There are three service immersions planned for summer 2023: L'Arche Tahoma Hope Immersion, Kino Border Initiative Immersion, and Courts for Kids Dominican Republic Immersion.
L'Arche Tacoma Immersion
L’Arche Tahoma Hope is a member of the International Federation of L’Arche. The first L’Arche community was started in 1964 in Trosly-Breuil, a village north of Paris, France. It began in much the same way that L’Arche Tahoma Hope did – in response to the need for companionship of two people with intellectual disabilities. Out of this single response has grown a Federation that is made up of over 135 communities in 36 countries throughout the world.
The Tacoma community includes four homes, a workshop, a large working farm, and a welcome center. During this Monday through Saturday immersion, JHS students have an experience of living in an intentional community and building relationships by working side by side with members of the community -- with and without disabilities.
- Dates: June 26 - July 1, 2023
- Cost: ~ $350
- Website: https://www.larchetahomahope.org/
- How to apply: Applications will be available in the Arrupe Center for Justice in mid-February.
Kino Border Initiative Immersion
Kino Border Initiative (KBI) is a ministry of the US West Province of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) set up to work with one foot on each side of the U.S.- Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. As a faith-based organization, KBI strives to respond to the most critical needs by respecting the God-given dignity of the human person and by fostering bi-national solidarity through humanitarian assistance, education, and research/advocacy.
The KBI Border Immersion is designed to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the issue of immigration and the culture of rural communities near Nogales. The emphasis is on building bridges of friendship and cross-cultural understanding with the places where we work. Students work with staff and community volunteers. Immersion groups stay on the U.S. side of the border but cross daily into Nogales, Mexico. As part of preparation for the immersion, students will be expected to serve at Jesuit’s Hurtado Center at least three evenings prior to departure.
We hope to offer a Border Immersion trip with KBI during the summer of 2023. More details to come this fall!
- Dates: June 24 - 29, 2023
- Cost: ~ $1500
- KBI Website: https://www.kinoborderinitiative.org/
- How to apply: Applications will be available in the Arrupe Center for Justice in mid-February.
This immersion is open to rising juniors and seniors only and is approved for the junior/senior project.
Courts for Kids Immersion
Courts for Kids is a long-term partner of Jesuit High School whose mission is: "Transforming lives through building courts and cultural exchange." Courts for Kids immersion groups work closely with a community in a developing country to build a sport court together. Through building courts and cultural exchange, Courts for Kids aims to provide opportunities for meaningful relationships. Please visit the Courts for Kids website to learn more about their history, program, and mission.
Plans are underway to partner with Courts for Kids for a Jesuit-sponsored trip in summer 2023! JHS has been matched with a Jesuit primary school in the Dominican Republic. Dates and more details to come this fall!
- Dates: July 2023
- Cost: ~ $2900
- Website: https://www.courtsforkids.org/
- How to apply: Applications will be available in the Arrupe Center for Justice in mid-February.
A note about "Open" international immersion trips:
Some partner organizations such as Courts for Kids and Seeds of Learning offer “open” trips, which are open to participants of all ages (high school students, college students, adult individuals, couples, families, etc.). “Open” trips are not approved to fulfill the Jesuit Christian Service requirement. We believe it is in the best interest of students to have guidance and supervision from Jesuit High School faculty/staff on international trips. Jesuit-sponsored trips are intentionally framed within the five pillars of our immersion program: Service, Solidarity, Simplicity, Spirituality, and Social Justice. Students who choose to participate in "open" immersion trips will also need to complete a different approved project in order to fulfill the junior/senior Christian Service requirement.