Winter Immersion in El Salvador: A Journey of Service, Learning, and Community

Over Winter Break, 12 Mounties joined Campus Minister Mr. Charlie Bates and Director of Counseling Ms. Amy DiGiovanni on a transformative, week-long immersion trip to El Salvador. Students participating in the experience included Ally Demeter ’26; Elyse McGlynn ’27, Evie Lauinger ’27, Katie Collins ’27, Lilly McGann ’27, Madeline McLean ’27, Olivia Mele ’27; and Ainsley Short ’28, Bianca Cinquino ’28, Madde Pellegrino ’28, Megan Bader ’28, and Natalie Peddicord ’28.

Guided by Campus Minister Mr. Charlie Bates and Director of Counseling Ms. Amy DiGiovanni, the group partnered with CRISPAZ, an organization dedicated to fostering peace with justice by uplifting communities affected by violence and oppression. Through visits to memorial sites, immersive lessons in local schools, and shared experiences with host families, Mounties gained firsthand insight into Salvadoran history, culture, and the resilience of its people.

Students stayed in El Papchurro with host families, learning local traditions, customs, and values through shared meals and conversations. One highlight of the trip was visiting the community’s agroecological school, where students explored sustainable farming practices that nurture the land without chemicals or harmful products. These hands-on lessons emphasized environmental stewardship while underscoring the connection between caring for people and caring for the planet.

Despite language barriers, meaningful connections flourished. Through shared games, hikes, and collaborative learning, students discovered that empathy and understanding transcend words. These experiences reinforced the power of presence, listening, and mutual respect—a lesson that will stay with them long after the trip ended.

This journey exemplifies Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s commitment to educating students not only academically, but also spiritually and socially—encouraging them to become compassionate leaders and advocates for justice. Through service, solidarity, and shared humanity, Mounties learn that understanding the world begins with stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As the Mount continues its partnership with CRISPAZ, these immersion experiences remain a powerful reminder that true education is about more than grades—it is about heart, perspective, and action.

 

 

 

 

 

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The immersion also offered time for reflection on privilege, justice, faith, and students’ roles in a global community. Ally Demeter ’26 shared her insights: 

“There is no such thing as ‘wasting your break’ when it comes to a mission trip, especially with Mount. I have learned so much about myself, others, and the world around me by participating in the El Salvador Immersion trip both junior and senior year. If you are even thinking about going, go. Take the leap of faith because it could bring you someone or something that you did not know you needed.”

Ally also described the trip’s broader impact:

“It was incredibly meaningful. I learned about the history of El Salvador and social injustice, and we had many conversations with those affected by the Civil War. It made me realize how fortunate I am to live in the United States, unaffected by wars in my lifetime. I also made new friends and gained insight into people’s unique life experiences—reminding me that we truly never know what someone is going through without listening to them. The entire trip was eye-opening. Learning about the world alongside Campus Ministry and my sisters was extraordinary. Understanding how others live put into perspective that while we all live on the same Earth, our lives can be so different. Hearing my sisters’ perspectives on the communities we visited was moving and enriched my own experience.”