Service learning at The Storm King School is more than just working to accumulate community service hours. Through partnerships with local organizations, our students engage with our local community in a range of ways, from working with kids at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, to clearing trails in nearby Black Rock Forest.   According to SKS’ Director of Service Learning Ben Harnick, “Experiential, hands-on learning is what it’s all about and we make every effort to reach out to organizations in our area that not only need our students’ help, but will also provide an engaging learning experience for them. We also strive as much as possible to go outdoors, take advantage of our natural environment, and all the Hudson Valley has to offer.”

One such partnership is with our neighbor, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (HHNM). A long-time family favorite with two locations in Cornwall, NY, HHNM is a leading provider of nature education experiences in our area. It uses its living collections of native animals, natural habitats, and trails to present a wide variety of programs for people of all ages.

 

 

“SKS students volunteer with them for various events, and have done so for a few years now,” explained Mr. Harnick. “One of our students, senior Kakazi “Joan” Kacyira, volunteers there on a regular basis, and even represents them at fairs.” This year is no different, with several service learning opportunities scheduled in the coming months. Most recently, Storm King students volunteered to work at the Museum’s “I Spy” Halloween Nature Trail. There, they assisted in the set-up, management, and clean-up of the festivities that took place on October 28 and 29 at the Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center.

HHNM Volunteer Coordinator Kristen O’Hare is very pleased with our students’ work. “HHNM had a record turnout for our “I Spy” Halloween event. Hooray! We couldn’t have done this event or any of our other nature programs without the help of your awesome volunteers. We appreciate Storm King students very much and definitely look forward to working with them again,” said Ms. O’Hare in a note to Mr. Harnick. In fact, our students will be back again to help out at the Museum’s upcoming Book Fair fundraiser to be held at Barnes & Noble in Newburgh, NY on November 19.