APRIL 27-MAY 1

2019 Alternative Session

Break Service Learning

Trip to Eastern Kentucky

Scholars for Equity

 Spalding University
Mission Statement
"Spalding University is a diverse community of

learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the

times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of

Nazareth through quality undergraduate and

graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded

in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the

promotion of peace and justice."

Buckhorn Children &

Family Services (BCFS)
Mission Statement
"The mission of Buckhorn Children & Family Services is

to provide a sanctuary of health, healing, and hope

for at-risk children, youth, and families."

Located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains of

eastern Kentucky, our residential campuses in

Buckhorn and Pine Ridge offer secure, compassionate,

and therapeutic communities to our kids. Here they

will know that they are someplace safe, different, and

special.
Contact Info
 DAY 1

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a

gift to that person, a beautiful thing.... Do not think that
love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What
we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in
small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
― Mother Teresa

1. What motivates you to do acts of service?

2. What made you want to participate in this trip

in particular? What are you hoping to get out of it?

3. How do you think the people of Eastern

Kentucky perceive you? Do you think the

perceptions of a child would be different from

their parents?

4. What personal values do you want to be serving

out of during your time at Buckhorn?

Reflection
 DAY 2

“As you come to him, a living stone―rejected by people but chosen

and honored by God―you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual
house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.... What good is
it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does
not have works? Can such a faith save him?”
― 1 Peter 2:4-5, James 2:14

1. Have you heard, smelled, or felt anything that

has surprised you?

2. What challenges do the children and families of

Eastern Kentucky seem to be facing? What do you

see as the underlying issue? What impacts the way

you view the situation?

3. From what you have observed so far, do you think

BCFS is doing a good job addressing these

challenges? Would you do anything differently if you

were in charge?

4. What do you see as the greatest need? Either for

the children and families in general or particularly at

BCFS?

5. What do you see as your own greatest need? Is

that need being met for you? How or how not?

Reflection
 DAY 3

“Each morning we are born again, what we do

today is what matters most.” ― Buddha

1. Have you learned anything new about the people

in this community? Have you noticed any similarities

between yourself and this community you are

serving?

2. What moment(s) have made you feel good (i.e.

appreciated, noticed, or loved)? Do you think you've

been able to help anyone else feel this way?

3. In what ways has the group been working well (or

not so well) together? What does that suggest to you

about the group? Is there anything you would like to

propose or bring up to the group?

4. Have you felt uncomfortable at any point so far?

If so, reflect on that experience and explore what

may have been at the root of your discomfort: A fear

of something? A surprise or new encounter?

5. Is there a certain amount of dignity you think a

person should be afforded, no matter their social

circumstance? What do you think this dignity is, or

should be, grounded in?

Reflection
 DAY 4

“A different world cannot be built by indifferent people.”

― Dr. Peter Marshall

1. Describe the people you have met at BCFS.

2. What social, economic, political and educational

systems are maintaining and perpetuating the

underlying issue you identified on Day 2? Do you see

connections to public policy at the local, state, or

national level?

3. With unlimited creativity, what is the most impact

on the community that you can imagine?

4. Do you think your academic program at Spalding

is preparing you to address this issue in some way? Is

there anything you would like to learn more about?

5. What would like to bring back to your Spalding

Community?

6. Describe three things that stick out in your mind

about this service experience.

Reflection
 DAY 5

“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness

will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
― Brené Brown

1. Do you feel connected in any way with the people

of Eastern Kentucky? Why do you think that is?

2. Have you discovered anything new about

yourself? Do you feel like you're leaving as a slightly

different person than when you first got to BCFS?

3. What personal qualities (e.g. leadership,

communication skills, compassion, etc.) have you

developed through this service-learning experience?

In what ways do you anticipate these qualities will

help you in the future? Help others in the future?

4. Have the experiences of this trip affected your

worldview in any way? Why or why not?

5. How do you want to incorporate this experience

into the rest of your life? Is there an action you want

to take? Is there a principle you want to take to

heart?

6. If this trip were to happen all over again, is there

anything you would do -- or would like to see done --

differently?
Reflection
Notes
Notes
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ― Confucius

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers

and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your
sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one
another in love.” ― Galatians 5:13