How to participate in CAVS in Service
1. Read the CIS GUIDELINES to know what is eligible for credit. Refer to the Appeals tab or the information below to reference some common submissions refusals.
2. Volunteer for an organization on the list of APPROVED ORGANIZATIONS or similar organizations that are established public charitable non-profits. The list functions as a repository of suggested volunteer organizations. Any volunteer service event available free and open to the public for a religious organization not listed will likely be accepted (excepting religious private schools or merely attending religious services). If an organization is not listed, it is best to submit the "Request to Add Organization to Approved List" form before volunteering.
3. Collect signature verification of your service every time you volunteer on the SERVICE HOURS VERIFICATION FORM.
- Save the signed forms throughout the CALENDAR year. Students must make personal copies of all their paperwork
4. ALL STUDENTS MUST turn in all signed forms during the ANNUAL REVIEW PROCESS throughout the month of January:
- Attach an official CIS COVERSHEET to all the hours verification forms containing hours completed in the previous calendar year.
- Turn in a stapled paper submission packet to CIS mailbox in front office of main building (the exclusive drop-off location) without encumbering envelopes and folders.
- Submission dates begin the first school day in January and continue through the DEADLINE at 3:45 p.m. on the last school day in January. NO EXCEPTIONS.
5. ONLY GRADUATING SENIORS have access to a second submission deadline solely for hours performed January through March of their senior year:
- Seniors attach a SENIOR COVER SHEET to all the hours verification forms completed January through March of their senior year.
- Turn in stapled paper submissions into CIS mailbox in front office of main building.
- Turn in dates begin the first school day in March and continue through the DEADLINE at 3:45 pm April 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS.
It is important to consider these frequently asked question topics and possible complications in the hours acceptance process:
Ineligible dates or ineligible hours will not be accepted, such as:
- Work performed during an official school day 8:50-4:10,
- Hours in excess of 8 hours per day for single or dual day events like hosting public school Debate and Art Competitions, Eagle Scout Projects, etc.
- Hours in excess of 4 hours a day for Day Camps (being a leader in camps and activities in lieu of paying to attend will not qualify as unpaid volunteering)
- Hours in excess of the annual hours caps for the following categories will not be accepted. These annual hours caps create wholesome service boundaries to encourage a legacy of authentic service, and avoiding scenarios where a week of an overnight camp experience is submitted for 100 hours of credit. Small measures of approved service supervised by approved organizations add up to life-long community volunteering, which is the goal of CAVS in Service.
- 20 hour annual cap for all day/night camp service. Overnight Camps and Overnight Volunteering Trips (being a leader in camps and activities in lieu of paying to attend will not qualify as unpaid volunteering)
- 15 hour annual cap for Pet Fostering (30 minutes a day are allowed with a cap at 15 hours total accepted per year),
- 15 hour annual cap for Remote Service (online tutoring, or any other activity that is not in-person working with the community)
- 15 hour annual cap for Making Crafts (blankets, paracord bracelets, baking, valentine cards for the elderly, etc.)
- 15 hour annual cap for Service associated with fundraising (like Pet Shot Clinic, Orchestra & Band flag assembly & delivery, Concessions, Poinsettia delivery, setting up events like LTEF, Elementary School Festivals, etc.) This service must be related to events benefiting the public – not meeting/soliciting of donors, or benefiting private businesses or private schools. Service involving money handling is not allowed.
- Activities in service REQUIRED for academic credit, or an LTHS extracurricular (club, organization, sport, booster, etc.) will not be accepted.
- Fundraising--specifically, asking for money overtly--will not be accepted. Service--not planning, training, or managing--for a non-profit that does fundraising may be accepted up to 15 hours a calendar year.
- Internships, training, or unpaid labor performed for for-profit camps or businesses will not be accepted.
- No volunteer activities in proximity to the consumption or distribution of alcoholic beverages is allowed (galas, bingo nights, speaker series, fundraisers, etc.).
- Being a leader in lieu of paying to attend any camp, event, or activity will not be accepted.
- Service hours for hospitals and nursing homes may be approved if the service is part of an official volunteer program with the organization. These official programs provide opportunities for teen volunteers in the form of meaningful work assisting and interacting with patients and families, as well as through community outreach programs. Internships & graded practicum for classes will not be accepted.