DESTINATIONS
Join us for a summer of new experiences, new friendships and a new way of looking at the world. Passport programs for teens span destinations on five continents and combine elements of active touring, community service, and meaningful Jewish experiences.
Experiences by Place
BBYO Passport offers summer experiences on five continents and across 22 countries. What part of the world will you explore this summer?
Israel
Watch the sunrise on Masada, float on the Dead Sea, explore Tel Aviv and discover the epicenter of Jewish history in Jerusalem. More Info »
Europe
Explore medieval castles, wander through cobble-lined streets and explore the many cultural treasures of Europe. More Info »
Africa
Travel to South Africa, and discover a land rich in cultural traditions, stunning landscapes and all manner of exotic wildlife roaming free. More Info »
Latin America
Experience colorful traditions, lush jungles and discover the meaning of “pura vida” (pure life) with all your senses! More Info »
North America
You don’t have to travel far to experience world-famous national parks, dynamic cities and the beauty of the wilderness. More Info »
Asia
The history, beauty, and culture of Thailand comes alive as you travel between the modern metropolis of Bangkok and the remote mountain provinces in the North. More Info »
Experiences by Type
BBYO Passport offers different types of summer experiences for teens with diverse interests. Discover which BBYO Passport program is right for you!
Stand UP
Perfect for teens who want to travel, immerse themselves in a new culture, give back to a community and experience a rewarding summer. More Info »
Ambassadors
A unique opportunity to travel and bond with local Jewish teens while exploring a new society and giving back along the way. More Info »
Discovery
Experience a summer of cultural travel full of landmark cities, world heritage sites and horizon-broadening experiences. More Info »
Israel
Watch the sunrise on Masada, float on the Dead Sea, explore Tel Aviv and discover the epicenter of Jewish history in Jerusalem. More Info »
Trek
Active travel experiences are the perfect way to get to know the lay of a new land and challenge yourself in the great outdoors! More Info »
Leadership
The opportunity to acquire leadership skills while bonding with new friends and exploring a new destination in a meaningful way. More Info »
Experiences by Age
BBYO Passport summer experiences are available to teens currently enrolled in 7th through 12th grades. See what’s available for you!
7th Grade
Choose to experience the United Kingdom. More Info »
8th Grade
Choose from a range of experiences in North and South America. More Info »
9th Grade
Choose from a range of experiences across five continents. More Info »
10th Grade
Choose from a range of experiences across five continents. More Info »
11th-12th Grades
Choose from a range of experiences across five continents. More Info »
FAQ
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about our Summer Experiences below. Program-specific FAQs are located within the program descriptions. If you didn’t find the answer to your particular question, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help!
About Us
How is BBYO Passport related to BBYO?
How do the program categories differ?
Ambassadors: These experiences are unique opportunities for teens to travel with their peers from the program’s host country and build a global network of friends. Combining touring, service and cross-cultural exploration, Ambassadors programs offer a highly immersive summer experience.
Stand UP: Located in dynamic destinations in America and around the world, Stand UP experiences are perfect for teens who are seeking a rewarding summer full of meaningful service projects, enrichment and exploration.
Trek: Active travel experiences are the perfect way to get to know the lay of a new land and challenge yourself in the great outdoors! Hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding are a few of the adventures that await on a Trek summer program.
Discovery: Experience a summer of cultural travel in Europe – full of landmark cities, world heritage sites and horizon-broadening experiences. Teens can look forward to an exceptional summer as they gain a new appreciation for the achievements of Western Civilization, discover new aspects of their Jewish heritage, and expand their horizons together with a group of new friends.
Leadership: Intended primarily for BBYO members, Leadership experiences combine educational touring, leadership training, interactive seminars and meaningful community service. These programs emphasize development of leadership skills applicable to their BBYO involvement at home and to their community at-large.
On Campus: BBYO’s On Campus initiative introduces teens to a pre-college campus experience that is intellectually stimulating, socially enriching, and infused with Jewish values.
How do connected programs work?
Who staffs the program?
“My madrich was hands-on the entire trip! When we needed someone to be a little more strict, he never strayed, and when we needed someone to lighten the mood, he always jumped in to make us laugh! He was such an important part of my whole experience!” – Summer 2017 Participant Learn more about our staff.
