On a Friday morning when students are typically studying in class, Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) students were out-and-about in the community working on service projects.
At the Auburn Environmental Park service site, city workers gave Auburn students instructions and divided tasks for building an access ramp and for beautifying a pathway.
The AAA volunteers worked with purpose, measuring angles and calculating where to cut the wood for the ramp. They applied their math skills outside the classroom and accomplished much more than the city had planned.
Meanwhile, a second AAA team was not to be outdone, and they kept up the work pace as they mulched a nearby trail and park entrance.
Altogether, 220 students participated in the big adventure of going into the surrounding community on April 8 to help with 13 service projects, including Auburn Valley Humane Society and thrift store, Auburn Library, ACAP Child and Family Services, and Mary Olson Farm.
"Whenever our students spend time intentionally serving the people of Auburn, there is an overwhelming amount of positive feedback,” says Katelyn Campbell, AAA Bible teacher and Community Service Day organizer. “From park workers who have never seen teenagers work so hard to disabled neighbors who are amazed by the students' active compassion, this city is significantly impacted by our students at Auburn Adventist Academy as they demonstrate what it is like to be the hands and feet of God."
Having different service options was helpful so students could explore their individual gifts of service.
“What is important is no matter what job you choose, if you put your heart into it and do your job to the best of your ability, the people you are working for will notice, and they will remember,” reflects Faith Jordan, AAA freshman. “You will have impacted someone’s life for the better, and you will have helped to greatly improve the Christian name.”
Auburn Adventist Academy students share gifts of service with the community.
