This summer, Jesuit’s service projects connected Blue Jays with people in need locally and internationally. Volunteers from Jesuit’s rising senior class committed over 100 hours each to these meaningful initiatives. Among the Jesuit volunteers was senior Frank Young, who reflected on his transformative experience working with Tre, a wheelchair-bound camper.

“Going into Krewe de Camp, I didn’t know what to expect,” Young shared. “Assigned to Tre, I was eager to see how the week would unfold.”

It didn’t take long for Young to realize he was in for an extraordinary week. “As soon as we met Tre, we knew this week would be exciting—Tre was the star of the camp! He knew everyone, and everyone knew him,” Young recalled.

Tre’s boundless energy made every activity—from pool time to arts and crafts—unforgettable. “He made sure that both he and I got everything and more out of every activity at camp,” said Young.

Despite the joy, the week wasn’t without its challenges. “Learning to steer a wheelchair up steps and through gravel, staying engaged and energetic at all times, and always putting the basic needs of someone else above my own were just a few of the new experiences I faced,” Young reflected. These challenges, however, led to the formation of a special bond among Young, Tre, and fellow senior Frank Finicle, who was also assigned to Tre.

The week culminated in Krewe de Camp’s iconic talent show, a highlight for many campers and attendants. Yet, one of the most impactful moments for Young came not from the talent show but from Tre’s simple, heartfelt gesture.

“Throughout the week, Tre would raise his two hands together in the shape of a heart whenever he saw his favorite campers, counselors, and attendants,” Young said. “He made this gesture all the time, constantly putting smiles on everyone’s faces and spreading happiness.”

Tre’s positivity left a lasting impression on Young. “Two ‘most spirited’ awards later, the happiness and positivity shown by the campers, especially Tre, inspired me almost to tears,” he said. “It gave me a new perspective on life, revealing how much we take for granted—motor skills, communication, mobility, and so much more.”

When asked to describe his experience in one word, Young simply said, “rewarding.” He added, “Krewe de Camp came with many life lessons, challenges, and a lot of joy; I plan on returning next summer.”

Through their service at Krewe de Camp, Jesuit students like Young not only made a difference in the lives of campers but also walked away with invaluable life lessons and memories that will last a lifetime.

Jesuit’s forms of Blue Jays into lifelong men for others, and that formation includes a series of opportunities to directly serve those in need. These opportunities extend outward from Mid-City to multiple continents around the globe. Collectively, Jesuit students perform over 30,000 hours of service every year.

Click here to read about other local, regional, and global service undertaken by Blue Jay students and alumni.