Summer Service Trips

Members of the Class of 2023 traveled near and far this summer to take part in our summer service trips.

Baltimore, MD | June 13–17 & June 20–24

Students had the opportunity to work with several local organizations including Baltimore Green Space, Gallagher Services, Sarah’s Hope, Baltimore Hunger Project, St. Vincent’s Villa, TALMAR Horticultural Therapy Center, and Baltimore Station.

Georgia & Alabama | June 13–17

Our newest summer service trip featured a tour of several Civil Rights landmarks in the South. Students followed a path of marches through Atlanta, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma with key stops at the Rosa Parks Museum, the Alabama State Capitol, the National Voting Rights Museum, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the home and church of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Camden, NJ | June 19–25

Our Dons stayed at the Center for Environmental Transformation (CFET) in Camden, NJ, and worked with different non-profits in the area. The group explored environmental justice, sustainability, and urban growth and development by working on projects connected to the Center’s urban gardens and their partner organizations which focus on issues of education, homelessness, food access, and community development.

Belize | June 21 – July 4

Students attended our two-week, service-learning immersion trip to Belize. During the first week, they snorkeled off the Caribbean Coast with Belize Tropical Research, Education, and Conservation while learning about the delicate coral reef ecosystem and the efforts being made to conserve the natural resources. In the second week, they helped build a home for a family in Belize City with Hand in Hand Ministries and explored the Mayan ruins in western Belize.

Bethlehem Farm, WV | July 3–9

Several Dons traveled to Bethlehem Farm in the Appalachia region of West Virginia where they helped local residents with home maintenance projects, while also maintaining the farm’s garden, cooking their meals from scratch, and becoming more in tune with God through nature.

Nogales, Arizona/Mexico | July 17–23

Our Dons worked with BorderLinks in Tucson and the border town of Nogales to learn about the complex issues of immigration in southern United States. The week began with an introduction to the immigration process and historic timeline of immigration policies in the United States. Throughout the week, our Dons walked migrant trails through the desert, visited migrant shelters, witnessed migration-related court proceedings at a federal courthouse, and met with community members, activists, and academics throughout Tucson and the surrounding borderlands.

Blackfeet Reservation, MT | August 6–13

Several Dons traveled to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northern Montana near Glacier National Park, where they worked with Global Volunteers on a variety of projects including repair and maintenance of the reservation’s facilities, working in the children’s summer program, visiting with Blackfeet elders, and assisting at community support organizations like food pantries and clothing donation centers. Additionally, the group learned about the Blackfeet history and culture through presentations and meetings with the local medicine man and local artists/dancers.

Camp Holiday Trails, VA | August 7–11

Students traveled to Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville, VA. This is a non-profit camp set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that provides children with medical needs the opportunity to encounter a positive camp experience. Our students served as camp counselors and assisted the campers in daily activities including arts & crafts, sports, and carnival games. They also helped complete some necessary maintenance work around the camp.