West High
Silver Cord Program
The Silver Cord program is an opportunity for students to be recognized for completing 200 hours of community service during their four years of high school. It is the intent of the Silver Cord program that hours be in direct service to others in need through local community service agencies and other outreach opportunities. Silver Cord hours must meet a clearly defined need for an agency, charity program, church, political agency, social service, group or community event. In order for hours to be honored, the student may not receive payment or credit for their services and hours may not be completed during their regular school day. Camp Wapsie LITs can earn up to 171 hours of service plus 12 hours for orientation.
Service NOT recognized: School activities such as selling merchandise, homecoming events, music or athletic practices, work or babysitting for one’s family or any other family, participation in self-improvement workshops and clinics or service which is part of an academic, court-ordered, or disciplinary requirement. Service must be performed through a non-profit agency or affiliated organization. Generally, activities that are part of a West High team, club, activity or course will not be counted toward Silver Cord hours. Seniors who complete the required hours of service will be honored at the Senior Recognition Assembly and will wear a silver cord at graduation.
We will accept no more than 8 hours per day of an activity for Silver Cord and all hours must be submitted prior to the end of the school year in which they were completed. Service hours completed over the summer will be accepted beginning the summer after the completion of 9th grade.
Current Openings
*click the title of each item to view the event flyer*
We’re excited to announce that ChildServe’s Annual Bike Camp will take place this year from June 16–20th, and we’re currently looking for volunteers to help make it a success!
Volunteers are needed each day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You’ll be helping with a variety of tasks, including:
Supporting kids as they build their biking skills
Assisting with minor bike repairs
Helping with daily setup and teardown
Bike Camp is truly one of our favorite events—it’s incredibly rewarding to see the kids achieve their riding goals and grow in confidence throughout the week!
The event will be held in the parking lot of the Coralville Youth Sports Complex.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please don’t hesitate to reach to us at communications@childserve.org
The Agape Cafe at Old Brick in downtown Iowa City serves a free hot breakfast dine-in or to-go for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity. Volunteers are wanted for Tuesday afternoon prep or Wednesday morning cafe service.
Contact agapebreakfast@gmail.com if interested.
Opportunities include: Art Fair Assistant, Bike Parking, Children's Activities, Water Booth, Merchandise Booth, Setup/Teardown
Fields of Faith is a local nonprofit farm 15 minutes west of Iowa City in Oxford. They grow fresh produce and donate it to churches, food pantries, and families in need. Volunteer sessions take place on Saturday mornings from 8:00-10:30 AM, and no experience is necessary.
- Time Commitment: Saturday mornings, 8 - 10:30 AM
- Group Sizes: 5-10 Volunteers
- Seasons: Spring planting to fall harvest
- Where to go: 2554 Cemetery Road NW, Oxford IA 52322
Students grades 10-12 are encourage to apply. Participants can earn up to 18 Silver Cord hours.
When: March 8 and March 17-21 from 12-3pm, March 29 from 9am-3pm
Where: Houses into Homes' warehouse in Coralville
Applications are now being accepted at https://www.housesintohomes.