Over winter break, Cubs across every grade level decided to ditch the school bus for an airplane, and travel across continents thanks to Loyola’s global immersions. From the snow covered Alps of Italy, to the coral reefs of Cozumel, Mexico, cubs truly experienced it all. All while experiencing a break from their parents yelling at them for a C- they have in Math, and telling them Power School just hasn’t updated yet (Note: It has), students were finally able to unwind and experience places they’ve only ever seen on Instagram. So, where exactly did Cubs go this winter break?
Renowned for its coral reefs, clear waters, and tropical climate, Cozumel is located in the heart of the Carribean, just 12 miles off the coast of mainland Mexico. In other words, it’s a scuba diver’s dream, as it’s adjacent to the Mesoamerican coral reef system, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world, and also a Marine Protected Area filled with myriad colorful sponges, corals, tropical fishes, sharks and eagle rays. While seven of the boys (along with Heath and Kathy Utley) were already certified, six of the students worked hard and earned their PADI Open Water certification on the trip.
William Loftus ‘28, a sophomore who was previously scuba certified, explained, “This trip is all about making memories with an unforgettable crew-both above and below the surface. I am grateful for the opportunity to dive into Cozumel, Mexico, and experience a whole new world together”.
When not exploring Cozumel’s coral reefs, the boys ziplined over vast rainforests, explored underwater caves, toured the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and enjoyed beach volleyball together in the tropical 80 degree climate.
They were also given the opportunity to visit and play dodgeball and soccer with the kids at the Waves of Grace Church, who were so incredibly grateful for the tables full of clothes, shoes, hats, hairbrushes and other items the Cubs brought them. Overall, an incredible trip in and out of the water, filled with new experiences and new skills they can all take home with them.
Mark 10:45 reads, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” In this verse, the Evangelist Mark reminds us that even Jesus served others despite how Holy he was, and how no matter who we are or what we are doing, we need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and serve God’s creation. The group of ten boys (led by Mike Shawver and Mathew Judge) did just that, devoting their hard-earned break to helping the locals in the Dominican Republic under the sponsorship of The Camino Institute. The Cub’s primary mission was to help a local lady add onto her home, carrying cement (to add pillars onto her home), rocks, sand and other supplies up a steep dirt road where vehicles could not reach. Additionally, they also got the opportunity to deliver food and hygiene items to Haitian refugees, who live quite poorly and in bad treatment by the D.R. With that, the hardworking group of students ended their week of hard work with a visit to the beach, and swimming in the warm Caribbean waters. Ending each day with a reflection, the group students gained an incredibly valuable experience and opportunity to put faith into action via service.
Originally an initiative by Loyola’s Photography Club, the Visual Storytelling Immersion grew to a trip centered on further exploration of Photography, and implementation of classroom skills and ideas to the real world. Beginning their journey in Auckland, the group of photographers (led by Jeremy Foldesy and Chris Howard) visited the Sky Tower and One Tree Hill, which features a monument honoring Māori culture. Continuing on the exploration of Māori culture, the boys were taught a traditional haka (Māori ceremonial dance) by St. Ignatius of Loyola College, whom they spent some time with during their stay in the area. From there, the group explored Queenstown, taking a speed boat tour, lugging down a mountainside, bowling and a student scavenger hunt among other group activities. Major excursions included Cathedral Cove (featured in The Chronicles of Narnia), Hobbiton (the filming site of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) and Roy’s Peak, a steep but rewarding hike that challenged the group, amongst other activities and photography opportunities. Overall, the trip left a strong impression on the group of Cubs, leaving them with both memories and photographs that will last them a lifetime.
Walking in the footsteps of Shakespeare himself, the group of twelve Cubs (led by Sarah Gacina and Sean McClenahen) truly explored every place and idea that inspired the master play-wrighter, poet and actor William Shakespeare. Beginning in the Italian Alps, Europe’s highest and most extensive mountain range, the group snowshoed and explored the mountain town Aosta. They then spent a few days in Turin experiencing the city, taking a cooking class, enjoying dinner with local Jesuit High School students and attending a Juventus game vs. Napoli (Juventus wiped Napoli 3-0). The students soon made their way to Venice, stopping along the way to witness Romeo & Juliet in Verona. In Venice, they explored the very streets that inspired plays like “The Merchant of Venice,” and toured the Original Jewish ghetto and the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica. Continuing the journey to England, the cubs spent their days there in London, visiting and viewing The Tempest at the Old Globe Theatre (the rebuilt version of where Shakespeare performed his original plays) and exploring the Tower of London amongst other sites, before heading off to Stratford-Upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s childhood home and grave, and soon spending the night at the University of Oxford, where they would explore its over 900-year-old campus the next day. Bringing home a new appreciation for literature and history, the group of Cubs made incredible memories and gained experiences they will never forget.
