Discovery Program

Discovery Paths

The program includes two paths of discovery: compassion and sustainability. Students can select a path that best suits their interests; each track provides interactive programs and experiences. Please read the descriptions below and designate your preference on the the registration form [PDF].

Discovery Path I: Compassion (Serving Others)

This path allows students to gain an understanding of various societal and socioeconomic issues, and learn how to help others through acts of service in both the local and NYC areas.

Participants may:

• Make improvements (e.g., paint a playground) to a local school, shelter, or not-for-profit agency.
• Meet with the leadership of a not-for-profit organization to learn about the pertinent issues affecting students, families, and the community.
• Experience the "city plunge" by visiting New York City and participating in a myriad of projects, while exploring issues that influence residents in an urban environment.

Discovery Path II: Sustainability (Helping the Planet)

This path allows students to gain an understanding of what it means to preserve and protect the earth. Participants explore issues of energy and resource conservation and both current and future impacts. Students engage in hands-on-experiences that prepare them to make eco-friendly decisions and participate in environmental stewardship efforts in their community. Activities are threaded with discussions about the local and global impact of promoting sustainability.

Participants may:

• Beautify a public park in New York City.
• Learn about Long Island's natural resources: study the operation of a local organic farm and visit a recycling center.
• Give food that would have been thrown out by local vendors to those in need in Hempstead.
• Help clean the marshlands of Long Island’s south shore.
• Visit and explore Hofstra’s Bird Sanctuary — an example of conservation in our own backyard.