Pre-Orientation Service Program

August 20-24, 2013

The Pre-Orientation Service Program offers a great transition to college life and an introduction to the wider community for students who enjoy giving to those in need. This program was started in 2002 by a group of Kenyon students seeking to integrate first-year students into the Knox County community. In that first year, twelve incoming students participated in a Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.

Since its inaugural year, the program has expanded to include thirty-two students, ten student leaders, and over ten service sites per year, including Discovery Trails, Head Start, Equine Assisted Therapy, and the Knox County Humane Society. Past projects have included harvesting the community garden, preparing food for the Hot Meals program, landscaping, and trail maintenance.

Each morning, students will travel with members of their group to various sites to participate in volunteer activities. Afternoons and evenings will be divided between visiting additional service sites and participating in group activities. Past group events have included canoeing, tubing, bonfires, Kenyon ghost stories, and visits to local farms.

From the program's inception, the goals of the Pre-Orientation Service Program have remained the same: to allow first-year students to meet like-minded friends, to become acclimated to campus and the Knox County community, to learn about community service opportunities available in the area, and, most importantly, to engage in thoughtful dialogue and reflection about participation in service.

"The entire experience, from the group of people I was with to the service projects, was just the most fantastic beginning to Kenyon possible."

"I wanted to participate in Pre-Orientation so that I could learn about the community surrounding Kenyon, and the different service opportunities available around Knox County. I am confident that I will continue with community service around Kenyon throughout my four years here, and Pre-O really gave me that drive."

--Remarks from previous Pre-Orientation Service Program participants

Click here to see photos from previous Pre-O Service programs.

Enrollment: 32

Cost: $350

Scholarships: Available for financial aid recipients

Applications Due: May 15, 2013