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.

​

Ages

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

 

Maximum Group Size

40 people, including adults

​

Available Dates​​​​

• June 15 to 20, 2025

• FILLED - June 22 to 27, 2025

• June 29 to July 4, 2025

 

Washington DC, is not only our nation’s capital and the political heart of the United States but also a city grappling with significant social challenges. Despite its status, approximately 14% of DC residents live below the poverty line, and the disparity between the wealthy and the poor remains stark. Understanding and addressing poverty in this context involves examining the root causes and the impact of legislative decisions.

​

During your Be The Neighbor trip to DC, your group will delve into these issues through a combination of direct service and education about how you can advocate for legislation that better supports all of our neighbors. You will work with local organizations focused on alleviating poverty, including food banks and pantries, housing assistance programs, and community support services. These hands-on activities will provide valuable insights into the daily struggles faced by those in need. During this trip, groups will have the opportunity to meet with your elected officials or members of their staff, giving your group the opportunity to see what it’s like to work with lawmakers and advocate for issues that are important to them. Your visit will also include visits to museums that highlight these experience and learn about the rich history of our country.  

​

Your group will explore how the topics you’re learning about are relevant to your own community and will 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 $50 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.