In addition to the concrete work, students also painted walls and helped lay a tile floor.

The students also volunteered with a group of visiting doctors, assisting by measuring and bagging foodstuffs and counting, bagging and labelling medications.

It wasn't all work, however. One night, they visited Glistening Waters, a bay where microorganisms in the water glow so brightly the bay is visible from space.

"It was almost like neon," said Yarger. "It's one of just three places in the world where this happens."

They also visited the Straw Market, where Jamaicans sell craft items to tourists.

"They expected you to try to bargain for what they had," said Brittany Snyder, of Watsontown.

At the end of their stay, they were pleased with what they had accomplished, but they realized there is much more to be done.

"We hoped to do more than we did," said Mark Summers of Turbotville.

All agreed the trip was an eye-opener and a life-changing experience. They gained a better understanding of how fortunate they are to live in this country, while also understanding how much their efforts meant to the people they met.

William Wilhelm, administrator of WCA, said students from WCA have made the trip to Jamaica for eight years.

"It's important for students to learn about other countries and cultures," said Wilhelm. "The experience helps them understand how fortunate they are and how an experience like this can make a difference in the world."