High  School Summer Trip Reflections

Elliott, 12th Grade

The St. Louis trip was such an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it. I learned so much and met so many amazing people throughout the week. One thing that really stood out to me was how we weren’t limited to just one type of service; we got to be involved in so many different projects. From helping the unhoused community and working at food banks to volunteering on urban farms and spending time with kids, every day felt meaningful and full of purpose.

What impacted me most was seeing God in all the different people we met and served. Each experience showed me a new side of what it means to live out our faith. I also really appreciated getting to know the people we traveled with on a deeper level. Whether it was during work, prayer, or free time, I learned so much about their stories. It reminded me that community and connection are such important parts of our faith journey, and I’m so thankful for the new friendships and stronger bonds that came out of this trip.

Mickey, 10th Grade

On my trip to St. Louis with Serve Boldly, I learned many new ways to give back and contribute to communities. Some of the days we went to food shelves/banks and helped sort and pack food. During these days, I realized how big of an issue some people experience and what it takes to be helped. Other than food pantries, my group did a couple of things involving clothing donations. We sorted clothes that would go to the unhoused and anyone in need. While going through these clothes, I had a lot of time to think, and it made me more considerate and willing to help. Both of these problems are huge all over the world, and after this week, I have learned how “easy” it is to help.

For some of our volunteering, we had a group from Eau Claire, WI, who we also stayed with. Throughout the week, we all made deep connections. We played many games, worshiped, and even ate together. I believe this made us all closer, and now we have new friends who share our deep concern for those in need. After this week, I am so thankful for everyone who had any sort of contribution, as I am now a better person.

Clodagh, 12th Grade

Our 2025 service-learning trip to St. Louis has become my favorite trip with Ezekiel youth. Not only was this trip the most rewarding for me, but it was also the closest I’ve ever felt to Christ.

Being surrounded by a community of passionate servants who are there for the same reason as you is amazing in and of itself, but when you’re all from the same synod and a similar area, it feels almost beyond that. I couldn’t explain why, but it’s nice to know that the people I befriended are individuals I will be able to see again.

Throughout the week, we went to different parts of the STL area and did service work. My highlights were the days when we went to farms and helped clean up and plant seeds in their gardens. This trip really opened my eyes to how much I enjoy that sort of dirty work (though I’m not sure how much I’d want to seek it out now that I’m home, haha).

Something else I learned on this trip that has really inspired me to make a change back home is the difference that volunteer work makes in shelter and food pantry settings. On one of our service days, we spent a couple of hours bagging potatoes. Similar to Feed My Starving Children, if you’ve ever been, we were told at the end of our volunteer shift the weight of the total amount of potatoes we packed and how many families/people that can feed for a lifetime (it was over 10,000 lbs. of potatoes and non-perishable items). It was so amazing to see these numbers because, as an individual, it felt like light work. Perhaps a bit monotonous, yes, but not difficult in the slightest. But as a group, being able to make a change that large in such a short period of time is so inspiring and really makes me realize how easy it could be to make a change in the unhoused and hungry populations if we all did our part to assist.

Bradley, 12th Grade

The St. Louis trip, to me, was a call for hope, just like all the other trips I’ve been on. This call for hope was for those people who needed it the most. It didn’t matter if it was something small that we did or something big; it still made a difference to at least one person.

To me, hope is a feeling deep down that things can and will get better. It’s a motivator to keep trying, even when facing challenges. Hope helps you see possibilities and move towards a positive future. I think hope is something that is slipping away in many people, and doing these trips helps bring it back to those most in need. These trips aren’t just a mission that we are forced to participate in; it’s a call to action to serve those in need, but also God.

So, to me, this trip was a call to serve people, the community, my friends around me, and God. This trip was fun for all of us, maybe not at every point, but at most points for sure. The things we did in St. Louis don’t need to stay there; we can take the love and hope with us and serve boldly here in River Falls.

Allison, Adult Leader

The beginnings of this trip go back to last July, as we were returning from the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We stayed overnight in St. Louis, and many of the kids shared their wish to visit the St. Louis Gateway Arch. From that moment, I knew we needed to return; not only for touring a bit of the Midwest but also to serve and learn about an influential city in American history.

Our service-learning trip was filled with opportunities for growth and the need to be flexible; schedules changed mid-day, the weather was incredibly hot, and we often made wrong turns when navigating a new city. Despite some less-than-ideal moments, I was most surprised by the resilience shown in our group. Throughout the week, I saw these young people begin to change, thinking less about their own desires and more about the group’s needs and those whom we were serving. Our teens enjoyed sweating while doing manual labor at farms and raved about cleaning apartment units for women and families.

