Exploring Alaska Through Service: Xavier College Prep’s 2025 Immersion Trip

This summer, students and chaperones from Xavier College Preparatory embarked on a transformative eight-day service immersion journey to Bethel and Anchorage, Alaska. Rooted in Xavier’s mission to form young men and women “For and With Others,” the trip offered students an eye-opening opportunity to connect with diverse communities, deepen their understanding of social realities, and live out Ignatian values through direct service and reflection.

Building Community in Bethel

After arriving in Bethel, the group settled into Immaculate Conception Church, where they spent the next several days working on community-focused improvement projects. From rebuilding stairways and fencing to planting flower beds and digging drainage ditches, students rolled up their sleeves and worked hard to support the church’s infrastructure.

The group attended Mass and had the opportunity to meet and hear from church elders, followed by a community breakfast and cultural immersion activities. They joined the local community for a potluck and learned more about the traditions of life in rural Alaska. One memorable day included volunteering at Memorial Park, followed by a night at the local theater. By the end of their time in Bethel, students had not only contributed to meaningful projects, but also built lasting relationships through reflection, service, and cultural exchange.

Adventure and Awareness in Anchorage

The group returned to Anchorage, ready to explore Alaska’s urban side while continuing their mission of service. After a much-needed rest and dinner at the well-loved Moose’s Tooth Pizza, students visited downtown Anchorage before settling in for the night. The next day included a breathtaking glacier cruise in Whittier, where students had lunch onboard and enjoyed panoramic views of Alaska’s natural beauty. That evening, they dined at The Peanut Farm, a local favorite.

Following that, they hiked Flat Top Mountain and volunteered at the Downtown Hope Center, where they served dinner and provided assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. Serving meals at the Downtown Hope Center was eye-opening, sparking conversations about privilege, justice, and compassion. Yet the experience wasn’t just about hardship—it was about hope. Students witnessed resilience in the people they met, strength in the communities they served, and courage within themselves to step out of their comfort zones.

A Transformative Journey

This immersion was more than a service trip—it was a powerful journey of growth, connection, and perspective. For many students, it was their first time in such a remote and culturally distinct part of the United States. They quickly learned that service is not just about physical labor, but about presence, listening, and embracing the unknown with humility.

My experience serving in Alaska gave me a deeper appreciation for different cultures and the beauty of living simply and closely with the ones you love. It opened my eyes to the strength of community and the importance of preserving love and helping one another.

Evangeline Thuresson ’26