It’s obvious that Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School teachers Rebecca Kelley and Judith McCusker don’t mind going above and behind the call of duty.

Equally impressive, perhaps, is the recent work ethic shown by Immaculate Conception students Jacob Handanyan and Rocco Zarra.

And to hear Frank Galligan tell it, Zarra could be a model spokesperson for the school’s recently completed summer camp.

“Rocco said he was happy to be part of the program for a second year in a row,” said Galligan, who heads the school’s unique summer camp programs. “I really like the camp. I was part of the program last year and decided to return again this year. It’s nice knowing that we’re helping organizations. Plus, I am with a lot of my friends, so it makes the week even more fun.”

What Zarra and 29 other Immaculate Conception students did during the week of July 7 was make a difference in the greater community by dedicating a week of their summer recess to visit community centers and soup kitchens and provide assistance to neighborhood residents with various clean-up projects.

The program actually began back in February when Immaculate Conception Principal Brian Cordeiro and Galligan – who is the director of Summer EXPLORE (standing for “exciting programs, learning opportunities and rewarding experiences”) Camps, pitched the idea of a weeklong community service camp for students.

“The camp’s mission is to provide service in the community,” Galligan said. “And that is complemented by an afternoon group meeting that affords the students a chance to reflect on the day’s work.”

Kelley and McCusker headed this year’s highly successful camp.

Galligan also noted that within a month of open enrollment, the camp was filled to capacity by 30 students and a waiting list continued to fill up.

“But in order to provide a personal, meaningful and well-supervised experience for the kids,” Galligan went on, “we had to limit it to 30 students. It’s unfortunate we had to turn people away, but is just goes to show you how much these kids want to make a difference, and that’s just great to see.”

“We at Immaculate Conception Regional School are extremely proud of each and every student,” said McCusker, a skilled fourth-grade teacher who is well known for her highly successful and ongoing innovative projects. “We’re also proud of what these kids have accomplished.”

Thus, instead of beginning their summer vacations at places like swimming pools and beaches, those 30 middle school students rolled up their sleeves and performed a myriad of chores at places like Magaziner Farm in Bristol – where they weeded and worked in the gardens that provide fresh produce and vegetables – and the Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston.

McCusker further explained that the students made blankets for children who are critically ill children as part Project Linus.

The Summer EXPLORE Camps at Immaculate Conception are open to children attending the school and general public. This year, 19 programs are being offered to children in grades K-8 and include community service, technology, athletics, visual arts and performing arts. For more information, please call 401-942-7245.