As a leader, it can be consuming to make decisions for the group, manage schedules, and monitor the health and safety of our teens. After a long day in the heat, I was sitting in the front row of the van with the kids, honestly ignoring their conversations and being in my own head, making lists of what else needed to be done that day. I was dwelling on my own issues when one of the girls asked me if I was okay because I had been quiet for so long. Immediately, tears filled my eyes; I had been so obsessed with what was coming next that I was not living in the present moment of the trip. Later that evening, I shared a bit of my faith journey with the group, and this moment was brought up again. Throughout my life, I’ve struggled to remain present and see where God is moving. It is through trips and experiences like these that help us open our eyes to the ways in which God is active and moving in and through people and communities.

Jayda, 12 Grade

The service-learning trip to St. Louis was enlightening, eye opening, and heart-wrenching. Throughout the week, we helped out farms, food banks, and social services organizations. Through serving them, I felt the overwhelming urge to give back to my own community. Especially with one organization, LifeWise Stl, a social services organization, and much more, I felt a calling to work there and help in any way I could. They had programs set to help people get out of financial debt. The offer childcare programs that empower young kids to expand their education while teaching them to love who they are. Other programs aim to help teens and adults better themselves by learning healthy habits and expanding their way of life. Seeing how much good one organization could do brought tears my eyes and a smile to my face.

Something about me is that I'm an upcoming senior, and I have no idea what I want to do in the future. Although people say there is still time to decide, I'm still worried about the unknown. Through this beautiful and hot trip to St. Louis, I feel one step closer to becoming confident in my future, and for that I will always be grateful.

Miranda, 12 Grade

My Ezekiel service trip was a meaningful and eye-opening experience. It was my first trip with the church, and it was fun getting to serve alongside a bunch of peers my age. My favorite service project was Operation Food Search because I got to use my organization skills to sort and pack boxes of food for families in need. It was also really nice to be inside while serving, and it helped open my eyes to how many people don’t have access to simple things like air conditioning. That made me even more thankful for the comforts I often take for granted. It was rewarding to see how even small tasks could have a big impact on the community, and that made the work feel even more meaningful. This trip helped me grow in faith, compassion, and awareness, and I’m excited for more opportunities to serve.

Cora, 12 Grade

During my time in St. Louis, I didn’t just learn more about myself; I discovered the true meaning and power of service. It may sound cliché, but it’s true: a little really does go a long way. Without our phones and with plenty of quiet moments built into each day, I had time to think and reflect. Sure, after long hours of work, I often wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed, but the feeling of accomplishing more than you thought possible is something special. It's like tasting fresh ice cream on a scorching summer day or plunging into a wave pool at a water park—pure, refreshing joy.

I never imagined I’d enjoy farming, but I found a strange satisfaction in plucking garlic from the soil. And while planting sweet potatoes under the burning sun, I looked around and noticed something that stuck with me. I was sweating through my shirt, yet the farm workers around me were wearing long sleeves and pants. At first, I thought that was odd. Then I saw it: their focus, their energy, and their love for what they were doing. It wasn’t just work to them; it was something deeper. There was beauty in that dedication, and it struck me how rare it is to find people who truly love their work. These people were powerful. I saw God in them, shining through like sunlight passing through stained glass.

But it wasn’t just on the farm. I saw God in every community we visited. In the joy of the kids and caregivers at LifeWise. In the quiet strength of the unhoused. In the compassion at the women and children’s shelter. Even in the kindness of McDonald’s workers, who gave us milkshakes when the ice cream machine broke (mine was strawberry). So, thank you St. Louis, for opening my eyes to the hard-working, resilient people all around me, for reminding me that small acts of service can make a big impact, and for showing me that even an eight-hour drive can lead to a lifetime of perspective.

Vicki, Adult Leader

It’s always one of the highlights of my summer to take a church trip with the high school youth group. I look forward to the camaraderie with the kids, the time I get to spend with the other adult leaders, the constant reminders of God’s presence in the world, and of course the understanding that comes from the work we do.

This year we had a phenomenal group of kids on our trip. The majority of our group had taken many trips together, and for that reason, they showed up for this trip with confidence and excitement. Allison and I were able to do some reflecting in our many hours together about this particular group of young Christians. They have grown so much in their faith lives during these trips. In my reflection, I want to share that growth with all of you so that you see how your financial and prayerful support is so important in the growing faith lives of our high school congregants.

During worship at Allison’s home church, Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, all of our students worked together to greet, usher, acolyte, and read at a new church that wasn’t their own. I was most impressed with Elliott and Cora that morning. Elliott shared a message that she had written herself, and Cora read the first reading with expression and confidence.

Each night at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. Louis, we ended the evening in worship. Worship was small but powerful, with just our group of 15 and the Eau Claire group of 15. Both Max and Sylvia consistently brought their musical passions to worship and boldly got up in front of the entire group and led music, Sylvia with drums and Max with voice.

