Students Spend Week on Montana Service Immersion Trip

In early, 14 students from three grades, as well as two faculty members, traveled on a service immersion trip to the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana. They spent a week working with the children at the school, in addition to exploring the area around the Blackfeet Reservation where the school is located. Below are short reflections from a few of the participants.

The Montana Immersion Trip was a really transcendent experience for me. The main reason I was initially interested in the trip was for the service hours. I just wanted to get all of my required hours out of the way. But, this trip was more than just completing service hours. Meeting all of the kids at the De La Salle Blackfeet School and hearing their stories was so special to me. They have been dealt a tough hand in life, but they were some of the most consistently happy people I have ever met. Despite all the hardships many of them have faced at such young ages, they never fail to put a smile on people’s faces. Of course, the scenery of the reservation and Glacier National Park was very special, but for me, the best part of the trip was meeting all of the kids and learning about the Blackfeet culture and reservation. I really hope I can go back next year. – Seamus McGoldrick ’26

Before my trip to Montana, I had been told that preparation wasn’t enough, but what was really required was bringing an open heart and mind. Now after my immersion trip with my classmates, I can see that is true from not only learning from Blackfeet students, but also as our group gained a greater understanding of their people, culture, and history. We learned this through interacting with the students of De La Salle Blackfeet over the course of a school week. Here, we worked with them during their classes and played games with the kids during their recess. Throughout the trip, we had time to explore the vast plains and hills, spend time together, travel into town, and listen to speakers of the Blackfeet tradition. Overall, I would have to say that this trip offers both a great time and an insightful experience to any willing CBA student. – Aidan Kenny ’26

Montana wasn’t just an opportunity for me to serve and enjoy time with my friends; it was also a chance to learn and grow. The middle schoolers of De La Salle Blackfeet School are so happy to have us there and there is so much to learn from them. The people of Browning, Montana were incredibly grateful to have us there; I’ve never encountered a more welcoming and accepting community. – Sean McCarthy ’26

I believe this immersion trip was truly impactful for both the Blackfeet students and our CBA group in the most positive way. I was assigned to help the seventh graders, and they surprised me with how nice and funny they were, even though they had many difficulties at home. It was inspiring to see how resilient the kids were to their hardships and they always had a positive attitude. The trip was a great opportunity and I hope others continue to go in the future. – Alton DeOliveria ’26

About Christian Brothers Academy:
Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through generous contributions from family and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $2.3 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at CBALincroftNJ.org.