Running head: SERVICE LEARNING: JUMP INTO FOOD AND FITNESS

Service Learning
Jump into Food and Fitness
Karen Theus
Nursing 450
Ferris State University

Running head: SERVICE LEARNING: JUMP INTO FOOD AND FITNESS

Jump into Food and Fitness

Service Learning
According to Fayetteville State University (FSU) Service learning is a teaching and
learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to
enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Through
service learning students are able to experience different volunteer services in their communities,
identify areas of need, and improve upon the services that are being offered in the community.
Service learning gives students the opportunity to enhance their learning environment in different
settings. Service learning is way to apply academia and knowledge to informal settings, and
enhance personal growth, development, and enriches learning in course material. Students will
also be able to apply course work and concepts to the service learning, and how it relates the
nursing program.
Organization
Muskegon Public Schools engages in a program called 21st Century Community Learning
Centers (CCLC), which entails an after school program and summer school program funded by
the state of Michigan. The program focuses on enter city youth who require extra resources.
Focuses areas include: academics, arts, family, community, recreation, substance abuse/violence
prevention, and technology/computers. CCLC vision Is to provide children and their families a
safe, fun and challenging environment where learning and life skills are promoted through new
experiences (Muskegon Public Schools, 2015). This particular program is located at Marquette
Elementary in Muskegon and is supervised by Jackie Williams who also is the coordinator for all
CLCC sites in Muskegon County.
Jump into Food and Fitness (JIFF)

Running head: SERVICE LEARNING: JUMP INTO FOOD AND FITNESS

Jump into food and fitness (JIFF) is extension program through Michigan State
University (MSU) Extension. JIFF is an evidence based program implemented in various
institutions in the State of Michigan. Jiffs focus is to address current statistics on the health
problems that face youth that indicate the need to educate children about the importance of
making healthy food choices (MSU, 2003). Per MSU the earlier a child begins to practice
healthy life style habits the longer they are likely to practice them.
Volunteer Role Description
The service learning role including the prepared curriculum (JIFF) presented to students
enrolled in CCLC during summer session. JIFF is typically implemented during the school year
by the School Wellness Program nurse at middle school level provided by Hackley Community
Care Center (HCCC). As an employee of HCCC and partner of Muskegon Public Schools the
organizations were able to collaborate, and offer JIFF during the summer sessions. The sessions
included a variety of students grades kindergarten through six grades. Sessions were one hour
long weekly for combined groups on different days of the week for six weeks. The sessions
included three components: 1. Education on the selected food groups 2. Food preparation or taste
testing from the particular food group 3. Activities/Exercise in relation to the food groups, i.e.
kickball, aerobics, soft ball, etc. Fees covered by HCCC School Wellness Program. The goal was
to educate students on healthy eating behaviors and activities that would carry over into
adulthood and hopefully prevent obesity and other chronic conditions. The program consisted of
one other volunteer to operate the program effectively an employee of HCCC.
Critical Reflection

Running head: SERVICE LEARNING: JUMP INTO FOOD AND FITNESS

Refrences