At Heru Urban Farming, our whole crew worked in the hot sun, and all of them are to be commended for that. This was the first day that we interacted with the Eau Claire group. I was very impressed that day with Brad and David, who bravely joined a group of “strangers” to pull weeds in a scorching, large patch of peppers.

When we went to Operation Food Search, we were TIRED, and the service was a bit tedious. We had to dig through donated food items, check the expiration dates on all of them, and repack them into boxes that would later be delivered to food pantries. hat day, I was proud of Mickey for keeping us all upbeat and positive by smiling, singing, and making us laugh even though we felt like quitting. I was also impressed with Madeline for taking a real leadership role; not only was she positive the whole time, but she never stopped working, despite being exhausted.

At LifeWise, I was impressed with all the high schoolers as they joined in and interacted with school-aged children during their morning program. Later, when our kids moved down to working in the bodega, Lily took a leadership role in sorting through clothes to size, hang, and add to the store in the appropriate place. She led with positivity and ease, making the project a fun one.

At Earthdance Organic Farms, we began by harvesting garlic and later planted sweet potato plants. It was hot and backbreaking work. While there, the group worked hard, but Jayda and Miranda stood out to me by getting in deep with the soil, working the ground, and appreciating the beauty of the project. Jayda’s calm presence brought joy to the day, and Miranda’s attachment to planting was new and exciting.

Lydia’s House was one of the service sites that held the most emotion for many of our high schoolers. There at the transitional housing apartment complex, we deep cleaned two apartments to prepare for new tenants who would be beginning a new chance at life, a new chance at hope, as Bradley put it while reflecting on our time there. While all the kids deep cleaned bathrooms, kitchen cupboards, bedrooms, and dirty refrigerators, Brooklyn stood out as open-minded and ready to take on any task that was presented to her. Her heart was open, and her positive energy left a comfort there for those who will make their new homes there.

Again and again, these kids stood up to be present for the people we served in St. Louis. I can’t underestimate the gifts they left with the people and places they touched. We are beyond blessed to have such a kind, motivated group of young people out in the world, representing Ezekiel Lutheran Church of River Falls. Most importantly, they are truly doing the work of Jesus, who embraced those that lived on the margins and were in most need of His help. Allow your hearts, like mine, to burst with pride for these young people who saw the face of Christ in each other and those they met this week. They are an amazing group of humans doing God’s work.

Lily, 12th Grade

This trip was definitely in my top five favorite things that I have done so far this summer. I had never been to St. Louis before, nor had I been to The Gateway Arch, and experiencing that with this group of people was truly amazing. This trip showed me that there are so many people in the world who need help, and I am very happy that I got to be a part of the help for a week. We got to go to numerous food pantries, help at farms, and had many amazing opportunities to help the St. Louis community.

One of my favorite service projects that we did was probably Lydia's House. We got to hear a great story from the woman who benefited from the shelter and now works for the apartment complex we went to. Being in an environment like that to learn and to help others was truly amazing.

Overall, this trip was very eye-opening and was extremely fun. From going to service projects during the day to coming back to the church where we stayed for homemade dinner and then worship; all of it was so much fun.

Sylvia, 11th Grade

On my trip to St. Louis, I learned many things about myself and others. During my time there, I made new friends from both our church and the community as I worked alongside them. Serving at places like food banks, urban farms, donation centers, and more allowed me to realize how many people need help and services like the ones we provided.

There are so many people in this world who live just above the poverty line, which prevents them from receiving government funding. These individuals may struggle to scrape by each month, trying to stay afloat. They may need just a bit of extra help, and opportunities like this trip allow others to thrive. I had so much fun going to St. Louis, and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

David, 11th Grade

My trip to St. Louis was fulfilling. When we went there, I was able to help so many people, from volunteering at a food bank to cleaning an apartment for unhoused women and children. I was glad that I had the opportunity to help as many people as I could with my church. Even though it was extremely hot, I tried my hardest to do the tasks given to me. I loved going to the farms and helping out there, even though weeding is one of my least favorite things to do. I was glad I did it because I knew it would help people get the food they needed. Even something small like weeding a garden still had an effect. I'm thankful that my church has opportunities like this, and I am thankful I could be a part of it. I hope to go on more trips like this in the future.

Brooklyn, 10th Grade

During our trip to St. Louis, the experiences changed me and made me realize the life some people are living. At the beginning of the week, we picked weeds in 95° heat. This helped me understand the hard work field and farm workers do so we can have our everyday meals. At Lydia’s House, a women and children’s housing site for people experiencing domestic violence, we cleaned units in an apartment building. This showed me and our group how lucky we are to have what we have and understand others living situations.

Overall, this week it has been an incredible learning experience for me and all of the group. We met new people, tried new things, made friends, and helped so many people through hours continuous volunteer work. I am truly thankful for everyone who donated and helped us go on this trip we couldn’t have done it without you.

