To nurture the spirit, young people have to participate in activities that help them make meaningful connections. They must be guided in real-life situations to develop a moral code and sense of civic pride. Service learning is a spiritual, esteem-enhancing affair that often blurs lines between giver and receiver. Compassion is learned by hands-on…

Service learning benefits students of all academic abilities, particularly the gifted. Teachers should use the principles of good service, make service a requirement, encourage service experiences based on real needs, design interdisciplinary service courses, consider opportunities for social change, provide mentorships, reduce liability, and help…