Ages
Middle School, High School Students, College Students, Adults​
Maximum Group Size
25 people, including adults
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Available Dates​​
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June 6 to 11, 2027
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June 13 to 18, 2027
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June 20 to 25, 2027 - FILLED
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June 27 to July 2, 2027 - 10 spots left
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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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When you think of Hawaii, what do you picture most: the blue waves of the Pacific Ocean and ancient, lush volcanic mountains rising above its urban centers and countryside? It's a paradise of beautiful land and a colorful diversity of people and cultures! Our island is rich in aloha, heritage, history, and the multicultural population that calls Oahu, the gathering place, home. But did you know that one out of every five people living on Oahu was not born in Hawaii?
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During Be The Neighbor's trip to Oahu, you will learn about the culture of Hawaii, the impact of colonialism on the Hawaiian islands, and the ways immigrants, specifically those from Micronesia, experience racism and discrimination, as they have been the latest immigrant culture to arrive and make their home in Hawaii, along with environmental concerns and more. You'll learn about the island of Chuuk, where many of our immigrants call home, their journey to Hawaii, and some of the struggles the Chuukese face in this new land. Through speakers, creative experiences, and hands-on faith in action, you'll learn more about Hawaiian culture and Micronesian culture, specifically Chuukese culture. You'll help facilitate Chuukese families as they share their sacred stories through art, music, and videography, so their culture is better understood in Hawaii and across the USA. Talking story in Hawaii is sacred and is expressed through community. You will be an integral part of Chuukese culture and of families experiencing racism and discrimination as you listen to their stories, share your own, celebrate diversity, and help bring their stories to life through videos shared with media and news.
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One highlight of your trip will be working with Chuukese children and youth in both play and learning activities. Only as we listen to and understand one another's stories, and honor the sacredness of each person's story, can we walk beside our neighbor and find our way forward together. We hope this trip will plant a passion within you to celebrate the stories of different people and cultures, and to give voice to your own story.
Your group will explore how the topics you're learning about relate to your own community and develop a plan for how you can continue this work when you get home. Be The Neighbor weeks are learning and launching trips, meaning participants will leave the week equipped to live lives of love, service, and justice in ways that are relational, sustainable, and dignity-affirming!
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 $30 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:
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A simple breakfast, lunch and snack Monday morning through Friday morning
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A dedicated Site Director and Intern(s) to facilitate your week
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Fully planned service and educational experiences
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Theological reflections created to engage participants in connecting what they are learning to their faith
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Discussion guides for priviate group reflection
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Group interactive education led by BTN staff
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Lodging, including showers, dedicated sleeping rooms, gathering rooms, and kitchens use - most sites include air mattresses or cots for all of your participants
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Costs covered for honorariums for speakers, activities, supplies for projects with community partners, and any entrance fees for educational experiences
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A t-shirt for each participant
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Journals for each participant
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Online orientation for your adult leaders
Please note that your group will be responsible for dinners and transportation during the week.