Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments.

In this activity, participants will work in partnership with developmentally-challenged teens and young adults in the Youthability program in helping to build a new trail in the Cleveland MetroPark system. Participants will be expected to engage in manual labor using shovels, clippers and other tools and to assist in clearing a trail that will eventually be published on a MetroParks map.

NOTE: This activity involves work outside, and will take place RAIN OR SHINE. Gloves and tools will be provided, but all participants in this activity MUST:

1. Dress appropriately for the weather (including boots), in clothes that you are willing to get dirty.
2. Bring a full water bottle.
3. Be willing to participate in physical labor.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in removal from the activity.

SERVICE TYPE: Inclusion and Accessibility
PARTNER: YouthAbility
VIDEO: Check it out! 

DESCRIPTION: Participants in this service activity partner with developmentally-challenged and at-risk teens and young adults in creating, producing, and mounting a play which will raise awareness about people with developmental disabilities. 

All students who are accepted for this service activity will be required to:

1. Register for and attend a Pre-Service Workshop the week of January 28th.  
2. Participate in weekly service at the site.

Full details on these requirements will be provided upon registration. Failure to comply with them will result in removal from the activity.

SERVICE TYPE: Inclusion and Accessibility
PARTNER: YouthAbility
VIDEO: Check it out! 

DESCRIPTION: Participants in this service activity partner with developmentally-challenged and at-risk teens and young adults at the Jewish Family Services office. Together, they make small gifts, cards, and holiday decorations for the elderly; collect recyclables; help with filing; and engage in "puppy and kitty socialization" with rescued animals. In addition, one Wednesday a month, service participants and YouthAbility members travel to the Beachwood Library, where they serve lunch to and interact with Holocaust survivors.

NOTE: Cats and dogs may be present at this site. Service participants who are are allergic to these pets should select a different service activity.

All students who are accepted for this service activity will be required to:

1. Register for and attend a Pre-Service Workshop the week of January 28th.
2. Participate in weekly service at the site.

Full details on these requirements will be provided upon registration. Failure to comply with them will result in removal from the activity.

SERVICE TYPE: Inclusion and Accessibility
PARTNER: YouthAbility
VIDEO: Check it out! 

DESCRIPTION: Participants in this service activity partner with developmentally-challenged and at-risk teens and young adults at the Jewish Family Services office. Together, they participate in a fitness class which includes stretching, cardio, strength, and balance.  YouthAbility promotes health and wellness as a part of their empowerment mission.  They teach their participants that if they want to help others, they must help themselves by being healthy.

All students who are accepted for this service activity will be required to:

1. Register for and attend a Pre-Service Workshop the week of January 28th.
   
2. Participate in weekly service at the site.

Full details on these requirements will be provided upon registration. Failure to comply with them will result in removal from the activity.