Change lives, including your own, in just one week. Spend a week volunteering this summer, knock out your community service, and truly make a difference in the life of someone else at Catholic Heart Work Camp.    

The camp is a one-week program located throughout America. It is a Catholic service camp that balances strengthening spiritual relationships, helping others, and engaging activities along the way.

This past summer, Marist students took a trip to Memphis, Tennessee for the annual camp.

Throughout the week, students rebuilt houses for the elderly and disabled and renovated schools. They also participated as camp counselors for Madonna Learning Center, a school for children with disabilities. These acts of service made a lasting impact, not only on the Memphis community but also in the lives of students.   

Student Caroline Cheney shared her experiences at the camp. “It was so touching to see how far a little bit of service can go. I loved being able to bring the Marist spirit to other communities and help those in need,” Caroline said. “It was super fulfilling and truly brought me closer to God through acts of faith, service, and kindness.”  

I also participated in this service, and my job was to help the Madonna Learning Center’s summer camp.

I worked with kids age nine to eleven with special needs. I was the personal counselor to one boy and one girl.  I helped them swim, read, draw, paint, and more.

Not only did this service help the kids and their parents but it also helped me. I grew a deep connection with these kids throughout the week, and I developed a new appreciation for those working in special education.

I am appreciative of this amazing experience and hope to see more of my fellow students sign up for the upcoming summer.