This summer, Blue Jays continued a longstanding tradition of serving others through a variety of summer service projects. Grounded in the school’s mission of forming men for others, these experiences challenged students to accompany people in need with compassion and respect while broadening their understanding of the diverse communities they encountered. Through service both locally and abroad, students strengthened their commitment to using their gifts in the service of others.

Between their junior and senior years, Blue Jays complete more than 100 hours of direct service to those in need. Students serve in a variety of settings, including tutoring and mentoring at-risk children, volunteering at camps for children and adults with disabilities, and participating in domestic and international service trips that immerse them in communities while meeting real needs.

Among this summer’s opportunities was Krewe de Camp, a week-long overnight camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Jesuit volunteers served as one-to-one, around-the-clock attendants, providing physical assistance, daily hygiene care, encouragement, and companionship. Their service also gave parents and caregivers an opportunity to rest while knowing their loved ones were enjoying a safe and memorable week filled with swimming, outdoor games, arts and crafts, concerts, dances, and a camp fair.

This year’s camp featured several special events, including Western Wednesday, when campers and attendants dressed in western attire, and a visit from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans fan crews. Campers participated in football- and basketball-themed obstacle courses and activities, giving them the chance to train like the pros while sharing the experience with their attendants.

For rising senior Bryson Morse, the week was an experience he had anticipated since arriving on Carrollton & Banks as a pre-freshman.

“Krewe de Camp was truly a life-changing experience,” Morse said. “I have known since eighth grade that I wanted to do KDC as my service project, so I was ecstatic when I finally got the opportunity.”

Morse was paired with 11-year-old Walker, a camper with Down syndrome whose joy quickly made a lasting impression.

“Walker loves to act as a police officer, so Josh and I were constantly getting arrested and had to be set free by many different counselors,” Morse said. “He also loved to dance. After every meal, we would get up and have a dance battle, and he would pull people throughout lunch or dinner to come dance with him. It was so much fun and easily one of my many highlights of the week.”

Although Walker became ill and had to leave camp early, Morse said their time together changed his perspective.

“Even though I had a shorter time with him, Walker impacted my life in such a huge way,” he said. “His joy and laughter are infectious, and he is so incredibly smart. Witnessing his day-to-day life that closely and being responsible for him was so eye-opening.”

After Walker’s departure, Morse served as a floater, assisting other attendants and spending time with campers throughout the week.

“Being a floater was just as much fun as being an attendant,” Morse said. “It made my experience even better because I got to learn so much more within my first week there. I have and will continue to recommend volunteering at Krewe de Camp because it was genuinely the best week ever. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to go back next year.”

Through Krewe de Camp and other summer service opportunities, Blue Jays served others with compassion while building meaningful relationships with those they accompanied.

The following rising seniors volunteered at Krewe de Camp this summer:
Charlie Avin, Marick Baker, Logan Boutte, Jonathan Breaux, Andy Castillo, Josh Chaix, Zane Crespo, Kain Gwinn, Thomas Hulefeld, Jackson Indest, Allen Kammer, Cameron Lane, Anderson Lawson, Bryan Leiva-Orellana, Matthew Macaluso, Nathan Macaluso, John Martello, Cole McMyne, Ford Mollere, Bryson Morse, Shane Roddy, Pete Scalise, Pakorn Sithisomwong, Logan Sterbcow, and Declan Womack.

For more information about Jesuit’s service projects, contact Director of Service Projects Scott Delatte ’06 at delatte@jesuitnola.org or 504-483-3872.

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