In June 2024, a group of students from Xavier High School traveled to Camden, New Jersey, for their annual service trip. This meaningful journey allowed students to engage in various community service activities, fostering connections with different communities and experiencing personal growth.
Activities and Service Projects
During their time in Camden, the Xavier students participated in a range of service projects and visited several important sites:
Urban Promise Camp Peace Program: Xavier students helped prepare the building for the summer camp, ensuring that the children of South Camden would have a safe and welcoming environment for their activities.
Cathedral Kitchen: Known for providing meals to the poor and hungry for over thirty years, Cathedral Kitchen welcomed the Xavier students, who helped prepare and serve dinner to guests.
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries: With a mission to improve lives one person at a time, this organization had Xavier students assist with their pre-school and adult day care programs.
Abigail House: On June 19, the students spent time at this nursing and rehabilitation center, engaging with elderly dementia patients through conversations and crafts, stepping out of their comfort zones to make meaningful connections.
Urban Promise Pennsauken Campus: The students supported Urban Promise's mission by helping with tasks that equip Camden's children and young adults with skills for academic success, life management, spiritual growth, and Christian leadership.
Generations Plus: On June 20, the students participated in activities at this adult day-care program, contributing to the well-being of its participants.
Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center: The students worked in the food pantry, supporting the center's mission to provide opportunities for connection, enrichment, and empowerment.
Foodbank of South Jersey: On June 21, Xavier students assisted at this food distribution center, which links eight million pounds of food with over two hundred charitable providers, helping to combat hunger in the region.
Sightseeing and Cultural Experiences
In addition to their service work, the students had the opportunity to do some sightseeing. One of the highlights was visiting the famous Rocky statue in Philadelphia, a symbol of perseverance and determination, mirroring the spirit of their service trip.
Reflections
The service trip to Camden provided the Xavier High School students with a profound experience, allowing them to make a positive impact on the community while gaining valuable life lessons. This journey exemplified the Xaverian values of Compassion and Humility.
Reflecting on the experience, Kody Mackenzie ’26 said, “In Camden, I gained knowledge, friendship, and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
By engaging with diverse communities, especially through meaningful interactions with elderly dementia patients at Abigail House and serving meals at Cathedral Kitchen, the students demonstrated a deep sense of empathy and concern for others. Their willingness to listen, assist, and connect with people from different walks of life showcased the compassionate spirit instilled in them.
A sense of appreciation and thankfulness was evident for our students during the trip. “It was amazing to see the difference in society between Camden, New Jersey and my hometown of Guilford,” William Sauer ’27 said. I realized how gifted I was to eat food every day and have shelter for the night.”
"I really enjoyed helping all the people that I could, but it was very difficult seeing all those that I could not,” Price Savini ’25 noted. “I learned some crazy statistics and stories throughout the week that really put in perspective how good we have it back home. Overall, I appreciated the experience and would definitely go again."
The students embraced tasks that required them to step out of their comfort zones and serve selflessly. Whether it was preparing a building for a summer camp, working in a food pantry, or supporting adult day care programs, they approached each activity with a humble heart, understanding the importance of serving others without expecting anything in return.
It was not just our students that were impacted on the trip. Mr. Premus, a math teacher at Xavier, reflected on his experience with the following. “As difficult as it is to see the widespread conditions of poverty and homelessness in cities like Camden, you can see the face of Jesus everywhere in the people who are working to heal these places and address face-to-face the needs of the poor and vulnerable. It was amazing to be able to play a small part in this mission trip and I look forward to bringing a new vision home to Xavier to positively affect our local community.
The Xavier community looks forward to continuing our tradition of service, knowing that each trip not only benefits those they serve but also enriches the lives of our students. Through these experiences, Xavier students embody the Xavieran values and work towards becoming responsible and caring men dedicated to making a difference in the world.