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Montana Immersion: The New Wave
Students embarked on an immersion trip of service to the De La Salle School in Browning, Montana: the home of the Blackfeet Native Americans.
For many students, the end of exams means a week to relax after the hectic weeks of studying that had just concluding. But, for a few daring Calvert Hall students, the end of exams flowed right into yet another week of working and thinking in addition to faithful service. From January 19th to the 26th students volunteered at the De La Salle Blackfeet school in Browning, Montana, learning lots about American Indian culture while helping students in grades 4 through 8. The trip was run by Campus Ministers Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Bobak. “This was a great opportunity for us to see the development of the De La Salle Blackfeet school and more importantly it was a time for us to bring in a new wave of leaders and students” said Mr. Ortiz. Like all other service trips, prayer and reflection were major parts of the student’s schedule each day. Senior Ryan Ritzes went to Montana and from him this has been a long time coming. “Montana has always been ‘the big one’ to me,” he said, “I hoped that by going to Montana I would be able to figure some things out [about faith and relationships].” For Mr. Ortiz this was his first time going on the trip and it helped to “deepen [his] desire to serve others.” In addition to the service at the school, the students also took a break and went snowshoeing in Glacier National Park. That, as well as the breathtaking scenery, were some of the trip’s many highlights for most students. For anyone that might be interested in the trip Mr. Ortiz had this to say, “This trip appeals to every CHC student. It allows for students to grow in all aspects of their life.” The whole entire trip is one mentally and spiritually challenging trip, while at the same time being extremely enjoyable and memorable. “Not enough preparation can be done to really prepare you for this experience” said Mr. Ortiz.
