The All-School Service Learning Project is an annual tradition at St. Margaret’s, a chance for all divisions to unite and meet the authentic needs of a partner organization, provide a cross-divisional opportunity for student learning, and rally the school community around a common purpose. The project launched at the St. Margaret’s Day All-School service in November, and will conclude at the All-School Spring Service in March. 

 

Special Camp has been hosted at St. Margaret’s since 1992. Special Camp consists of three one-week sessions along with additional days devoted to counselor training seminars and meetings. Counselors are given the chance to work in a positive, nurturing environment that fosters an educational atmosphere of opportunities to explore the intricacies and the needs of this community with a focus on learning abilities, communication skills, emotional well-being, and social development. The organization supports more than 150 campers and 150 counselors annually. 

 

As part of the learning, St. Margaret’s Lower School students were paired with Upper School students this week, dividing into small groups and rotating through the five Special Camp activity centers. Students had the opportunity to see and participate in the centers, similar to Special Camp students’ experience during the summer program. These advisory centers include arts and crafts, entertainment, games and reading, sensory integration and sports.  

 

In addition, Middle School students and Early School students have connected several times, rotating through the Special Camp activity centers and reading children’s books about inclusivity with a focus on the disabled community.  

 

The goal was for students to spend time together, learn more about the Special Camp program, and support the donation drive to supply the Special Camp activity centers. The activity centers are utilized during Special Camp programming to provide spaces for campers to have fun, hang out, and decompress, while meeting their range of needs. 

 

St. Margaret’s All-School Service Learning Project is funded by the William N. Moseley Venture to Serve, an endowment fund created in 2023 by the Board of Trustees to fund the All-School Service Learning Project as well as grants for students, alumni and professional community members interested in serving the community.