Service is at the core of personal development.
True growth happens when we use our talents for the benefit of others—building a healthy community, one person at a time. For young adults, service is not just about helping. It is about discovering purpose, responsibility, and leadership.
At Cumorah Academy, service projects for young adults are intentionally designed to shape both character and skills. Students plan and carry out service projects for several reasons:
- They develop practical skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving
- They become familiar with different cultures and perspectives
- They use their abilities to make a real difference in other people’s lives
Beyond skills, these projects leave a lasting impact. Students reflect on their purpose and future direction. They see firsthand that they can create meaningful change, regardless of background or experience.
In this blog post, we recall and celebrate all the service projects that took place in 2025. From teaching English to planting trees, Cumorah Academy students made 2025 a remarkable year through service projects for young adults that transformed both communities and hearts.
Why Service Projects Matter and How They Work
At Cumorah Academy, students participate in different types of service projects. Some are planned and carried out by student groups throughout the semester, focusing on researching and serving the local community.
Once students arrive on campus, they are placed into one group that remains together for the entire semester. There are five student groups, each named after a leader found in the scriptures:
- Nephi
- Ruth
- Isaiah
- Esther
- Moroni
Each group completes at least one service project during the semester. In addition, the entire campus participates in larger projects together. Combined, these experiences strengthen leadership, unity, and personal growth through service projects for young adults.
2025: A Year of Growth and Opportunities
At the heart of Cumorah Academy is a clear conviction: this generation has the power to create lasting impact wherever they serve. Leadership is inseparable from discipleship, and true growth happens when individuals learn to forget themselves in service to others. This principle is not only taught but also actively lived through consistent, hands-on opportunities to bless communities.
In 2025, students turned these values into measurable action:
- More than 15 service projects completed across multiple cities and institutions
- Over 300 individuals were directly impacted, including families, schoolchildren, and local organizations
- More than 2,000 hours of volunteer service contributed by students throughout the year
- Service provided in 7+ different locations, strengthening community partnerships
Key areas of impact included:
- Food bank operations:
Students sorted and preserved donated produce, significantly accelerating distribution efforts. Their work saved weeks of labor and helped ensure that food reached families faster while reducing waste. - Educational outreach in local schools:
Students taught English lessons, led interactive activities, and mentored youth. These experiences helped young learners build confidence, improve communication skills, and form positive connections with international role models. - Community support initiatives:
Students assisted local volunteers, strengthened relationships with community leaders, and provided practical help where it was most needed.
Beyond numbers, the deeper impact was transformational. These service experiences shaped students into compassionate, proactive leaders who learned to see service not as an event, but as a lifelong responsibility.
Winter Semester of 2025
The first service project of the winter semester focused on cleaning a nearby forest. Along with removing waste, students collected wood for use in campus facilities such as the gym and the fireplace. Clear skies and fresh air made the experience both productive and energizing.
During this semester, students invested significant time planning their projects. Interestingly, all groups focused on a single shared initiative: teaching English.
Each group prepared interactive games and engaging activities, designed not only to teach language skills but also to create a welcoming environment. Over two weeks, students taught English to senior-year high school students in Vlašim. To read the whole experience, read the blog post Teaching English in the Heart of the Czech Republic.
The goal went beyond grammar and vocabulary. Students aimed to build confidence, helping young learners see English as a tool to connect with the world. This approach reflects the deeper purpose behind service projects for young adults—empowering others while growing personally.
Spring Semester of 2025
On April 19th, students left campus at 7:00 a.m. to travel to Brest Želinski, a house in urgent need of care. This was not just a renovation project; it was a future home for children.
Some students carried heavy loads of wood. Others painted walls, swept floors, and scrubbed surfaces. Because of strong cleaning products, many wore masks to stay safe. Every task mattered. You can read the full experience here: A Transforming Experience: How Service Shapes Our Students.
Esther and Isaiah
These two groups chose food banking as their service project. Upon arrival, students organized fruit, packed boxes, and prepared meals for families. What began as unfamiliar work quickly turned into shared joy.
Pedro, a student from Brazil, reflected:
“The more I participate in projects like this, the more I realize the impact these people have on my life. Serving is something everyone should do.”
Full Blog: Serve in Your Community: Esther and Isaiah Service Project
Nephi, Ruth, and Moroni
These groups focused on inspiring others to start their own service initiatives. The Nephi group shared their thoughts and feelings about starting an organization to serve the community.
Esther, a student from Brazil, shared:
“At Cumorah Academy, we have the chance to be close to the community to serve them.”
Motivated by this spirit, Ruth and Moroni taught English to children and teenagers in Vlašim. Most of the students were English learners themselves, proving that service projects for young adults are about courage, not perfection.
Blog:
- How to Start an Outreach Project: Lessons from the Nephi Group
- Teaching Is Leadership in Practice: Moroni & Ruth Outreach Project
Fall Semester of 2025
The fall semester, leading into Christmas, included two campus-wide service projects.
On September 13th, students partnered with the Wallace Toronta Foundation to clean and restore a city park in Olomouc.
Later in the season, students planted 250 trees in Naceradec, a rural area of the Czech Republic.
These experiences encouraged reflection. Hugo Castelan from Mexico shared:
“We are repaying for what we received for studying here.”
Blog:
- Every Place Has a Story: How a Community Service Project in Olomouc Inspired Our Students
- The Power of Gratitude: How Tree Planting Shapes Future Leaders
Ruth and Moroni
Students traveled to a local school in Vlašim to teach English. Many had originally come to Cumorah Academy to improve their own language skills. Now, they stood confidently in front of classrooms, leading lessons with enthusiasm.
Blog:
Nephi
Students spent the day sorting and preparing food donations from restaurants and organizations. Every bag packed represented hope for someone in need.
Read the full blog of their experience:
Esther and Isaiah
These groups decorated the Ronald McDonald House for Christmas, creating a warm and comforting environment for families facing difficult circumstances. This act captured the heart of service projects for young adults—bringing light where it is needed most. Their full experience is in this blog post: How Student Volunteer Initiatives Change Lives and Strengthen Communities
Reflecting on These Projects
One of the greatest outcomes of these experiences is how deeply they impact students. Here is what some shared:
“I can serve as Jesus served. At Cumorah Academy, we are learning to be leaders like Jesus Christ.” — Eric (Brazil)
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and build something meaningful by serving others.” — Moroni (Brazil)
“We can engage with the community, and it’s a way to help others too.” — Walter (Argentina)
“It’s a great opportunity to forget about ourselves and do something for someone else.” — Dušan (Czech Republic)
We are grateful for the impact made in 2025—and we are excited for what lies ahead. If you are a young adult seeking growth, purpose, and leadership, service projects for young adults at Cumorah Academy may be the beginning of your transformation.
Are you ready to develop your leadership skills? Do you want experiences that shape who you become? Apply to Cumorah Academy and let your journey begin.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
