Running head: SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

Service Learning Proposal

Danielle Dowd
Ferris State University

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

2
Abstract

This proposal is designed to describe where a nursing student

has chosen to volunteer in order to gain more insight on the field of
nursing. It will explain what the student will be doing, and whom the
student will be working with. It will demonstrate how the student is
helping the community. The proposal also has a plan of how the
student plans to evaluate their time spent at the facility.

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

Service Learning Proposal

Service learning can be defined as, a teaching and learning
methodology which fosters civic responsibility and applies classroom
learning through meaningful service to the community (Rydberg,
n.d.). A service learning project allows a nursing student to incorporate
themself in their field through volunteering. It encourages them to
incorporate nursing theory along with their nursing skills in a practice
setting.
Agency Description
The agency I chose for the service learning project is Spring Hill
Camps located in Evert, Michigan. Their camp mission is, To glorify
God by creating life-impacting experiences that enable young people
to know Jesus Christ and to grow in their relationship with Him (About
Spring Hill, n.d.). Spring Hill is a place where every child is included in
all the activities. They also meet the needs of children with various
abilities. See Appendix A for contact information.
Volunteer Role Description
My role at the camp will be to work with the nurse practitioner in
the infirmary. I will assist with any injuries or sickness that may
happen throughout my time there. I will be there to learn from and to
follow the nurse practitioner.
Objectives as Related to Program

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

As I spend my time at Spring Hill Camps, I hope to enhance my

communication skills with the patients that may come through the
infirmary. I have dealt with the older population as patients, and have
yet to work with younger children. I want to be able to communicate
with them and to help them to the best of my ability. After my time at
Spring Hill, I hope that I have made a positive impact on some of the
patients lives, and that they feel comfortable going to get help from
other health care providers if they are injured or if they feel sick.
Activities to Meet Objectives
At Spring Hill, I will be able to welcome patients into the infirmary
and talk to them about what brought them in. I will be using mostly
First Aid skills. Like most camps, children often get a cut or a sprained
ankle. My job will be assessing the injury and coming up with the
appropriate measure of treatment with the nurse practitioner. I will also
have to chance to educate patients about their care and treatment.
One study found the link that not only does the student benefit from
the service learning, but so does the community. According to
Reidford, The hope is that clients served by the organizations will
benefit from student efforts, and students will develop an increased
awareness of their roles as responsible health care providers in the
community as the importance of their contributions to facilitate
positive changes in their environments are recognized (Reidford,
2011, pp. 337- 340).

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL

Evaluation Plan
I will be keeping a journal throughout my time at Spring Hill to
write down any new insights gained about the field of nursing. I will
write down any new technical skills or communication skills that I
learned. This will increase my professionalism and communication
skills when I am working in career setting.

APPENDIX A
Contact Information
Spring Hill Camps
7717 95th Ave
Evert, MI, 49631
Email- volunteer@springhillcamps.com
Contact Person: Teri Cramlet, Facilities Administrator & Volunteer
Coordinator
Phone: (231) 734-2616

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References
About Spring Hill. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2015, from
http://www.springhillcamps.com/about
Riedford, K. B. (2011). Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Experience
and Client Access: Community Engagement. Journal Of Nursing
Education, 50(6), 337- 340. doi:10.3928/01484834-20110415-05
Rydberg, V. (n.d.). Service Learning. Retrieved April 19, 2015, from
http://sl.dpi.wi.gov/sl_sldppage

SERVICE LEARNING PROPOSAL