Service-Learning Trip – Colorado: Social Issues Today in Denver

Start the morning with a brief orientation session to discuss the day's service activity. You’ll learn the importance and relevance of the project and how you can apply what you learn from the day to your daily life upon returning home. Note: Service activities can be developed based on group needs and requests.

Many cities have issues regarding affordable housing and homelessness, with natural disasters only making things worse. Problems related to housing and homelessness persist in different neighborhoods throughout Denver. Working on these issues is not only a great way to help the city rebuild but also an important way to learn its history. Projects may include: -Home rebuilding and construction -Assisting local homeless shelters

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Enjoy a historical walking tour of downtown Denver.

You will have some free time to explore the area.

Tonight, dinner will be included.

After dinner, it'll be time for a Haunted Spirits and Ghost Tour of Denver!

Participate in a brief orientation session of the day's service activity.

A city is made up of many different and vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own history, culture, highlights, and challenges. Neighborhood revitalization emphasizes residents’ quality of life, usually with a focus on low-income areas. This approach is a great way to support the city while learning what makes it special—its people and neighborhoods. Projects may include: -Neighborhood and park beautification projects (murals, plantings, etc.) -Park clean-up and planting -Blighted property and lot clean-up -Community center support -Neighborhood canvassing and surveying -Storm drain clearing

Lunch will be provided.

See what life was like during the Gold Rush era, when people flocked to the Rockies at the chance of striking gold.

Dinner will be included.

This evening, hear from a guest speaker about Denver who will give your group additional context about the importance of the various ongoing service projects.

Begin the morning with a brief orientation on the day's service activity.

Environmental sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing the country today. From rising sea levels to sinking wetlands and bayous to natural disasters, the future is dependent upon people responding and adapting to climate change. Environmental sustainability projects not only have an immense impact on the local community but also provide great educational opportunities for the volunteers. Projects may include: -Working in public green spaces and urban gardens/farms -Ecosystem restoration -Conservation and disaster management projects -Planting trees and rain gardens in flood-prone areas

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

This 23-acre park contains a conservatory, a variety of theme gardens, and a sunken amphitheater.

Tonight, dinner is included.

After dinner, you’ll visit one of Denver's many museums.

Attend a brief orientation session about today’s service activity. Discuss the importance and relevance of the project as well as how you can apply what you learn to your routine upon returning home.

Education is the key component to the sustainable, long-term growth and prosperity of a city. From elementary school to high school, a community can only go as far as the quality of its education system. Unfortunately, much work is needed at schools across the country. Education-related volunteer projects not only help the communities in both the short term and the long term but they also highlight the many challenges and benefits of the educational system. Projects may include: -School and playground beautification -Classroom and library organization -Painting classrooms -Technology support

Today, lunch will be provided.

After lunch, head out on the trails and spend time exploring the Rockies.

Dinner will be included, and you’ll have the rest of the evening free.

Begin the day with a brief orientation session on the service activity.

The arts have a tremendous ability to change individuals and groups in positive ways—investment in this area can improve the local economy and increase residents’ quality of life. Volunteer art projects can help cultivate community by communicating the area’s history and bridges the gap between different cultures. Projects may include: -Mural painting -Museum or community art center support -Cemetery clean-up -Working at a local art or music festival

Lunch will be provided at the project site. You’ll also have some free time to explore the area.

For your final night in Denver, your group will enjoy live music after dinner.

This evening, you’ll make the final entries in your Reflection Journal and share some of the most significant observations and perspectives that have taken shape throughout your service-learning trip in Denver. We’ll also discuss how these experiences may be most relevant for us all as we return home.

Your rewarding and enjoyable Supporting the Mile-High City program comes to an end as your Tour Director accompanies your group to the airport on your final day.