Immersion Trips

Appalachia

About Appalachia

The Mountains are Calling

Auxier is nestled between rolling valleys and winding rivers. Among the valleys, you’ll find extreme rural poverty and stories of despair and survival.

We help ease the burden for our neighbors by hosting volunteers to provide home repairs in the eastern Kentucky counties of Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin and Martin.

There's truly something beautiful and simple about this life. That these connections to these towns run back generations, through the stories of the homeowners, and the Hand in Hand staff. I'm so grateful to have been given this opportunity. For the new friends I made. For the new perspective on these great, but not forgotten, American communities. For a renewed sense of purpose and desire to continue to give back to these communities.

Megan

Immersion Trip Volunteer

Join Us for an Immersion Trip

Winding Through Hollers & Over Bridges

Is your heart longing to slow down for a few days, get out of town and rewind? Do you want to relax on the porch swing after a home cooked meal overlooking a picturesque mountain town? Are you looking for that place to call HOME, welcomed with smiles and hugs?

Our small town of Auxier, KY is just that—home. Be part of the hope as you wind through the hollers, over bridges to meet some of the most humble, proud people of Appalachia. Hear their stories, lend a helping hand on a repair project, that reminds us there are still good people in the world.

Immersion Trip Opportunities

Family & Solo

Looking to strike out on your own and meet other like-minded individuals? Trips are ideal for family and friend groups of 10 or less. Solo travelers will be placed with a group that fits their preference. Dates available from February–November.

Group Travel

These trips are for groups of 10 – 25 volunteers that would prefer a private, exclusive date. Great for schools, businesses, church communities, etc. School rates are available. Dates available from February–November available.

How It Works

If you are interested in joining a trip or scheduling a trip for your group, please contact Allison Ridenour.
After your trip is scheduled, we will keep in touch with you regarding pre-trip planning, payment, required forms, packing lists, etc.
We can accommodate groups of up to 25. Standard trips are either Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, and begin at 5:00pm the first day, and conclude at 12:00pm on the final day.
For student groups, we require a 4:1 student to adult ratio.
All individuals and groups must provide transportation to the center and to the job sites.
Participants stay on-site at the Auxier Center, a renovated school. We have hot and cold running water, A/C and heat, Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds. There are 2 rooms each with 9 bunk beds, 2 community style areas with multiple rooms.
Volunteers enjoy hearty home-cooked meals that are prepared and served daily by our staff. We cannot accommodate specific dietary restrictions.
We provide all construction materials and tools. No skills are necessary to participate. We have skilled leaders who will assist on the worksite.
All trips include a cultural activity option. Whether that is learning to clog at a weekly community event, seeing herds of protected elk, or showing off your karaoke skills.
The charitable donation for a standard 3-night stay is $300 per person. This covers the cost of materials and tools, meals, and lodging.

*We offer different pricing structures for school and church youth groups.

The trip was fantastic all around. The Hand in Hand staff were great leaders, passionate about their mission and engaging with the boys. I think we all got a lot out of the experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

Gabriel B.

School Trip Leader

Located in Auxier, KY

Other Destinations

We’ve been sending folks into communities around the globe for over twenty years. Our work focuses on providing quality education, safe housing and health care to those who need it most.

Book Your Trip Today

Our immersion trip programs are all part of an experience you won’t forget.

Contact Allison