of the Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and Americorps.
Another service opportunity planned is the “Rocky Mountain Experience,” a July 8-Aug. 1 roadtrip, also organized by Coates.
Students will work in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks.
“Students will be camping in tents or sleeping under the stars while acquiring knowledge of history, geology and park operations,” Coates said. “We usually take 12-15 students, and there are several openings left.
“Our days are long and the work is hard, but the entire experience is very rewarding.”
He went on to say that the project would enable students to “accept responsibility and independence, heighten their self-confidence and increase their leadership skills.” Interested students should contact Coates.
Aside from the above projects for students, Duncan will be teaching a service-learning course to elementary and secondary teachers. The class will be offered from July 10 to Aug. 13.
The state of Tennessee has accepted this course as the employment standard for including service learning in K-12.
“The course will teach reflection. Reflection exercises bring service-learning opportunities to the classroom and then tie it back with academic work,” Duncan said.
Finally, the Tennessee Commission on National and Community Service has chosen the department of service learning at ETSU to research and write a resource book.
Dr. Deborah White, assistant vice president for student life and leadership, said that ETSU is seen as the leader in the state in service and learning.
“The book will give models of service learning programs and courses in K-12, community colleges, technical schools and community agencies,” said White, who will also be the coordinator and chief writer of the book.
She said that the first year will be spent in research and drafts.
“The work will be a collaborative effort, and there will be opportunities for students to be involved,” she added.
For more information on these or other opportunities in service learning, please contact White at 439-5675, Coates at 439-5261 or Duncan at 439-5995.

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