How are the programs staffed?
How are the staff prepared?
What's our approach to safety & security?
Jewish Approach
Why travel Jewishly?
What makes the programs Jewish?
Is the food kosher?
How is Shabbat observed?
We strive to provide a number of alternative options for celebrating Shabbat, and participants are encouraged to take a leadership role in how the experience is shared with the group. As a program, we do not drive on Shabbat and we do not oblige or encourage participants to break the rules of Shabbat which they observe. At the same time, what participants do during non-programmed time on Shabbat is their own personal decision. We only ask that everyone be mindful and considerate of each other’s practices.
Are all Jewish teens welcome?
What is BBYO's policy on inclusion?
Group Composition
Are the programs open to non-members?
*ILSI is designed primarily for BBYO members as a leadership experience.
What's the typical group size?
Where do the participants come from?
How does rooming work?
Can I travel with a friend?
Do most teens travel with a friend or solo?
How We Travel
What's included and what's not?
Are flights offered?
How is medication handled?
Parents should include any/all teen allergies and medications on the health forms in the registration process. This information will be flagged for the program staff prior to departure, and you may review the details together with the staff prior to departure. We suggest that both parents and teens participate in this phone call.
Important note: Throughout travel, teens are responsible for their own medications. All medications must be in their original containers and prescriptions must include the teen’s name on the label.
Safety and inclusion are top priorities at BBYO Passport. With this in mind, your teen’s staff will:
- Train in the use of epinephrine and the protocol for administering
- Understand an emergency plan for each participant’s medical situations. Staff will be able to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction and know what actions to take if the reaction occurs
- Have the required authorization and appropriate medication to use in the event of contact with allergen
We ask that families take the following precautions when preparing for departure:
- Please check all medications for expiration dates, replace any expired, unsealed, or previously used medication before packing.
- Supply an extra week of medication to be kept separately during the trip in case medication is misplaced.
- Provide a full set of auto-injectors, as prescribed by physician, in original packing, clearly labeled with the teen’s name.
- Teens should be educated about his/her food allergies, symptoms of a reaction and precautions.
- Teens should understand the importance of open communication with his/her staff: Teens are to tell an adult if they might be experiencing an allergic reaction – even if there is no visible appearance of an allergic response – and to never leave the group if symptoms are beginning.
Please note: BBYO Passport will follow an action plan that is agreed upon with the family, based on the full disclosure of the family. BBYO Passport will not assume responsibility and liability for the approach used.
How are special food considerations accommodated?
- Make requests for food modifications when possible
- Train in the use of epinephrine and the protocol for administering
- Understand an emergency plan for each participant’s medical situations. Staff will be able to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction and know what actions to take if the reaction occurs
- Have the required authorization and appropriate medication to use in the event of contact with allergen
We ask that families take the following precautions when preparing for departure:
- Please check all medications for expiration dates, replace any expired, unsealed, or previously used medication before packing.
- Supply an extra week of medication to be kept separately during the trip in case medication is misplaced.
- Provide a full set of auto-injectors, as prescribed by physician, in original packing, clearly labeled with the teen’s name.
- Teens should be educated about his/her food allergies, symptoms of a reaction and precautions.
- Teens should understand the importance of open communication with his/her staff: Teens are to tell an adult if they might be experiencing an allergic reaction – even if there is no visible appearance of an allergic response – and to never leave the group if symptoms are beginning.
How do I get ready for the summer?
Do I need any vaccines?
How is medical insurance handled?
Can my friends/family visit me during the summer?
Enrollment & Scholarships
When is the best time to apply?
Can I talk to a reference?
Are scholarships offered?
What is the process if I am receiving scholarship money from an outside source?
What if I can't pay my balance by the payment deadline?
I am not ready to register, can I get more information?
Are age exceptions considered?
Is travel insurance worthwhile?
Program Expectations
What are the basic program rules?
Is free time allowed?
How can I communicate with my teen during the summer?
How can I communicate with staff during the summer?
