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 Grade
BBYO Passport summer experiences are available to teens currently enrolled in 6th through 12th grades. See what’s available for you!
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 »
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?
BBYO Passport represents BBYO’s groundbreaking initiative for Jewish travel and service learning experiences. As a leading educational travel provider, BBYO Passport combines the best of informal education and travel expertise for today’s teens.
How do connected programs work?
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.
Learn MoreWho staffs the program?
Passionate and caring staff are at the heart of all BBYO Passport experiences. Our programs are staffed by a highly selective group of educators, community professionals, logistical managers and madrichim (counselors) — all of whom are backed up by our year-round leadership team. 90% of our staff works with teens year-round and 52% of our staff are repeat staffers.
“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!” – Past Summer Participant Learn more about our staff.
How are the programs staffed?
The exact number of staff on an individual program differs according to the size of the group, the age of the participants, and the type of experience.
How are the staff prepared?
Our programs are staffed by a team of professional staff and madrichim (counselors). Once selected through a multi-tiered application process, BBYO Passport staff members attend a multi-day staff training program. During this in-person training, our staff receives comprehensive training resources and have the opportunity to learn from returning staff who typically compromise over half our team in any given summer season.
What's our approach to safety & security?
As an organization that has been serving teens for over 90 years, and teen travel programs to Israel since 1956, our philosophy is to treat each and every BBYO Passport participant as a member of our own family. As such, the safety and well-being of our groups will always be our guiding consideration. This means that we plan our itineraries to avoid areas of concern, limit opportunities for free time, generally use accommodations outside of city centers, and in certain countries we travel with a security/medical escort. And while safety is our guiding priority, we are equally committed to providing you with a meaningful and entirely fun experience. You can learn more about our approach to safety and security on our
Safety page.
Jewish Approach
Why travel Jewishly?
Exploring new destinations is inherently enriching, and traveling with a group of Jewish peers can be uniquely powerful. No matter your background, we strive to create a sense of community on the road where everyone feels welcome and part of something bigger. Connecting through our shared identity and learning about our rich history will ensure that you not only have a great experience, but a meaningful one, too.
What makes the programs Jewish?
BBYO Passport organizes summer experiences for Jewish teens of all backgrounds. Our travels are infused with the Jewish values of tikkun olam (service), kehillah (community), and derech eretz (ethical living). Although our destinations are diverse, we always learn about the Jewish history of where we travel and incorporate Shabbat experiences in local communities.
Is the food kosher?
As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, specially catered meals and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel and in Poland is kosher. Some meals that we provide outside of Israel may be certified kosher, but most meals are not. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian or pescatarian options available, but we will also not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice. Some meals may be provided via an allowance system whereby teens will be given cash to purchase the food of their choice. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options, and teens can choose the food of their liking. In situations where time is of the essence, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds, including non-kosher orders. When the group eats at non-kosher restaurants with a pre-ordered menu, the options will only consist of vegetarian or pescatarian dishes. Participants with special dietary situations (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, Kosher, etc.) should
contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.
How is Shabbat observed?
Shabbat is a special time, and can be an amazing opportunity for rest and reflection. Friday nights and Saturdays will include prayer, informal discussions and various Shabbat programming. Where possible, we try to include visits to local synagogues to give participants a glimpse of how Judaism is observed locally. Often times our best or only option is a traditional Orthodox service. Even if this is not part of your tradition, it is an opportunity for a meaningful cultural experience.
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?
Our approach is best described as “pluralistic,” meaning we plan our programs in a way that teens from diverse Jewish backgrounds feel comfortable traveling with us. Experience has taught us that forming a community on the road comprised of many different kinds of Jewish teens is especially rewarding and powerful.
What is BBYO's policy on inclusion?
BBYO strives to welcome all Jewish teens, regardless of background, denominational affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status; including those with a range of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities. BBYO reserves the right to deny or revoke acceptance, in its sole discretion, at any point. Reasonable accommodations are not always possible in all experiences, environments and circumstance.
Click here for more information (PDF).
Group Composition
Are the programs open to non-members?
Passport experiences are open to BBYO members and non-members alike, and no prior involvement with BBYO is necessary*. The ratio of members to non-members tends to be about 50/50, and our staff makes great efforts to create an inclusive community.