Heath, Adult Leader

I want to thank you for inviting me to attend and be part of this year's youth trip. As mentioned, this was my first church/faith-based trip of any kind, so I was apprehensive. I obviously have a couple of kids involved, so it would make sense for me to support the group. There was a time when the quints were infants, and the Ezekiel family supported us when we legitimately needed help. I knew then that there would be a day when we would want to and need to give back to our community and church family. I'm happy this was my first real opportunity to give back with substance.

It was a pleasure to see and hear kids unashamed to share and display their faith with pride. It's not what I expected. I was proud of how our young adults of Ezekiel represented themselves, their families, and our congregation. And although we had the typical teenage stuff that we expected, I was surprised by how engaged and ready the kids were to help and get their hands dirty, literally. Everything we did required some form of physical labor, and I heard very little to zero complaining. Everywhere we went, our kids listened and learned about the challenges of the underserved populations that we supported, and they did the work.

I observed young people genuinely happy and engaged during our service time, and although the reflections shared by them were not as many as I had hoped, I feel confident that everyone was touched and moved by the work that was done. One evening, I spent some time on my own reflecting on the times when God has been present in my life. Life goes so fast, and I hadn't fully reflected and comprehended all of those moments until just then. It was a very emotional and impactful few hours that I'll never forget. I need more one-on-one time like that in my life.

I'm not sure how this compared to other service trips, but I was quite pleased and rewarded personally as well. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Madeline, 10th Grade

In today’s society, we so rarely look to our community due to not only the labels, but the stereotypes given to us. And especially as a teenager, I think we see and are exposed to that a lot more than we expect or are led to believe. Getting the opportunity to be present in the service trip as a whole was a gift within itself; it not only opened my eyes to the struggle but also to the impact we can make each and every day in our communities.

While in St. Louis, we did everything from helping out on urban farms to setting up and cleaning units at a women’s shelter called Lydia’s House. Coming from the book of Acts, Lydia welcomes Paul and Silas into her home as a sign of hope and support for their future, and at that specific moment in their lives.

I feel I not only grew closer to the people and friends around me but also in my faith. I might not have a so-called ‘Faith Story’ that stands out from the rest, but I think this is a definite step forward onto the path God has been leading me to follow all this time, using my hands to do His work and to embrace every single second of the journeys and destinations to come.

In God's name, I pray and thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity. Amen.

  • During our trip, we stayed at and worshiped with Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Allison’s home congregation, where we enjoyed warm food and great hospitality.

  • Monday morning we visited Heru Urban Farm, where we engaged in activities like weeding and feeding chickens, while learning about farming as a spiritual vocation. The farm's mission focuses on empowerment and community nourishment, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and provide economic growth opportunities.

  • On our first day in St. Louis, we played a unique version of Monopoly to grasp the complexities of poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. This eye-opening experience illustrated real-life inequalities, as players began with different resources and faced challenging scenarios, mirroring the tough decisions families encounter daily.

  • Tuesday morning we volunteered at the St. Louis Area Food Bank, bagging potatoes for local food pantries. The Food Bank serves over 26 counties facing food insecurity by holding distribution events and supporting area pantries.

  • Tuesday afternoon our group volunteered at Operation Food Search, which fights food insecurity by providing free food, nutrition education, and programs, serving 200,000 individuals monthly in Missouri and Illinois, including one-third children.

  • Our week in St. Louis was incredibly hot, often with a heat index over 100°. We made sure to stay cool by eating plenty of ice cream and other sweet treats.

  • Wednesday morning our group sorted clothing at Lifewise STL, an organization focused on educational programming and supportive coaching. Their mission is to help individuals and families achieve economic well-being through relationship-based programming, promoting wise living for all ages.

  • After a morning of service, we spent the afternoon at the St. Louis Gateway Arch and Museum. We explored six galleries featuring various periods in our nation’s and St. Louis’ history, using interactive-immersive experiences.

  • On Thursday, half of our group visited St. Patrick’s Center to sort through various home goods and clothing donations. Through a Housing First model and working collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government and other service providers, St. Patrick Center solves homelessness for individuals and families in the St. Louis region.

  • Thursday morning, our crew was split and shipped off to two different service sites. At EarthDance Organic Farm, they’re all about leveling up your gardening game with hands-on training for wannabe green thumbs, rookie farmers, curious kids, and anyone with a sprout of interest in agriculture. We got down and dirty weeding, planting sweet potatoes, and playing garlic fairy by picking and drying out garlic bulbs!

  • After a long day, we gathered in the Sanctuary for worship, with music often led by the youth participants. Gathering together brought us closer as a whole group, raising our hands in song or in prayerful meditation.