FLIGHTS
You probably have a few questions about how you’ll get to your destination. Learn more below about how travel planning works. There are two ways to begin your journey: supervised flight and unsupervised flight.
Supervised Flights
Available for summer experiences in Argentina, Europe, Israel, Nicaragua, Thailand, and South Africa. A supervised flight option may be available for Trek West and Costa Rica depending on demand (to be announced in the spring)
What is the cost of the supervised flight?
From where do supervised flights depart?
What airlines are used?
Is airfare included when connecting two programs?
Can I make my own flight arrangements?
What about airline meals, seating, and points?
- All airline meals are pre-reserved as kosher, when available. If you want a special meal (vegetarian, etc.) note this in your registration account. Special meal requests may not also be kosher.
- Seating is pre-assigned by the airline on our supervised flights, and special requests can be made at check-in but not ahead of time.
- If desired, participants are responsible for obtaining reward points via the airline using the ticket information obtained at check-in.
What are the departure and return days like at the airport?
NOTE: For Trek Alaska, Stand UP DC and Stand UP Chicago where a supervised flight is not included, separate instructions apply (details will be provided in a specific flight document).
Can my ticket be extended for personal travel?
Once your supervised flight details are confirmed, you can request an extension by sending an email to [email protected]
What if my teen is traveling as an unaccompanied minor?
Unsupervised Flight
Applicable for Trek Alaska, Stand UP Washington, DC, Stand UP Chicago, and for anyone opting out of a Supervised Flight option.
How do unsupervised flights work?
What if my teen is traveling as an unaccompanied minor?
HOW TO ENROLL
Get started on your Summer Experience enrollment by following the steps below! And be sure to review the scholarship opportunities available for our teen Israel experiences
Choose Your Experience
Launch your registration after first finding the experience that is just right for you. Start your search using the Destination Guide and click on the “Register Now” link for the program you choose.
Enroll Online
Signing up only takes a few minutes, and a $250 deposit is required to complete your registration and hold your spot (fully refundable through March 12th). NOTE: Posted program prices exclude flight costs.
Insure your Travel
Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment and plan for the unexpected. A group travel insurance policy through Travel Insured International can be selected and paid for as part of your BBYO Passport registration account and may be purchased up until the date you make full payment for the program. Learn more about travel insurance.
Complete the Forms
As part of your registration account you will be able to complete an online program waiver, a medical history form, a connecting travel plan form, and upload a passport copy (international programs only).
Review the Terms
You're almost there! Take a moment to familiarize yourself with our straightforward terms of participation.
Payment Schedule
- First Payment: A $250 trip deposit is due with registration and required to secure a spot
- Second Payment: $750 is due by January 25*
- Third Payment: An additional $750 is due by March 12*
- Fourth Payment: The full balance of payment is due April 4**
*$25 fee will be incurred for late payment.
**$75 fee will be incurred for late payment.Program prices are subject to some change and are not guaranteed until you complete your registration with a refundable deposit.
Method of Payment
Payment is accepted by check, e-check\ACH, or credit card. Should you wish to pay by credit card, a non-refundable convenience fee of 3% will be assessed for all payments except the $250 initial deposit.
Cancellation Policy
March 12 is the last day to cancel with a full refund. Beginning March 13 a cancellation penalty of $750 applies. The full cost of the program is non-refundable if a cancellation is made any time after April 4. All cancellations must be made in writing. Exceptions will be reviewed by BBYO on a case by case basis and at BBYO's sole discretion. Participants are highly encouraged to take out travel insurance.
Terms of Acceptance
Acceptance to the program is conditioned upon the receipt of a full application including a physical examination of the applicant that demonstrates his/her physical and mental fitness and ability to participate in all aspects of the program. Receipt of deposit and application forms does not guarantee acceptance to the program. BBYO reserves the right to deny acceptance according to its own discretion.
BBYO also reserves the right to consolidate and/or cancel specific programs and/or trip dates according to its own discretion. We expect that a final roster of confirmed trip offerings and dates will be confirmed by March 12.
BBYO reserves the right to adjust the price of the flight by up to 5% based on exchange rate and airline fuel fee fluctuations beyond our control. Participants reserve the right to cancel the flight and receive a full refund in the event of a price increase if they so wish.
