Immersion Programs

Elder High School offers a variety of Immersion Programs for its students.  These programs allow young men not only to become culturally aware of the issues facing our world, country and community, but also to act as followers of Christ to help those in need.  Over the 2010 summer break, Elder students will have the opportunity to participate in the following immersion programs:

Medical Mission to Honduras:  August 1 – August 12, 2010

The purpose of this program is to faithfully share the life-saving good news and love of Jesus Christ as He would have us, through medical care for people outside of the United States.  This care is offered in places where it is not readily available.  In particular, this will be a nine day trip to La Cuesta, Honduras.  We will assist the medical staff at clinics and gain an awareness of the cultural context of the area through immersion and educational opportunities provided by the people of San Antonio Parish in La Cuesta.  Students will be challenged to grow through service, simple living, Christian Community, and cultural immersion.  While there are some inherent risks with international travel, comparatively speaking this is a safe area of Honduras, and the people are very friendly and hospitable.  An ability to speak Spanish would be helpful, but it is not necessary.

This program is opened to a maximum of eight students, accompanied by 2 adult moderators.  Preference is given to juniors and seniors.  The cost of this program is approximately $1,500.00 (based on airfare).  Personal and group fundraisers are available to help lessen the cost to the student.  In addition, a passport and medical vaccinations are required for international travel.

Native American Immersion Trip:  June 7 – June 14, 2010

Students will live on the St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School for a period of five to seven days.  The main objective is to experience the life of the Navajo people.  While on the Reservation students will be challenged to grow through service (assisting with building projects and tutoring in the summer school), simple living in Christian Community, and cultural immersion.

This program is open to a maximum of 12 students with priority given to juniors and seniors.  The cost of the program is approximately $500 to $700 based upon transportation costs.

T.A.C.K.L.E.:  June 20 – June 25, 2010
(Teens Advocating Change through Knowledge, Leadership & Experience)

T.A.C.K.L.E. is operated by the Office of Youth Ministry, through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, which consist of an inspiring and challenging week that develops youth into strong, justice-focused, Catholic leaders. The program includes participants from a variety of schools across the Archdiocese, and will call on students to do the following:

•  explore the root causes of poverty and injustice and how they can make a difference
•  develop the courage to act with justice, charity and solidarity with the greater community
•  challenge themselves and others to live simply, break down stereotypes, and be peacemakers
•  build community and friendship with a group of teens from across the Archdiocese

This program is open to a maximum of five students with priority given to juniors and seniors.  Participants will visit a variety of sites during the week.  Drivers and chaperones are provided through the Archdiocese.  The cost of the program is $150.00.


Appalachia Awareness Program:  August 1 – August 7, 2010

The Appalachian Awareness Program will focus on living in Christian Community, learning of the reality of the Appalachian Region, and doing service.  Participants will be traveling to Salyersville, Kentucky.

This program offered to all current freshmen, with a maximum of 14 students.  The cost of the program is $210.00.

For more information regarding Elder High School’s Immersion Programs, please contact Roger Auer at (513) 921-3744 ext. 3407 or auer.r@elderhs.org.