Upstream Downstream Connection Wins National Award
Saint Paul, Minn. — Members of the Upstream Downstream Connection of Winterville, N.C., are receiving a national award for their leadership and service. The Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award, given by the National Youth Leadership Council, will be presented to members of the Upstream Downstream Connection during the 23rd Annual National Service-Learning Conference® and youthrive PeaceJam Leadership Conference on April 11, 2012 in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Upstream Downstream Connection is a weeklong summer camp that is planned, organized, and executed by student volunteers who represent public, private, and homeschool backgrounds. The camp emphasizes both service-learning and STEM through demonstrations, hands-on learning, and action in the local coastal marine habitat.
“At camp we met new people, forged new and lasting friendships, learned by doing and giving, and, more importantly, we made a difference,” stated camp director and founder, Casey Sokolovic.
Each volunteer serves as a role model, contributing their own unique abilities and talents by working with campers to learn about kayaking, snorkeling, insect identification, marine science, and cooking. The students grow to understand that actions on land create reactions in the ocean — for better or for worse. In years past, service-learning projects have included filming a North Carolina “Students Make A Difference” public service announcement and hosting a “National Make A Difference Day” event. This year they are expanding the camp and planning for six additional camps for summer 2012.
Members of the camp also partnered with local organizations including Help Them L.A.S.T., A Time for Science Nature and Service-Learning Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of Pitt County.
The Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award recognizes kindergarten-through-12th grade service-learning programs and projects that demonstrate outstanding youth leadership. It is awarded annually during the National Service-Learning Conference.
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About the National Service-Learning Conference
The National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth and practitioners from the service-learning movement. It draws nearly 2,200 participants from all 50 states and many other countries each year. For more information, visit www.nylc.org/conference.
About NYLC
NYLC has been at the center of service-learning program and policy development since 1983. It annually convenes The National Service-Learning Conference, offers adult and youth trainings, develops service-learning resources, and advocates for supportive legislation locally and nationally. For more information, visit www.nylc.org.
About Service-Learning
Service-learning is a teaching method that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities. It integrates service with established learning objectives, emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, and tackles real issues such as hunger, the environment, and literacy.
