Northeast Summer of Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently under construction. Last updated December 8

What is Summer of Service? 

Summer of Service is an annual intensive study and service program for youth starting at the age of 15. The program has been ongoing since 2019 in the Northeast Region and focuses on building capacities for service aligned with the Plans of the Universal House of Justice. Generally, youth are brought together for 4-5 weeks in an intensive program of daily institute study and field time for the youth to practice serving as a children’s class teacher, animator and/or home visitor in neighborhoods that are designated as centers of intense activity. This endeavor is sponsored by both the Regional Baha’i Council of the Northeast as well as the Northeast Regional Training Institute. 

When is it and where? 

• Orientation July 2nd-9th (arrival evening of the 2nd by 6pm)

• Deployment July 9th-26th

• Reunion/Reflection July 26th-28th

Location information coming soon.

Drop Off and Pick Up Times

More exact information to come. Please plan to drop off your youth by the evening of the 2nd to the orientation location which is currently tbd.

What is orientation? 

Orientation is a mandatory part for anyone who would like to participate in Summer of Service and lasts 6 days long. During orientation, youth will have the opportunity to build vision, create bonds of friendship, study institute courses that are relevant to their service and gain some initial time in the field of service. It will be an opportunity for participants and facilitators to get to know each other so they can best support them and the youth will begin to adjust to the intensity of the program. Mornings will be spent in devotions and meditation, study and consultation. Each day participants will have the opportunity to visit neighborhoods and observe and/or facilitate activities. 

What is deployment? 

Deployment is the heart of the program and the most impactful opportunity for the participants. It is the period of time in which all they learned during orientation is put into practice in the field. Participants will have the opportunity to stay in a designated focus neighborhood and everyday they will be facilitating children’s classes, junior youth groups, going on outreach and practicing home visits. They will also have the opportunity to study in-depth themes of the Faith, spend time in meditation and prayer and live amongst other youth who are all trying to draw nearer to Baha’u’llah. There will also be off day opportunities for youth to do recreation together, explore areas of the city if desired and/or do extracurricular activities. 

How will youth be getting to their deployment neighborhoods?

Transportation will be arranged for all the youth on July 9th to their deployment neighborhoods in teams. They will be traveling either by car, bus or train. Tickets will be purchased by the Regional Baha’i Council or Training Institute Board. 

How will youth be returning from their deployment neighborhoods back home?

There will be an end-of-program reunion for all those who participate this year for several days at the end of the program. Families are expected to arrange their own travel plans for their youth to return home on the morning of August 2nd. Please contact us with any questions you may have. 

What if my youth wants to attend but cannot be there the full time due to prior commitments? 

Based on prior experience when participants leave the program at various times throughout, it negatively affects morale and the plans of the neighborhood nucleus, as they are depending on youth resources for the summer. This year there is a strict non-negotiable full-time commitment expectation when registering.

What efforts are in place to ensure safety of minors during the program and Clearance to work with minors?

Teaching is a sacred act and the way in which we interact both with the local population and the youth participating in the program must meet the highest standards of rectitude. We consider safety and abiding by minor protection laws a priority that cannot be overlooked and so all Program Coordinators, Team Coordinators, and Summer of Service participants are required to be cleared to work with minors through a background check conducted through Sterling Volunteers and any additional state required checks for the states they will serve in. As such, all program/team coordinators and participants are required to have a Massachusetts Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) check in order to be cleared to work with minors whilst participating in orientation. Any program/team coordinators and participants who will be serving in the state of Pennsylvania during deployment, will also need to be required to obtain clearance through the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Check. These clearances to work with minors are facilitated by the Northeast Regional Training Institutes regional clearance team. Participants will receive emails from rbcne.clearances@gmail.com after registration with information about how to obtain clearance.

During orientation and deployment, housing is separated by gender and we ensure that there are supervisors above the age of 18 who are cleared to work with minors staying with the youth in their accommodations. Each neighborhood will have strict curfews that youth must abide by for their safety as well as that of their peers. 

What is the cost to participate in Summer of Service?

The estimated housing and food costs for orientation is $480 per participant. Families can choose to contribute any amount towards the cost of their participation by using the online contribution system (OCS) and selecting the RBC Northeast - Unrestricted Contributions fund. Only registered members of the Baha'i Faith can use the online contribution system (OCS).

All other friends are encouraged to make in-kind contributions such as providing meals, snacks etc. Contributions of all kinds are a vital way of sustaining these programs year after year and are highly encouraged.

What is the policy on access to technology/cell phones?

Cell phones are asked to be used sparingly and during limited hours. This program requires youth to be fully motivated and think of how they can use every opportunity to learn both from the study and their fellow peers. We ask that during devotions, study and field time, participants only use their phone for need-based purposes and also limit cell phone use during meals so that they can enjoy the company of their peers. 

What happens if I need medication or there is a medical emergency? 

Please let us know in your registration form whether there are non-acute, medical needs. We will have basic over the counter medicine available on-site i.e, Advil, ibuprofen, tums, etc., In the case of a medical emergency, please ensure that you have your health insurance information readily available so that if we need to, a staff member can accompany you to an urgent care clinic or emergency room. Parents will be immediately notified and a team coordinator/staff member will stay with the participant at the hospital until they are discharged and/or the parents are able to come and retrieve their child. 

Can parents visit?

Parents can visit their youth if accessible—we only ask that it is during appropriate hours such as meal times or in the evening after they return to their dorms once the daily program has completed. Of course, we ask that parents are mindful to allow their youth time to settle and use visits sparingly. Please inform one of the project coordinators if you plan to make a visit. Contact information listed below. 

What should I bring with me? Is there a packing list?

Clothing choices must be guided by the Bahá'í teachings of modesty and chastity. Please do not bring anything that is suggestive or reveals too much. In addition, skirts, shorts, and dresses should be long enough that youth can comfortably engage in active movement and at a length that upholds a sense of modesty, comfort, and dignity. The style and appearance of all clothing should reflect the idea that youth are representing Baha’i ideals, including refinement. We ask families to consult among themselves about the implication of this for their youth’s summer clothing choices!

• Sufficient Clothes for a month. (Laundry machines and detergent will be available)

• Toiletries (toothbrush, brush, shampoo, soap etc)

• Rain Jacket 

• Shoes: Slides / Sneakers / In-door slippers

• Swimsuit (no bikinis/speedos)

• Towel

• Reusable Water Bottle

• Backpack (to store books/water etc.)

• Bedding (if possible) 

• Medications if necessary

• Pocket money (breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided)

Please remember that this program is a drug-free, alcohol-free and weapons-free space. Anyone found with any of these items will immediately be sent home. 

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the program?

Northeast Regional Training Institute Secretary | Aleah Douglas Khavari secretary@northeastrti.org

Boston Regional Coordinators | Hayon Thapaliya hayon.shin92@gmail.com (267) 634-3408, Samin Charepoo (857)-399-6399

NYC Regional Coordinator | Arianna Hakiman ari.carmel@gmail.com (615) 935-0629

Philly Area Regional Collaborator | Jiaan Mansuri (917) 445 1232