Spring SOUL trips

From environmental to urban immersion

By Regina Barbosa

News Editor

Saint Mary’s University students will be going on SOUL (Serving Others United in Love) trips across the country this spring break in an effort to learn about and promote the dignity of the human person.

“Every SOUL trip is a learning trip,” said senior Jake Traxler, who is leading an environmental trip to Indiana.

This year’s SOUL trips range from environmental to urban immersion in Iowa, New Orleans, Baltimore, Milwaukee and Chicago.

In New Orleans, students will help build homes with Camp Restore, a volunteer organization that is working in the area.  They will work with over 80 other volunteer organizations in the New Orleans area.

“It’s going to be really neat for our students to interact with the 260 students that are going to be down there,” said Co-Director of Campus Ministry Chris McClead.

According to McClead, both the Chicago and Milwaukee trips will be an urban immersion experience to learn about the issues people face in larger cities; the trip to Baltimore will focus on social service; and the Iowa trip will emphasize social issues and social justice.

Expenses for SOUL trips mainly cover travel costs. McClead said the trips cost about $200 this year. Scholarships are available to help participants dilute trip costs.

SOUL trips are “a great way to learn about yourself and people in different situations,” said Traxler.

SOUL trips to Guatemala and Montana will also be offered this May.