Service and Immersion Break Trips

St. Thomas Aquinas frequently offers several options for service and immersion trips around the country and, at times, internationally.  Each trip is different in length and character and is designed to offer a unique immersion experience. Each has an element of service, but immersion in culture is the primary goal. We try very hard to keep these trips affordable. 

See our Linktree for our 2023 trips: https://linktr.ee/sta_ames

Trips from the past include:

Appalachia: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Williamsburg, KY. March 15-24, 2019.  Overnight on the way to and from in Central Illinois. Do local home repair projects, work at thrift store, experience life and culture of Appalachia.  May include visit to Cumberland Falls for hiking. Estimated discounted cost per participant, $300.

Hurricane Rebuilding Trip, Rockport, TX, March 17-23, 2019. Rockport is a beach town near Corpus Christi that suffered significant structural and infrastructure damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey and is now in the rebuilding phase. This trip will include transportation by motor coach from Ames to the mission site and back. All meals, lodging and materials will be included. Estimated discounted cost per participant, $450. 

Vera Blanca, Costa Rica. In partnership with EOS, International, March 15-25, 2019. This trip requires travel on the Thursday/Friday before and the Monday after spring break, possibly including driving to and from Chicago to catch flights. Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture including home stays, learning about alternative technologies that improve lives, and experience local parish life. May include weekend trips. Estimated discounted cost per participant, $1400.