Lakeshore Baptist students learn about life outside the classroom

Thu, Sep 17, 2009    to del.icio.us

As students at Lakeshore Baptist Academy in Grand Haven Township begin the new school year, they'll take some of their learning experiences outside the classroom.

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Every Wednesday last school year, about 35 Lakeshore Baptist seventh- through 12th-grade students would go out in the community during school hours and help area nonprofit organizations — or even yard work for surrounding neighbors.

"Our mission statement is education for eternity," said Lakeshore Baptist Administrator Mark Green. "We want to prepare kids for life, not just tests."

Last year, students were divided among three teams — black, gray and red; which are also the school colors — and each team would go to one site, such as Love INC or Lakeshore Pregnancy, for one hour each week for three months. After that time period, the teams of about 10-12 students would be assigned to a different site, according to Green.

"The kids work hard — they do a great job," he said. "They're learning about how to give back, not just take."

The program was modeled after a similar program at Calvary School of Holland.

"We're in the process of reinventing the school and they have been a huge blessing to us, and we have learned so many things from them," Green said.

The service program includes a chapel session and small group discussion prior to the community service project.

Last year's service theme was "I choose joy."

The program continues this year with a theme, "I choose to serve,"

"So we'll be emphasizing that in chapel time, talking about it in our small groups and then going out and doing it," Green said.

Many students said the Wednesday service day was the highlight of their week, according to Green.

"It's very well-received with the students," he said. "They're not focusing on themselves, but they're focusing on others — which is a very important part of life."

Students would clean and stock food shelves at Love INC, fold and organize baby clothes at Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, play games with the elderly and help clean at Christian Haven Home, and organize packages at International Aid.

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Area neighbors were thrilled when students from the school wanted to rake their leaves for nothing in return, said Angie Wilson, the school's administrative assistant.

"They just couldn't believe it," she said.

LeeAnne Dixon, business manager at Christian Haven Home, said the residents enjoy talking with the students and playing games with them.

"They are wonderful," she said of the students. "The residents really love talking with young people."

Leah Rust, assistant director at Love INC, said Lakeshore Baptist students volunteer for a variety of services — including helping to stock the food pantry; and even the not-so-fun jobs, such as cleaning out the refrigerator.

"The program itself is wonderful," Rust said. "It gets them outside of themselves and see a different aspect of life. They learn to be more aware and understand real-life scenarios, which is great."