Trip Type

Reach Trip - These trips are a mix of hands-on service and educational pieces. They teach about the topic through service and then focus on learning about how the justice focus is part of a larger, systemic issue. Learn more about the different between Connect Trips and Reach Trips by clicking here.

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Ages

Middle School Students, High School Students, College Students, Adults​

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Maximum Group Size

20 people, including adults

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Available Dates​​​​

• July 20 to 25, 2025

• July 27 to August 1, 2025

• August 3 to 8, 2025 - FILLED

• This trip is also available for flexible length and timing trips from September to April. This could be a day trip, weekend trip, or week-long trip. Prices are adjusted based on the number of days.

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Black Mountain, North Carolina sits just outside of Asheville in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. In the fall of 2024 Hurricane Helene devastated this beautiful part of western North Carolina. It is not common for hurricanes to hit mountain towns with such intense force. On this trip you and your group will participate in disaster recovery while learning about disaster preparedness and environmental justice to help prevent future destruction.

 

You will stay in cabins at the beautiful Christmount Camp and Conference Center and your work will include hands on projects working for environmental care and disaster recovery efforts both at Christmount and within the greater community. Each day will also include activities and speakers who will teach about disaster preparedness and environmental care.

 

Be The Neighbor’s summer programming begins on Sunday evening and concludes on Friday morning. You may stay an additional night to explore see the city in this location for an additional $10 per person. Check out is 10 am Saturday morning.

Trip costs follow our equitable pricing model. You can read more about it here. We want everyone to be able to participate no matter their financial realities. Regardless of which level you select, your trip includes: 

 

• A simple breakfast, lunch and snack Monday morning through Friday morning

• A dedicated Site Director and Intern(s) to facilitate your week

• Fully planned service and educational experiences

• Theological reflections created to engage participants in connecting what they are learning to their faith

• Lodging, including showers, dedicated sleeping rooms, gathering rooms, and kitchens use - most sites include air mattresses or cots for all of your participants

• Costs covered for honorariums for speakers, activities, supplies for projects with community partners, and any entrance fees for educational experiences

• A reusable water bottle for each participant

• Discussion guides for small groups on Reach trips and small group interactive education led by BTN staff on Connect trips

• Journals for each participant

• Online orientation for your adult leaders 

• A coupon code to get t-shirts at-cost (shirts will be included at the Neighbor pricing level)

 

Please note that your group will be responsible for dinners and transportation during the week.