Service Immersions
Service immersions offer a unique opportunity for students to volunteer, experience a new culture, build community and reflect on their service experiences. The Center for Community Engagement and Service invites all students to live the mission of Salve through these programs.
Mercy Ecospirituality Center
Benson, Vermont
Aug. 21-25, 2025
Mercy Ecospirituality Center is a sponsored work of the Sisters of Mercy. The center's mission is to inspire reverence for the Earth and to live in harmony with all of creation. The organization is committed to reflection, education and living gently in mutual relationship with the Earth. Participants will embrace seeking solace and find a place to refresh their spirit in the beauty of creation, as well as programs in ecospirituality. The new is always unfolding in our evolutionary universe. We strive to honor that as we welcome all to the sacred land of Mercy Ecospirituality Center.
Participant application
Participant handbook
Cost: $350
Capacity: 8 participants
Mercy Critical Concern: Earth
Service Plunge
Aug. 27-29, 2025
Our annual Service Plunge provides first-year students with an introduction to service through direct and indirect active experiences. Participants learn the importance of service, social justice and civic engagement. They also meet community needs, identify and build upon community assets, and share their experiences with the campus community. Selected students will move to campus early and meet new friends through this annual tradition.
- Participant application (application deadline: June 30)
Dominican Republic
Jan. 10-17, 2026
The service immersion in the Dominican Republic is run through the Mustard Seed Communities, an organization that works with the local Catholic church to serve the needs of abandoned or orphaned children with mental and physical disabilities. Participants will serve at Hogar Immanuel, which is home to almost 50 children and young adults with disabilities. Mustard Seed's highly developed program for volunteers is based on meaningful interaction with the children, tangible work projects and participation in an inclusive Christian community.
- Participant application (application deadline: Sept. 30)
- Participant handbook
- Cost: $2,000
- Capacity: 12 participants
- Faculty companion: To be determined
- Mercy Critical Concern: Nonviolence, women
Spring Break Service Immersion
March 16-20, 2026
Details coming soon.
Service Plunge 2.0
April 2026
Service Plunge 2.0 provides all students with a challenging and fun opportunity to lead and learn through direct and indirect service. Participants have the option to focus on environmental or hunger issues.