The Childhood Cancer Blog

6 Community Service Activities for Students 

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  • Southwest Elementary in Clemmons, North Carolina has been hosting lemonade stands since 2012. They have raised over $43,000.
    Southwest Elementary in Clemmons, North Carolina has been hosting lemonade stands since 2012. They have raised over $43,000.
  • For the past three years, the summer math camp at Wyoming Seminary Lower School has incorporated a lemonade stand into their math lessons. The camp finishes the week with a lemonade stand and has raised over $1,300 so far.
    For the past three years, the summer math camp at Wyoming Seminary Lower School has incorporated a lemonade stand into their math lessons. The camp finishes the week with a lemonade stand and has raised over $1,300 so far.

By: Tatiana Cunningham

Calling all teachers! The new school year is right around the corner! 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) programs are a great way to teach students about how they can make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer while also enhancing lesson plans and curriculum development. 

As you plan the year, consider these six community service classroom activities that are easy to integrate into your lesson plans. You can pick one activity or combine a few to create a unique and meaningful experience at your school:

1. Change Childhood Cancer

An easy way to get involved is collecting coins. This small action can add up to big change! Register your event online and we can send boxes to collect your change. 
Curriculum Focus: math, coin identification, fine motor skills 

2. The Great Lemonade War

This exciting contest is inspired by the popular book, The Lemonade War. From October-March each year, schools host various events to raise money for childhood cancer research. The winning school receives a visit from author Jacqueline Davies and one of Alex’s parents, Liz or Jay Scott!  
Curriculum Focus: Language arts

3. The Million Mile

Dedicate back-to-school time to logging miles during childhood cancer awareness month in September. Students can track their physical activity and raise money during recess, gym class and athletic practices. 
Curriculum Focus: Physical education, teacher-led P.E., gross motor skills

4. Kick-It and ALSF Games

Play kickball or plan another sports game for students to take part in and help find cures for kids with cancer. These activities can take place during or after school, any time of the year! 
Curriculum Focus: Physical education, teacher-led P.E., school sports, gross motor skills

5. Lemon Clubs

Start a movement at your school that can last the entire year! Lemon Clubs are a great way to get students thinking about how they can make an ongoing difference in the lives of children with cancer. 
Curriculum Focus: Social studies, community service, extracurricular activities 

6. Lemonade Stands

A classic! Host your own stand any time of the year. You can expand the fun by adding a bake sale, craft fair or your own twist!  
Curriculum Focus: Math, executive function skills, community service, extracurricular activities

No matter what event you choose, you can use our school resources to teach Alex’s story and let every kid know that their actions can make a positive impact! For more information and ideas, visit our school section on the website or contact us at [email protected]

Tatiana Cunningham is a Community Engagement Coordinator at ALSF. She is a personal event coach for families and pre-8th grade schools that host lemonade stands or other fundraisers for ALSF.