PRE-TRIP PREP
Preparing for your Summer Experience with BBYO Passport is exciting! Here's how we'll help you get ready for the journey ahead.
Connecting with Your Peers
In the early spring we'll invite you (teens only) to join a Facebook group so that you can connect with the teens and staff that you'll be traveling with this coming summer.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is valuable for situations such as cancellations due to personal or family illness, delays resulting from connecting flights, medical insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, luggage protection and much more. Please note that in some cases, certain benefits are available only if insurance is purchased before paying the program balance. Plan ahead and insure your experience in advance (available to USA residents only).
Preparing for Summer
Registered participants will receive an email with detailed pre-trip preparation information leading up to the summer. Additionally, a series of pre-summer conference calls are organized to help you get ready for the experience. You can also expect a phone call from one of the madrichim (counselors) who will be staffing your program. Finally, you'll be recieving a mailed program t-shirt, emergency contact card, and luggage tags. Hold onto them for your program!
Pre-Trip Prep Manuals
As part of our pre-trip preparations you will be receiving a series of emails. The first will include your pre-trip prep manual, followed by information regarding your group and staff. Finally, keep an eye out for your final pre-trip prep email with travel day information.
Friends & Family Updates
Get your family in on the experience. During the trip, parents of participants automatically receive email notifications whenever new pictures are posted or with important trip updates from abroad. Additional friends and family members can sign-up to receive these same updates by filling out the Friends & Family Trip Update List Form.
CONNECTIONS
There are so many ways to extend a summer of learning, exploration and fun this summer by combining two experiences! The type of connection varies by program, as follows:
Supervised Connections
Connecting travel arrangements are available between programs, and staff supervision is provided at all times. The connection between programs is generally an opportunity to rest and re-charge but is not considered to be free time. Note: The staff member accompanying the connection period may not necessarily be continuing onto the following program.
- Ambassadors to Bulgaria + Israel Journey #3
- Ambassadors to Bulgaria + ILSI
- Central Europe Discovery #1 + Israel Journey #3
- Central Europe Discovery #1 + ILSI
- Central Europe Discovery #2 + Israel Journey #4
- Italy Discovery #1 + Israel Journey #4
- Spain Discovery #1 + Israel Journey #4
- Spain Discovery #2 + Israel Journey #5
- Western Europe Discovery #1 + Israel Journey #4
- Euro-Continental Discovery #1 (Western Europe Discovery #1 + Italy Discovery #2)
- Euro-Continental Discovery #2 (Italy Discovery #2 + Western Europe Discovery #2)
- Mediterranean Discovery (Spain Discovery #1 + Italy Discovery #2)
- Trek Pan-America (Trek West #2 + Trek Costa Rica #2)
- Trek Costa Rica #1 + Stand UP Nicaragua #2
- *CLTC #3 + Stand UP Chicago
How many teens opt for Supervised Connections?
On a typical program, 15% – 75% of the teens will be connecting to a follow-on experience. Notable exceptions are Central Europe Discovery and Ambassadors to Bulgaria, where a large majority of the group connects to an Israel experience.
Independent Connections
Families make their own travel arrangements between programs, and staff supervision is not provided during the connection period. BBYO Passport will distribute detailed guidance for self-booking of connecting travel in the early spring. In some cases, supervised accommodations will be offered during the connection period on an optional basis, and an additional cost will apply.
- *Ambassadors to Argentina + CLTC #8
- *CLTC #1 + Trek Alaska
- *CLTC #2 + Stand UP Washington, DC #1
- *CLTC #2 + Stand UP Nicaragua #1
- *CLTC #3 + Stand UP Thailand
- *CLTC #4 + Stand UP Washington, DC #2
- *CLTC #5 + Ambassadors to Argentina
- *CLTC #6 + Stand UP Washington, DC #3
- *ILTC + Trek Costa Rica #1
- *ILTC + Israel Journey #3
- *ILTC + Euro-Continental Discovery #2
- *ILTC + Italy Discovery #2
How many teens opt for Independent Connections?
Participation may vary from as few as one teen to as many as 15 teens independently connecting two programs.