This past summer ten Calvert Hall students along with two faculty members, Mr. Brian Bobak and Mrs. Kelly Kamp, spent a week on an immersion trip serving underprivileged children in the Central American country Belize. It’s fair to say that most people don’t know much about Belize, let alone could find it on a map. That means must people are also unaware of the vast socio-economic disparity amongst Belizeans.
This past summer ten Calvert Hall students along with two faculty members, Mr. Brian Bobak and Mrs. Kelly Kamp, spent a week on an immersion trip serving underprivileged children in the Central American country Belize. It’s fair to say that most people don’t know much about Belize, let alone could find it on a map. That means must people are also unaware of the vast socio-economic disparity amongst Belizeans.
During their stay, the students stayed in western Belize near the border with Guatemala in a small town called Benque Viejo del Carmen, a very poor town. The students spent the majority of their time teaching in a local elementary/middle school, emphasizing the importance of family and community to their newfound friends. While in the schools, the Cardinals did a lot more than just teach, they developed relationships with the kids in the school by laughing and playing together.
Speaking of laughing and playing, the guys were also able to enjoy some remarkable experiences outside the school they were helping. Some highlights included playing soccer with a semi-pro Belizean soccer team, visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, exploring caves, and zip-lining. When asked about his thoughts on his experience, T.J. Kaifer ’19 had nothing but praise for his experience. Kaifer reflected on his journey, “I would rate the experience as a 10/10, truly life-changing, and eye-opening to the things I take for granted daily.”
Travis Johnson '20 said his favorite part was getting to know the Belizean students: "When I was working with one student, we started talking about each other's personal lives. He invited me to play marbles with him and his friends at recess, and it was cool to see how much we had in common."
This summer’s immersion trip is an example of the profound impact the CHC community can have on making the world a better place.