Service Academy

We envision a future where every young person has access to transformative service experiences that expand their worldview and unlock their potential as changemakers. Our recent journey through the Himalayas showed us what's possible when service transcends borders. From sharing meals with local villagers to learning ancient wisdom about hospitality and community, we experienced how cultural exchange enriches both those who serve and those being served. Imagine a world where: • Youth service programs seamlessly connect communities across continents • Cultural immersion and service learning are accessible to all • Local wisdom and global perspectives unite to tackle shared challenges • Every young person discovers their unique path to creating positive change This isn't just a dream - it's the future we're working to build. Join us. - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: Over a black and white photograph of two teenagers, the words “A future where...” are displayed running vertically from bottom to top of the image.

How do different cultures approach the concept of service? What can we learn from these diverse perspectives to create more meaningful impact? In the Himalayas, we experienced a culture where giving isn't just encouraged—it's expected. As one village host told us, they don't say "thank you" for acts of service because helping others is simply part of being human. This shifts how we think about service from something extra we do to an integral part of daily life. How might your approach to service change if you viewed it this way? Share your thoughts below! As we prepare for our next chapter in Switzerland, we're curious how different cultural perspectives on service can help us all become better changemakers. - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: A graphic depicting a wrinkled piece of paper with postmarks, the handwritten words "How do different cultures approach the concept of service?", and the Service Academy logo.

After 40 days in the Himalayas without phones or modern comforts, we've gained fresh perspective on what truly matters. Sometimes you have to step away from the familiar to see clearly what's essential. What experiences have given you new eyes to see the world differently? - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: A black and white photographic image of Marcel Proust against a blue background, with the quote "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." overlaid in orange type against a dark blue background.

Big news! We're excited to share how Service Academy is evolving. While youth service remains at our core, we're expanding our focus to embrace the full spectrum of social impact — from innovative problem-solving to systemic change. Why? Because we've learned that service is just the beginning. To create lasting change, we need to empower young people to understand complex challenges and develop innovative solutions. This isn't a change in direction — it's an evolution that amplifies what we can achieve together. Whether you're passionate about traditional volunteering or tackling systemic issues, there's a place for you in this expanded vision. Read more about our journey and what's next: https://lnkd.in/gWQyaQFh #LinkInBio Join us as we write this next chapter! - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy

From the peaks of the Himalayas to the slopes of the Swiss Alps, our gap year journey continues to evolve in unexpected and inspiring ways. These past weeks in Nepal taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, community, and the universal language of service. Through 40 days of trekking, we discovered how simplifying life can lead to deeper connections and clearer purpose. The hospitality we experienced in remote mountain villages showed us how service isn't just an action—it's a way of being. Now, as we transition to Switzerland for ski instructor training, we're excited to shift from learners to teachers. We'll be applying the leadership skills we developed in the Himalayas to help others discover their own potential on the slopes. The thread connecting these experiences? A deepening understanding that service takes many forms across cultures, but always centers on human connection and growth. Stay tuned as our journey continues! 🏔️⛷️ - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: A collage-style graphic presents three photos from Ryan and Thomas' time in the Himalayas.

Today we're reflecting on resilience—a core value that took on new meaning during our Himalayan expedition. From navigating high-altitude terrain to adapting to life in remote mountain villages, every challenge taught us something about perseverance and growth. One key lesson? Sometimes slowing down is the path forward. As we learned at 16,000 feet, taking measured steps while maintaining steady breath was more effective than rushing. The same principle applies to service leadership—sustainable progress often requires patience and self-awareness. What challenges have helped you develop resilience? How has that shaped your approach to serving others? - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: A desaturated photographic image of someone standing with their fist raised against the sun low on the horizon, as well as the Service Academy logo and the words "Resilience isn't just about enduring—it's about growing through challenges."

As we journey around the world during our gap year, we're discovering that true success comes from creating positive change in our communities. What difference do you hope to make? Let us know: https://lnkd.in/esidyDdd - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: A black and white photographic image of Michelle Obama against a blue background, with the quote "Success isn't about how much money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives" overlaid in orange type against a dark blue background.

Today, we're grateful for the opportunity to explore service through new cultural lenses and for our growing global community of changemakers. As we celebrate from Portugal, we're reminded that gratitude transcends borders. What are you thankful for? - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: A desaturated image of the sun shining over fields of farmland, overlaid with the words "Happy Thanksgiving" and the URL "ServiceAcademy.org."

After 40 days in the Himalayas with @NOLS_India, we discovered that adventure isn't just an escape — it's a powerful medium for living life more fully. Through navigating glaciers at 18,000 feet and building deep bonds with our teammates, we learned that true adventure means collective surrender, heroic self-confidence, and committed introspection. These insights have transformed how we think about service and leadership as we continue our gap year journey. Read more about the lessons from the mountains that will shape our work with Service Academy: https://lnkd.in/eBkFQsbm What role has adventure played in your own journey of growth and discovery? Share your experiences below! - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy Image description: Against a white background, the words "Adventure as a Medium: Lessons from 40 Days in the Himalayas" surround a photographic image of a hiker in the Himalays approaching a structure over a crest. The Service Academy logo is at the bottom of the image.

Revisit Episode #4 of The Service Academy Podcast, featuring Sara Deren, co-Founder and CEO of Experience Camps, a national, no-cost program that helps grieving children reframe the experience of loss and empowers them with the necessary coping skills to move forward with their lives. Sara’s work inspires us to grow through their own difficult experiences, overcoming their own personal challenges to re-dedicate their personal strengths and resources to develop the next generation of systems change leaders through meaningful service opportunities. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/erW3F3Zc - Ryan & Thomas Growney #NewServiceAcademy