At the turn of the twentieth century, Dr. David English Camak, the founder of what is now Spartanburg Methodist College, envisioned a school that would help students escape the cycle of poverty. Through hard work and a good education, a student could not only improve his or her life but could also contribute to improving the surrounding community.

Today, SMC students continue in Dr. Camak’s vision. In addition to their rigorous academic schedule, students are encouraged to participate in community service to enhance their education and improve the world around them.

SMC SERVICE CHALLENGE

The SMC Service Challenge is a service initiative in which SMC faculty, staff, alumni and students are encouraged to give back to the Spartanburg community during the academic year. The emphasis is on each person putting in 100 hours of community during that 100-day time period. The SMC Service Challenge celebrates the history and legacy of SMC.

KAPPA SIGMA ALPHA

Kappa Sigma Alpha (KSA) is the co-ed service fraternity at Spartanburg Methodist College. KSA performs hundreds of hours of community service in the Spartanburg area. From Adopt-a-Hwy, to playing bingo at an assisted living facility; from playing with the animals at the animal shelter, to collecting shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child; from assisting the Lion’s Club, to helping students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind experience the HALTER program, members of KSA discover the joy of serving others.

Visit the KSA web page for more information.

ALTERNATIVE BREAKS

Students are invited to participate in alternative fall and spring breaks. In the past, these breaks have included service in Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Washington D.C. The Fall Break Mission Trip is a great way for students to give back to organizations within the Spartanburg community.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SOUP CHALLENGE

The Martin Luther King Service Challenge is held each year. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, students at SMC gather to make vegetable soup at the homes of faculty/staff. Once the soup is made it is frozen for the local soup kitchen. Each group of students then competes to see which group can bring in the most servings of non-perishable food items.

For more details on these and other service opportunities at SMC, students should keep an eye on their email inboxes for details or contact Rev. Tim C. Drum, II, SMC Chaplain, via email or 864-587-4282.