*ILSI is designed primarily for BBYO members as a leadership experience.
What's the typical group size?
Group size varies depending on the nature of the experience and the dates of the program. See the program specific FAQ for the individual program sizes.
Where do the participants come from?
BBYO Passport experiences attract Jewish teens from all over North America and around the world. On any given year, we host Jewish teens from a wide spectrum of the world – representing communities in the United States (36 states), Canada (6 provinces), Argentina, England, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, France, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Bulgaria, Latvia, Turkey and Ecuador.
How does rooming work?
When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. Bathrooms are, in most cases, private to the shared living space. We try to rotate rooming assignments each time we move to a new accommodation in order to give all participants the chance to get to know different members of the group. Please understand, that while some teens come with friends, others come alone; this plan ensures an inclusive and comfortable experience. Travel companions listed within your application are not guaranteed to room with one another. Each year, many parents make requests to keep friends together in the same room. As wonderful as it may sound, keeping friends together is not always beneficial. We believe that teens need to learn to branch out and make new friends, and this skill is hindered when there are groups of friends in the same room. This also leads to the development of social cliques which causes exclusion and can potentially lead to negative behavior. In addition, we have found that teens become more distracted when close friends are placed together. They have plenty of time to socialize outside of their rooms.
Can I travel with a friend?
During the registration process, you will have an opportunity to let us know with whom you’d like to travel. While we try to honor these requests for bus assignments, please note that we cannot guarantee friend requests for rooming, see above (except ILSI).
Do most teens travel with a friend or solo?
Some teens choose to sign up together with a friend or two, while most teens choose to come on their own. Either way, our participants will have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of peers from many different locations, which makes exploring a new place together even more exciting.
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How We Travel
RULES FOR ISRAELI CITIZENS OR CHILDREN OF ISRAELI CITIZENS
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.
Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.
If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the
regional Israel consulate offices if you have any questions.
What's included and what's not?
Our all-inclusive approach provides the comfort of knowing your full costs upfront. The tuition for each program cover accommodations, meals, programming, local transportation and any staff gratuities. All programs outside of the United States also cover basic medical insurance (excluding pre-existing conditions). Laundry is included for programs exceeding two weeks in length.
Are flights offered?
A supervised flight from North America (most typically from NYC) is available for summer experiences in Asia, Central America, Europe, Israel, South Africa, and South America. Programs in the USA usually do not have supervised flights. Exact flight details are released in the spring. Learn more about flying to the program. Learn more about
flying to the program.
How is medication handled?
Medications:
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 their food allergies, symptoms of a reaction and precautions.
- Teens should understand the importance of open communication with their 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?
Due to the nature of travel experiences, meals are provided through vendors and third parties. This means that BBYO Passport does not have full control over what food will be available and served in each of our destinations. Our staff can be available to support teens to ask the right questions when ordering their food. However, we cannot take responsibility for individual food allergies or ensure that food requests will be fulfilled. With this in mind, families need to make decisions about their teens’ safety when food allergies are a consideration. Safety and inclusion are top priorities at BBYO Passport. With this in mind, your teen’s staff will:
- 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 an 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 a physician, in the original packing, clearly labeled with the teen’s name.
- Teens should be educated about their food allergies, symptoms of a reaction and precautions.
- Teens should understand the importance of open communication with their staff: Teens are to tell an adult if they might be experiencing an allergic reaction – even if there is no visible appearance of allergic response – and to never leave the group if symptoms are beginning.
How do I get ready for the summer?
We have a detailed
pre-trip preparation manual for each experience, including a packing list, money tips, and emergency contact numbers. If you have any specific questions that you would like answered in advance, please
contact us.
Do I need any vaccines?
BBYO Passport requires its participants to be up-to-date with most vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can check our
immunization policy. There are no additional immunizations required aside from regularly mandated routine immunizations. However, vaccine guidelines vary by country and are continually evolving.We recommend that you consult with your teen’s physician as well as the latest
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
How is medical insurance handled?
