Trip Type

Connect Trip - These trips are primarily hands-on service. They focus on how to actively develop partners in your own neighborhoods so that, together with your neighbors, you can work to make your community a place where all people can thrive.​ 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

40 people, including adults

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Available Dates​​​​

• June 8 to 12, 2025

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Brownwood, a small town in central Texas, embodies both the beauty and challenges of rural life. Like many rural communities, Brownwood faces economic hardships, with a poverty rate of nearly 20% and limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and transportation. Families in rural areas often struggle with fewer job opportunities, food insecurity, and inadequate social safety nets, making community-based support systems even more critical.

 

During your Be The Neighbor trip to Brownwood, your group will have the unique opportunity to lead a camp for children in Brown County who may not otherwise have access to a traditional camp experience, while staying onsite at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center. Through creative activities, mentorship, and service-learning projects, you’ll help local youth discover the power of kindness, service, and community engagement. These experiences will not only create meaningful connections but will also empower young people with the understanding that even small acts of service can make a significant difference in their lives and in the lives of those around them. We'll also explore different advocacy efforts that you can utilize in your own community.

 

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 cost. Check out is 10 am.

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.