Middle School Service Learning Camp: Growing Through Service

During the summer of 2024, The San Francisco School launched its inaugural service learning camp for middle school students, providing them with hands-on opportunities to engage with the broader community and make a tangible impact. From revitalizing green spaces to addressing food insecurity, students immersed themselves in meaningful work that deepened their understanding of civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the power of collective action.

Throughout the week, students volunteered in the community garden at June Jordan High School, their favorite day, restored garden beds, planted vegetables, and learned about food justice. They took part in a graffiti abatement project with Public Works, witnessing firsthand how their efforts contribute to a cleaner, more welcoming city, especially for small business owners. At Project Open Hand Food Pantry in the Tenderloin, they sealed 300 packs of chicken to support 2,500 meals. Supporting Refuse Refuse’s Butt Can Project, they helped install and maintain receptacles to reduce cigarette waste in public spaces along with hanging fliers in the Portola neighborhood to raise awareness of the greater impact of litter. Finally, at Audubon Canyon Ranch, they engaged in an invasive plant removal project, fostering a connection to environmental conservation efforts.

"It felt meaningful and it was exhausting."

Reflecting on the experience, one student shared, “My favorite part was visiting the garden and getting to plant and restore garden beds. It felt meaningful and it was exhausting.” Another student noted, “We packaged so much food for people, it was really fun to just focus on that task.”

The Service Learning Camp demonstrates The San Francisco School’s commitment to cultivating humanitarian promise, reinforcing our commitment to empathy, action, and civic engagement. By integrating service into our educational model, we empower students to step beyond the classroom and take an active role in shaping a more just and sustainable world.

As they worked side by side throughout the week, middle school campers strengthened their bonds with one another, building friendships rooted in shared values and a commitment to service. This summer, we look forward to continuing this vital work, deepening student engagement with service, and strengthening our school’s connection to the greater San Francisco community.

Registration for this summer’s service learning week (July 21 - 25) is open.
Register here!