Campus Life

Incoming students learn about service through orientation

Before Penn State Berks' incoming students hit the books this fall, they will learn about community service -- and about themselves -- through the college's Orientation Program. All first-year students have the opportunity to choose from one of three Orientation Programs, which will run from Sunday, Aug. 21, to Wednesday, Aug. 24.

"Building for Tomorrow" is the community-service program in which students will spend three days working as volunteers in the Berks County community. The will spend Monday, Aug. 22, at Opportunity House, the Reading emergency shelter, working in the day care and preparing lunch for the residents. On Tuesday, they will help build a home for a disadvantaged family with Habitat for Humanity; and on Wednesday, they will spend time cleaning the trails at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

"Building for Tomorrow allows students an early opportunity to make connections to campus services in addition to providing service to those in need in our Berks County community," explained John Gallagher, student activities coordinator, who will lead the group's activities.

The other two Orientation Programs highlight outdoor adventures. "Backpacking the Appalachian Trail" is led by Helen Hartman, instructor in kinesiology. Hiking from camp site to camp site, students learn about themselves and their environment while participating in problem-solving and team-building activities. At the end of the hike, they will join the Building for Tomorrow group in volunteer activities at Hawk Mountain.

"Each day, the students will view the beautiful countryside of Lehigh, Schuylkill and Berks counties from vistas along the Appalachian Trail," Hartman said. "During the backpack adventure, students are taught basic skills such as cooking, water purification, waste management and 'Leave No Trace' criteria. Also, students participate in geocaching, team-building and informational activities."

During the "Canoeing Adventure," one of the most popular orientation programs led by Mitch Zimmer, assistant professor of business, the group will camp out for two nights on the Delaware River and enjoy breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife. "This is a great opportunity for students to meet other students before the semester starts, get a jump on their education, earn credits and have fun," Zimmer said.

All Orientation Programs couple an adventure with a first-year seminar, which incoming students are required to take. The programs provide an excellent opportunity for students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, form bonds with their fellow students and earn college credits.

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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