Encounter Baltimore: Fall 2026

Harvesting Community, Food and Fun!

Gain exposure to organic farming practices, Catholic Worker tradition, and integral ecology by joining us on a trip to Oxbow Farm, located in Parkton, MD.

While at Oxbow Farms students will engage hands-on in organic farming, animal care, and community service. Hands-on ecological engagement opportunities.

Oxbow Farm, owned by a Loyola Economics professor John Dougherty and his family, follows National Organic Program Standards and donates substantial produce to local food pantries. Their mission is inspired by the Catholic Worker Movement; committed to fresh produce, hospitality, and ecological education.

*Transportation and lunch provided.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

Learn more: https://www.oxbowfarm.net/

Volunteer with the Maryland Food Bank!

At the Baltimore warehouse you'll sort donated food on the conveyor belt, check expiration dates, pack boxes, and build meal kits — or help prep ingredients and package meals in the community kitchen. Volunteers must be able to lift 25 pounds and stand for three hours. Wear closed-toe shoes (no Crocs) and a sleeved shirt, bring a light jacket, and arrive 15 minutes early. Anyone under 18 needs a parent-signed waiver through the online portal.

*Transportation provided.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

Learn more: https://mdfoodbank.org/

Volunteer at Second Chance, Inc.!

This Baltimore nonprofit salvages materials from buildings that would otherwise be demolished, resells them in its warehouse store, and uses the work to fund job training for people rebuilding their careers.

Volunteers sort salvaged materials, organize inventory, assist customers in the retail center, and pitch in wherever help is needed — and students with skills in carpentry, retail, or customer service can put those to work too.

Every shift starts with orientation and safety training, so no experience is necessary.

*Transportation provided.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions
Learn more: https://secondchanceinc.org/

Join Encounter Baltimore at Habitat for Humanity!

You'll spend the day on an active build site with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, learning about their work creating affordable homeownership across Central Maryland — they've dedicated over 800 homes since 1982. Tasks depend on where the house is in the construction schedule, but you might hang drywall or cabinets, install flooring, trim, or siding, paint, landscape, or prep and clean up the site. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes (no Crocs) and clothes you don't mind ruining — nothing loose or baggy.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

*Transportation and lunch provided.

Are you looking to get involved in sustainability and environmental conservation? Want to get off campus and explore your local Baltimore community? Come join CCSJ for a boat trip out on the Chesapeake Bay and learn about how oysters protect Baltimore's natural waterways! Be a part of the 2nd annual oyster garden planting and make an impact!

*If you're a new student on campus, you might especially enjoy this trip! This could be a great first adventure for you to get to know Baltimore!

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

Volunteer at Second Chance, Inc.!

This Baltimore nonprofit salvages materials from buildings that would otherwise be demolished, resells them in its warehouse store, and uses the work to fund job training for people rebuilding their careers.

Volunteers sort salvaged materials, organize inventory, assist customers in the retail center, and pitch in wherever help is needed — and students with skills in carpentry, retail, or customer service can put those to work too.

Every shift starts with orientation and safety training, so no experience is necessary.

*Transportation provided.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions
Learn more: https://secondchanceinc.org/

Volunteer at First Fruits Farm!

At this 281-acre nonprofit farm in Freeland, MD, you'll harvest crops and pack produce that's 100% donated to food banks, shelters, and pantries across the Mid-Atlantic. No experience needed — staff train you on-site. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle and gloves. Register early — spots fill fast!
*Transportation provided.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

Learn more: https://www.firstfruitsfarm.org/about

Join Encounter Baltimore at Habitat for Humanity!

You'll spend the day on an active build site with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, learning about their work creating affordable homeownership across Central Maryland — they've dedicated over 800 homes since 1982. Tasks depend on where the house is in the construction schedule, but you might hang drywall or cabinets, install flooring, trim, or siding, paint, landscape, or prep and clean up the site. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes (no Crocs) and clothes you don't mind ruining — nothing loose or baggy.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

*Transportation and lunch provided.

Join Encounter Baltimore at Habitat for Humanity!

You'll spend the day on an active build site with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, learning about their work creating affordable homeownership across Central Maryland — they've dedicated over 800 homes since 1982. Tasks depend on where the house is in the construction schedule, but you might hang drywall or cabinets, install flooring, trim, or siding, paint, landscape, or prep and clean up the site. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes (no Crocs) and clothes you don't mind ruining — nothing loose or baggy.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

*Transportation and lunch provided.

Volunteer at First Fruits Farm!

At this 281-acre nonprofit farm in Freeland, MD, you'll harvest crops and pack produce that's 100% donated to food banks, shelters, and pantries across the Mid-Atlantic. No experience needed — staff train you on-site. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle and gloves. Register early — spots fill fast!
*Transportation provided.

Contact immersion@loyola.edu with any questions

Learn more: https://www.firstfruitsfarm.org/about