Running head: SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

Service Learning Proposal

Danika Baker
Ferris State University

Abstract
This proposal will describe a program in which children learn how to skate and what the
positive effects of having extra curricular activities and the role they play in child development.
The facility that I will be participating in is Ferris State Universitys Learn to Skate Program
(FSUs Learn to Skate Program). The program is offered for children of all ages starting as soon
as the child is able to walk and there is no age cap. My responsibilities as a volunteer coach
include, but are not limited to helping the younger children who can not stand of skates alone and
helping to create a fun and exciting atmosphere where children feel safe and willing to learn new
skills. I expect to gain skills with child development and the importance of maintaining a healthy
lifestyle at an early age.

Service Learning Proposal

Through Ferris State Universitys Nursing Program, students are required to participate in
a professional career advancing learning opportunity to enhance their school experience. They
can range from a vast verity of roles such as mission trips, health screening clinics, after school
programs or other community services. By participating within agencies that serve our
community, students gain insight and further their learning outside of the classroom all while
widening their social network and basing contacts that could be potentially useful in the future
with their career, all while helping others.

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Agency Description

The agency I chose for this service learning proposal is Ferris State Universitys Learn to
Skate Program. The purpose of this program is to teach fundamental skating skills for both figure
skaters and hockey players. (Ferris State Universitys Learn to Skate Program, n.d.) See
Appendix A for contact information.
Volunteer Role Description
My role at this program is to assist the children as a coach on the ice. Depending on the
need for help on a given day, it could be to give instructions to older kids on games or drills or to
assist the younger kids in staying on their feet and helping teaching them that it is ok to fall and
get back up.
Objectives as Related to Program
Through this service learning opportunity, I hope to enhance my understanding of child
development and increase my knowledge of appropriate age related activities for a vast range of
ages. It will help me become a better educator and it will help me build a foundation and allow
the ability use the skills I learn through this program and the ability to apply my knowledge for
my pediatric rotation in the clinical setting and in the classroom. Ferris State Universitys Learn
to Skate Program benefits the community by offering opportunities for children to be apart of a
fun active lifestyle while building confidence and gaining new skills and making new friends.
With myself volunteering as a coach, compared to the other coaches who are paid workers, I am
providing a more beneficial coach to skater ratio, increasing the effectiveness of the program.
Activities to Meet Objectives
Through interacting with children on the ice, some of which are scared and crying, I am
able to be a positive influence and show how much fun learning to skate can be. Some of the

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

younger children benefit from the use of props (toys) on the ice. Something as simple as a stuffed
animal or ball gives the children motivation to participate in activities that they might not have
felt a need to participate in previously. In comparison, the older kids seemed to benefit off games
that were more competitive and required direction following such as Red Light, Green Light,
or Simon Says.
Evaluation Plan
By keeping a journal, I will be able to reflect on specific dates and events that made an
impact in my experience. I will gain experience with child development, skills in
communication, take on an educational (teacher) role and advance my knowledge as a nursing
student.

APPENDIX A
Contact Information:
Ferris State Universitys Learn to Skate Program
Located at the Jim Wink Arena
210 Sports Dr. Big Rapids, MI, 49307 Ferris State University
Megan Gifford Program Coordinator
Cell - (231) 796-1891

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL