Service Opportunities

Deerfield is pleased to give all its students access to a number of weekend community service projects that do not require a regular commitment. These projects typically last about an hour to an hour and a half. We have partnerships with seven different local elderly people who need help from groups of two through five around their homes doing yard work, clean-up work, gardening, and washing windows. We plan to send Deerfield performing groups to local nursing homes, elderly centers, etc. if interest persists. We are also in contact with the town of Greenfield and can accommodate larger groups who desire to do various types of community service in the local area. Just get in touch with us, and we can set something up! Doing community service on weekends can be a fun and rewarding thing to do with a group of friends, and it offers a great study break that can be completed quickly.

Regular Projects

Second Helpings at St. James’ Church in Greenfield

On Monday evenings from 5:15-6:30 pm (picked up at the Main School Building), Deerfield students and faculty, along with members of the St. James’ Church, serve meals to the local residents. It is also a great opportunity to share stories with interesting inhabitants of Franklin County.

Weekend Community Service Projects in Franklin County

Community Service Student Board organizes weekend service projects in neighboring Franklin County that take place on Saturday or Sunday from 12:00-2:00 pm (picked up at the Main School Building). The activities range from raking leaves to stacking firewood and provide a great study break for the students and a wonderful help for the local residents.

Special Olympics

In the winter, Special Olympics Floor Hockey takes place on Sundays from 9:00-11:00 am (in the East Gym) and is a great opportunity that bring DA students with local adolescents and adults with mental disabilities while playing field hockey. Special Olympics Skating is also offered in the Ice Rink at the same time in winter. In the spring, Special Olympics Swimming takes place on Fridays (or Thursdays) from 7:00-8:00 pm (in the Koch Pool) and brings the two groups together for an enjoyable time at the pool.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program connects juniors and seniors at Deerfield Academy with children in Franklin County who want to have an older boy or girl as a role model. Many Fridays throughout the year, the Bigs and Littles meet from 6:00-8:15 pm and spend the evening together playing tag, basketball, hide-and-go-seek, board games, and, on a few evenings, swimming.

Old Deerfield Nursery School

The Old Deerfield Nursery School is located on Memorial St. (a three minute walk from the MSB) and is a preschool for 3-5 year olds.  Throughout the morningschool day (until lunchtime), Deerfield students can drop by and help out or play. Deerfield students might participate in games, singing, reading, drawing, and more.

One Time/Special Events

Relay for Life Event

The Relay for Life event is a volunteer-driven fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Organized by a leadership committee consisting of students only, Deerfield held its third annual Relay for Life on May 12, 2012, raising over $16,000 in total with close to 200 participants. It is a great event for a great cause that brings the entire community of students, faculty, and staff together.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

In October and in May, Deerfield hosts blood drives for the American Red Cross. Led by two student leaders and volunteers, the Blood Drive takes place in the East Gym throughout the day.

Team Service Project

Every trimester on one afternoon, each co-curricular team takes on a team service project. These projects range from activities on campus such as raking leaves and cleaning the Dining Hall to projects off campus such as helping out at the Literacy Project.

Co-curricular Service

At Deerfield, students have the option of choosing to do community service as a term co-curricular option. After school, students go to local elementary schools such as Deerfield Elementary School and Montague Elementary School to help the younger students with their homework or to engage in games or physical exercises. Other students are able to teach local senior citizens how to use computers in the language lab on campus.

Farming (Fall only)

Tutoring at Deerfield/Montague Elementary School

Teaching Computers to the Elderly