Honors Community Service
Community Service as an Honors Pillar
Our Honors Program embodies the Community Engagement and Leadership pillar by promoting positive change in our communities, embracing collaboration, and leaving a lasting impact through service. We believe that each person has leadership potential that can be cultivated through personal and professional development.
Why Should Students Do Community Service?
Community service helps individuals build stronger connections with those they assist, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the positive impact and benefits these actions bring to communities in need.
Benefits of community service include:
- Participating in community service learning provides a sense of personal fulfillment.
- Enhances social responsibility and civic awareness.
- Provides insight into future opportunities.
- Encourages active participation and involvement.
- Connects academic development with real-world experience.
- Increases understanding of societal challenges.
Community service gives the ability to use my body to help others which is something that I have always enjoyed. The Honors Program provides me an opportunity to give back to the community that is so supportive for this school. With my time here at the university, I have been given the tools to make an impact and that is what counts.
Ali Sutherland '26
Health Sciences Major, Honors Student
Our Local Partners
Upcoming Service Learning Opportunities
Fall 2026: Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine
Website: https://www.campsunshine.org/
Course: HNRS0390 Community Engagement (1 credit)
Instructor: Dr. Hillary Sackett-Taylor, Honors Program Director
Dates: Thursday October 29, 2026 – Monday November 2, 2026
Description: Camp Sunshine inspires hope in children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through our unique, supportive program at its beautiful campus on Maine’s Sebago Lake. When a child faces serious illness, the entire family is affected. Camp Sunshine's program is offered year-round and has the distinction of having been designed to serve the entire family in a retreat model.
Volunteers serve as camp counselors and are asked to choose from a variety of positions including childcare, one-on-one assistance, a variety of sports and activities, and kitchen support.
Spring 2027: Rescue Center Costa Rica in Alejuela Province, Costa Rica
Website: https://www.rescuecenter.com/
Course: HNRS0398 Honors Alternative Spring Break (3 credits)
Instructor: Dr. Hillary Sackett-Taylor, Honors Program Director
Dates: March 14, 2027 - March 20, 2027 (Spring Break)
Description: The Rescue center’s mission is to provide a sanctuary for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife, giving nature's creatures a second chance at life. This Costa Rica volunteer program has developed a close-knit community dedicated to rehabilitating injured and displaced wildlife. With volunteers from around the globe, we've fostered a familial environment united by a passion for wildlife conservation. Volunteers not only contribute to our mission but also gain valuable experiences and friendships that last a lifetime. Our comprehensive program includes safe lodging, nutritious meals prepared by private chefs, and a range of activities from Zumba to bonfires. Volunteers handle daily tasks such as feeding animals, maintaining enclosures, and participating in community projects.
Have a Community Service Idea?
We welcome community service initiatives and ideas. Contact the Honors Program to discuss how our students can support local communities.
Return to the The Commonwealth Honors Program.
Contact Us
Rachel Gelina
Honors Program Administrative Assistant
The Honors Center - Parenzo 041