For Parents and Caregivers
Summer of Service (SOS) is dedicated to educating young people between 6th and 12th grade and promoting good global citizenship through local, year-round community service and summer travel.
The research is clear: experiential learning, particularly in the study abroad context, facilitates active engagement in the learning process and leads to deeper insights and greater post-experience satisfaction (Pipitone and Raghaven 2017, Hamlin 2016, Kolb & Kolb 2005 & 2017).
Summer of Service (SOS) was founded in 2014 by a public school teacher on the belief that bringing young people from all parts of
San Antonio together to engage in local service projects and learning experiences and international travel will:
The research is clear: experiential learning, particularly in the study abroad context, facilitates active engagement in the learning process and leads to deeper insights and greater post-experience satisfaction (Pipitone and Raghaven 2017, Hamlin 2016, Kolb & Kolb 2005 & 2017).
Summer of Service (SOS) was founded in 2014 by a public school teacher on the belief that bringing young people from all parts of
San Antonio together to engage in local service projects and learning experiences and international travel will:
- stoke ongoing passion in young people for community service and civic engagement,
- supplement formal education in civics, world cultures and geography, highlighting the importance of creating “global citizens,”
- expose students to opportunities and community needs, motivating them to pursue future goals, build geographically diverse networks of young people in San Antonio and expand the cultural capital of students by exposing them to information, travel experiences and a more diverse network of peers.
- enhance students' college and career readiness and make them more competitive and competent for both
What is your role as a parent?
- Support your student, help them register for service events and ensure punctual drop off and pick up.
- Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on service and other events.
- Help your student get their SOS T-Shirt for volunteer events.
- Create your own SOS portal account and volunteer with us, it's a great way to bond with your child.
- Potentially chaperone a trip with us and accompany your child, subject to availability and background checks.
Why Community Service?
As one SOS participant, Olivia states, “SOS is like a small community of its own. When we participate in service events, where we usually see the same people, we make a connection that we may not have normally made in school. We share the connection that we both enjoy giving back to our community […]. I’ve made so many friends and connections through SOS and I am really glad that I did. Without SOS I probably would’ve talked to the same 5 people and stayed inside my house on my phone on weekends.”
As one SOS participant, Olivia states, “SOS is like a small community of its own. When we participate in service events, where we usually see the same people, we make a connection that we may not have normally made in school. We share the connection that we both enjoy giving back to our community […]. I’ve made so many friends and connections through SOS and I am really glad that I did. Without SOS I probably would’ve talked to the same 5 people and stayed inside my house on my phone on weekends.”
Why Travel Abroad?
As another SOS participant, Uriel, wrote, "The summer trip that had the most impact on my life was my first trip to Italy & Greece. I say this was one of the impacts because I got to make friends and have fun with other kids my age and explore the world. Not many people can say that they have done that. I also got to see places in history that impact the world we have today...It was also so beautiful in Italy, especially Capri and I would love to go again. Capri has actually become my happy place or a place where I can go in times of needing to get away from the world. I close my eyes and let the memory wash over me. I stand at the highest point of the Augustus Gardens, overlooking the sea. The wind blowing in my hair, the roar of the ocean a distant heartbeat. The cry of birds and the buzzing of bees a gentle hum. The tang of the salt in the air and the sweetness of the flowers and citrus around me. It was breathtaking, and it always will be."
As another SOS participant, Uriel, wrote, "The summer trip that had the most impact on my life was my first trip to Italy & Greece. I say this was one of the impacts because I got to make friends and have fun with other kids my age and explore the world. Not many people can say that they have done that. I also got to see places in history that impact the world we have today...It was also so beautiful in Italy, especially Capri and I would love to go again. Capri has actually become my happy place or a place where I can go in times of needing to get away from the world. I close my eyes and let the memory wash over me. I stand at the highest point of the Augustus Gardens, overlooking the sea. The wind blowing in my hair, the roar of the ocean a distant heartbeat. The cry of birds and the buzzing of bees a gentle hum. The tang of the salt in the air and the sweetness of the flowers and citrus around me. It was breathtaking, and it always will be."