Ages
Middle School, High School Students, College Students, Adults​
Maximum Group Size
20 people, including adults
​
Available Dates​
-
July 4 to 9, 2027 - FILLED
-
July 11 to 16, 2027 - FILLED
-
July 18 - 23, 2027 - 5 spots left
​
San Diego, California, often called "America's Finest City," is known for its beaches, tourism, and beautiful weather, but it is also a border community shaped by deep cultural history, economic inequality, immigration policy, and generations of community activism. As the birthplace of California and a key site in the history of colonization and border formation, San Diego offers a unique lens into Chicano, Latine, and transborder issues, where the history and ongoing struggles of these communities highlight deeply rooted questions of justice and equity.
​
A Be The Neighbor trip to San Diego will introduce participants to the theme of Chicano, Latine, and transborder justice, exploring the Indigenous and Mexican roots of the region, the Chicano Movement, and the ways culture, identity, and activism intersect with issues like immigration, border justice, environmental justice, labor rights, and community empowerment. Through partnerships with local organizations and cultural experiences, participants will meet community leaders, activists, and organizations doing justice work across San Diego, visit key cultural and historic sites, and learn about systemic challenges these communities face, including struggles for political representation, cultural preservation, and civil rights. Groups will also engage in service projects that respond to community-identified needs, which may include neighborhood restoration, supporting community organizations, and other projects alongside local partners.
​
At the same time, participants will experience the resilience, creativity, and significant contributions of Chicano, Latine, and border communities, especially their rich artistic and cultural traditions. Participants will be invited to look beyond the tourist experience of San Diego, listen to the stories of people who call this region home, and consider how each encounter connects local movements to broader struggles for justice across the country.
​
Your group will be encouraged to reflect on how the issues you encounter are relevant to your own community and to develop a plan for continuing this work at home. Be The Neighbor weeks are learning and launching trips, meaning participants will leave 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 $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
-
Discussion guides for priviate group reflection
-
Group interactive education led by BTN staff
-
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
-
Journals for each participant
-
Online orientation for your adult leaders
-
A t-shirt for each participant
​
Please note that your group will be responsible for dinners and transportation during the week.