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COUPLING SERVICEWITHADVENTURE
Kendrick Singleton had never set foot on an airplane.
That that all changed on a University-led trip in May 2023.
Singleton was one of 10 students and three staff members
from Clemson who traveled to Dominica—the “nature
island of the Caribbean”—for a trip rooted in both service
and adventure. “Being from a small town in South
Carolina, there’s a lot I haven’t experienced,” admitted
Singleton, a junior psychology major from Estill, South
Carolina.
Singleton is a member of the Emerging Scholars program
and works with the Office of College Preparation and
Outreach, where he learned of the opportunity. In addition
to his first flight, he experienced other firsts during the
visit to Dominica, including the sight of three volcanoes in
the area near the village of Cochrane—his home for the
10-day excursion.
Abby Bonker is a trip leader and equipment specialist
with Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education and
environmental and natural resources major. She took an
obvious interest in the local landscape, which covers just
290 square miles.
Three members of the Campus Recreation staff—Robert
Taylor, Kelly Bardusk and Taylor Williams—led the group’s
exploits. They worked with several island partners to
ensure a successful experience for students, including
Discover Dominica Authority, Mountain Caapi Cottage
Retreats and Soufriere Outdoor Center.
The group took part in service days in Cochrane and
Soufriere. Some helped local farmers pick Irish potatoes
and plant pineapples. Several helped paint the local
community center. Others filled in potholes. And when
the time called for it, the group made time for island
adventures, such as hiking, kayaking and snorkeling.
We often say the phrase, ‘It takes a village,’ and we really got to see that for its true
meaning in Dominica. I hope to use those takeaways for community building and caring
for one another and apply it to life here in Clemson. —Abby Bonker, CORE Trip Leader
Service in Action
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