At Cumorah Academy, leadership education doesn’t begin in a classroom.
It begins in the community.
From the very first days on campus, students are invited to step outside themselves and engage in something bigger than their own goals, fears, or expectations. That’s why service projects are a foundational part of leadership education at Cumorah Academy—not an add-on, not a nice-to-have, but a core experience that shapes who our students become.
Why We Ask Students to Engage in Service Projects
Service creates connection.
Connection with others.
Connection with purpose.
And connection with oneself.
That might sound surprising at first. After all, leadership schools are often associated with strategy sessions, workshops, and skill-building exercises. But at Cumorah Academy, we believe that true leadership is learned through action, especially when that action serves others.
When students engage in service projects, they step into real-world situations that challenge them to listen, collaborate, and act with empathy. These moments help them discover parts of themselves that don’t always surface in a classroom setting.
“The service project was an opportunity to help the local community and increase our love for others. It was a way for us to be givers and not takers,” says Danilo Mayer, a student from Brazil.
Eliza Antunes, a student from Brazil, shared, “It was an incredible experience to take part in the service project in Kamberk. By serving others, we experience true joy, and all the students had fun working together.”
Lucas Lima, also from Brazil, said, “We had a wonderful service project. It reminded me of the power of charity and the blessings that come through serving others. We bless not only the lives of those we serve, but our own as well. Even though it was very cold, I’m sure everyone felt warmth in their hearts.”
Service projects also place students alongside people from different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. In doing so, they learn something essential: leadership is not about position or recognition—it’s about responsibility.
How Service Projects Teach Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most meaningful leadership lessons can’t be taught through lectures or textbooks.
They are learned through doing.
By participating in service projects, students uncover strengths they didn’t know they had. Some discover a natural ability to organize. Others realize they thrive when working with their hands. Many find joy in simply showing up and being useful.
These experiences allow students to:
- Identify their talents and interests through real action
- Build empathy and cultural awareness
- Strengthen teamwork and communication skills
- Develop humility and resilience
- Understand the impact of small, consistent acts of service
Leadership education through service projects helps students internalize values that stay with them long after the project ends.
Why We Start the Session With a Service Project
At Cumorah Academy, our mission is clear:
to prepare this generation to become the leaders the world needs.
You may have seen us say it before:
This generation is the future leaders.
But here’s the truth—we use the word future to describe their long-term impact, not their current ability.
Our students are already leading.
Right now.
In the decisions they make.
In the way they treat others.
And in the courage they show when faced with discomfort or uncertainty.
That’s why we begin each session with a service project. It sets the tone for everything that follows. From day one, students learn that leadership starts with service, not status.
A Snowy Beginning: Service in the Czech Countryside
On a beautiful, snowy Saturday morning—January 9th—our students woke up for their very first official experience at Cumorah Academy.
They knew it would be memorable.
They didn’t yet know how transformative it would be.
That morning, the students traveled to Kamberk, a small village nestled in the Czech countryside. Their destination was an old building that would soon be transformed into a community gathering center—a place designed to bring people together.
The task was simple yet meaningful: clean the building, prepare the space, and assist in gathering the necessary tools for the renovation.
For many students, this was their first time seeing snow.
As flakes fell around them, laughter filled the air. Smiles told stories that words couldn’t capture. The contrast was striking: white snow, worn walls, and students stepping inside with gloves on, ready to work.
Leadership Education Through Shared Service
Inside the building, there was a lot to do.
Cleaning.
Organizing.
Carrying tools.
Supporting one another.
No one asked, “What’s in it for me?”
Everyone simply showed up.
This is what leadership education through service projects looks like in practice. Students work side by side, learning to rely on one another, encouraging each other, and contributing however they can.
Moments like these break down barriers quickly. Titles disappear. Backgrounds fade. What remains is a shared purpose.
Throughout the months students spend at Cumorah Academy, campus-wide service projects often become some of their favorite memories. There is a unique energy when everyone gathers with a common goal—focused, motivated, and excited to make a difference together.
The Lasting Impact of Service-Based Leadership Education
Service projects do more than support communities—they shape leaders.
Students leave these experiences with a deeper understanding of what leadership truly means. They learn that impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Often, it comes from showing up consistently, working hard, and caring deeply.
These early service experiences influence how students approach:
- Business creation
- Team leadership
- Community involvement
- Personal growth
- Faith and purpose
By starting their journey with service, students carry that mindset into everything they do afterward.
Why Service Will Always Be Part of Cumorah Academy
At Cumorah Academy, service isn’t a one-time event.
It’s a mindset we cultivate.
We believe that the leaders the world needs are those who understand people, value contribution, and act with compassion. Service projects are one of the most powerful tools for developing those qualities.
And it all starts with one snowy morning, one shared task, and one decision to serve.
Ready to Support Leadership Education That Makes a Real Impact?
When you support Cumorah Academy, you’re not just investing in education—you’re supporting leaders who serve first.
Apply for three months of discoveries and excitement at Cumorah Academy! Join us in preparing the next generation of leaders.
Support Cumorah Academy today and be part of a story that begins with service—and leads to lasting impact.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
