Helping Hounds Service Learning Program for Middle-Schoolers
Middle school students aged 11 through 13 have an opportunity to earn Service Learning Hours while learning about and helping animals at the Humane Society of Broward County through the Helping Hounds program. During each weekly meeting, students will roll up their sleeves and do different jobs in the shelter to help meet the needs of the shelter animals, including cleaning cages, feeding animals, socializing animals, making adoption kits, bathing dogs, making enrichment items for the animals, etc. Students will also have a few one-page homework assignments, and participate in a fundraising project to benefit the animals. At the end of the eight weeks, students will have earned 24 Service Learning Hours and will receive a letter to document their volunteer service as well as a certificate of completion. Students must attend seven out of the eight meetings in order to complete the program.
Do Middle-Schoolers Need Service Learning Hours?
Some middle schools require Service Learning Hours. However, even if a student’s school does not require them, students are welcome to apply to the Helping Hounds program if they simply want to join for personal growth, for later use on college applications, to put on a resume when they reach working age, etc. Please note that Broward Schools requires that students begin earning their mandatory high school Service Learning Hours after they are promoted to the ninth grade. Hours earned in the Helping Hounds program may not count toward the mandatory requirement. It is up to the student/parent to check with their school’s Service Learning Coordinator to find out what is required of the student.
Interested?
The cost to join the 8-week program is $35, which includes a t-shirt. Students may attend ONE 8-week session. Attendance is mandatory at all meetings and punctuality is expected, so please check your calendar before signing up!
Helping Hounds is currently full for the 2017/2018 school year. If you would like to add your child’s name to the waiting list for Session A (September 11-October 30), Session B (January 22-March 19), or Session C (April 2-May 21), please email your request to cneff@hsbroward.com.
