If you've read about the basic elements of service learning on the "What is it?" page, then you know that celebrating your project is very important. Volunteers--both young and old--should be thanked for their part in making the project a success. And you should also include the people you served (the beneficiaries) in the celebration, because they would like to thank you, too.

So how do you celebrate? Well there are a few things to consider. What does your group like to do? Do you have time, a place, and the money for a big celebration (like a party)? Or should you do something small, like having some popcorn and cokes at the end of a meeting? If your group did a small, one-day project, you probably wouldn't need a big celebration. You could just get together at the end of the day and give a huge cheer for yourselves. But if you've done something that took a lot of time and effort, your celebration should be bigger. Also, you should try to plan a celebration that goes along with the project. For example, if you did a project at a nursing home, you might have your celebration activity there. If you cleaned up a park, you could have a group picnic there.

Don't forget that the celebration activity is also a good time to start thinking about your group's next service learning project!

Be sure to check out the other celebration page on the 4-H S.O.S. website. If you have any ideas or suggestions for service learning celebration, send an e-mail to tell us about it!