At Cumorah Academy, we believe that a transforming experience doesn’t always happen in a classroom. Sometimes, it happens with a broom, a paintbrush, or a shared laugh in the early hours of the morning while serving others.
Many people believe that in order to contribute to a great cause, they need special skills, the perfect opportunity, or an ideal environment. But that’s not true. Anyone, regardless of background, experience, or current circumstances, can make a difference. That’s a core message we instill in our students—not just through lessons, but through action.
Turning Values Into Action
On April 19th, our students left campus at 7:00 a.m. to head to Brest Zelinski, a house in need of significant care and cleaning. Their destination wasn’t just a building—it was a future home for children. That alone made the effort worth every drop of sweat.
It was a moment where one generation gave their time and energy to bless the next one. Our students weren’t told what to do—they volunteered. They didn’t wait for perfect instructions—they acted. And in doing so, they began to discover something powerful: service isn’t just helpful; it transforms the giver.
A Transforming Experience of Heart and Hands
Once at the site, everyone jumped in. The physically stronger students helped carry loads of wood. Others painted. Some swept the floors and scrubbed walls. The house required heavy-duty cleaning products, so many wore masks to keep safe. It wasn’t glamorous work—but that’s the beauty of it. There was a job for everyone, and every job mattered.
What was most remarkable, however, wasn’t just the physical transformation of the space—it was the transformation within our students.
“It was fun, interesting, and felt meaningful, knowing that my help made the place cleaner and better for others,” said Jaime, a student from Peru.
Jaime’s words—fun, interesting, meaningful—capture exactly what service is at its best. It’s not a chore. It’s an adventure of purpose.
Another student, Nef (also from Peru), added:
“I really enjoyed helping, especially here in the Czech Republic. The people on the farm were so appreciative of our help—it made me feel like I was truly serving, not just them, but also the Lord. It was a great experience.”
These testimonies reveal what our curriculum aims to teach: that the currency of service isn’t money—it’s love, commitment, and kindness. Those who carry these in abundance are the richest people on earth.
Lessons That Last
One of our most cherished lessons at Cumorah Academy is called Givers and Takers. In it, students explore the long-term impact of generosity. They discover that success in life isn’t measured by what we gain, but by what we give.
Service experiences like the one at Brest Zelinski are a real-life application of that principle. Students come face to face with the difference they can make, not in theory, but in practice. The result is lasting personal growth and stronger moral character.
At Cumorah Academy, we’re not just preparing students to launch careers—we’re preparing them to lead lives of purpose. That means helping them become people who lift others, serve selflessly, and find joy in giving.
Why We Serve
So, why do we serve?
Because every one of us has needed help at some point in our lives. We’ve all faced challenges, struggles, or loneliness. And someone was there. A friend. A mentor. A stranger. They reminded us we mattered. They lifted us.
Service is our way of giving that same hope and love to someone else. And in a world that can be driven by selfishness and individualism, Cumorah Academy proudly offers an alternative: a community of selfless learners committed to impact.
We don’t just want our students to learn about leadership—we want them to live it. We don’t just teach about values—we build opportunities to practice them. And through that, our students live what we call a transforming experience—one where their worldview shifts, their compassion grows, and their future path becomes clearer.
Want to see more of what they experienced and accomplished? We’ve shared photos, stories, and special moments – come take a look!:
Join the Movement
At Cumorah Academy, we’re creating more than classrooms. We’re building a culture of service, character, and leadership. And we’re always looking for young adults who are ready to be part of something bigger than themselves.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, growing in faith, and preparing for a meaningful life and career, Cumorah Academy might be the place for you.
Apply now and discover your own transforming experience.
👉 Learn more about our programs and how to apply here.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