BBYO Passport tuition includes a basic local health insurance coverage for all non-pre-existing conditions. Full policy details are available on request. Additionally, teens are required to travel with their own valid medical coverage, which is also provided as part of most travel
insurance policies including the travel protection plan that we offer..
Can my friends/family visit me during the summer?
Meeting up with friends/family during the summer is allowed with a few caveats. Any such arrangements need to be coordinated in advance with our staff and planned for non-programmed time, Participants cannot leave the group under any circumstances. All Israel Journey and Trek Israel experiences do include an optional home hospitality weekend which provides the opportunity for teens to spend time with loved ones in Israel (more details will be available in the
pre-trip preparation manual).
Enrollment & Scholarships
When is the best time to apply?
There’s no time better than now! Most programs will fill up, and prices are subject to change without advance notice. Plan in advance! BBYO Passport offers commitment-free registration for early planners. Sign up now to lock in your spot, and the $250 program deposit will be fully refundable through May 11, 2021. Check out our
Enrollment page for more details.
Can I talk to a reference?
Yes, we have teen and parent references who are ready to share feedback and tips with you about their BBYO Passport experience.
Contact us, and we’ll make the connection.
Are scholarships offered?
In keeping with BBYO Passport’s mission to share the experience of Israel with as many Jewish teens as possible, BBYO has established need-based scholarship funds for all summer experiences that include Israel travel. Jewish communities throughout North America have created special Israel travel funds as well.
One Happy Camper offers a scholarship for teens participating in their first Jewish overnight program in the USA. New York residents also have the opportunity to apply for the
New York Teen Initiative scholarship for any of our worldwide programs. Learn more about
scholarship opportunities.
What is the process if I am receiving scholarship money from an outside source?
Please have the organization that will be financially supporting your program experience by having them send us a letter or email of how much scholarship money you’ll be receiving and the date of when we should expect to receive it.
Let us know if you are from Cincinnati and you are expecting to receive the Israel Travel Grants.
What if I can't pay my balance by the payment deadline?
We can set up a payment plan for your family if necessary. If you need a payment plan,
Contact Us with a proposed payment plan.
I am not ready to register, can I get more information?
While we do encourage you to guarantee your spot (and take advantage of our
commitment-free registration), if you need more time to decide, you can always sign up to learn more and/or request a brochure on our
contact us page.
Are age exceptions considered?
Program participation is governed by your current grade in school. The grade ranges we have established are based on the demands of the individual program and the expected level of maturity required of the teens. Exceptions to these rules are made in very rare occasions.
Should I consider travel insurance?
Families are encouraged to consider purchasing travel insurance in order to protect their investment and plan for the unexpected. BBYO Passport has partnered with Travel Insured International to provide a group travel protection option specially designed for teen travel. The plan includes travel insurance coverages, such as trip cancellation, travel delay, missed connection, trip interruption, baggage and personal effects, baggage delay and accident and sickness medical expense. Learn more about our
group travel protection option. Only available to USA residents.
Contact us directly if you are an international resident and are interested in travel protection.
Program Expectations
What are the basic program rules?
BBYO is a teen leadership organization, and as such, we place great trust and responsibility on our participants. The basic program rules include treating fellow teens and staff with respect and decency, staying with the group at all times, no weapons, no possession, purchase or consumption of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and no new tattoos or piercings during the program. By agreeing to participate in the program, you are agreeing to abide by the terms of our
Release Form and the
BBYO Code of Conduct.
Is free time allowed?
While the itineraries are quite intensive, we do set aside time for relaxation, shopping, and personal exploration. Because we take your safety and security so seriously, there will understandably be some limits on personal exploration time, especially when we are traveling in major cities. With the exception of the optional home hospitality weekend in Israel, under no circumstances can a teen leave the group.
How can I communicate with my teen during the summer?
Our program does allow for the use of cell phones/smart phones during non-programmed time only. But since your teen will be busy exploring, we promise to keep friends and family up-to-date with plenty of postings and pictures from the road. For more information on phone plans, click
here.
How can I communicate with staff during the summer?
You are welcome to call or email the BBYO Passport office with any questions during the summer. In order to ensure that our program staff keeps maximum focus on the teens, we do not permit parents to communicate directly with staff on the ground. Rest assured, you will be provided with an emergency phone number that one of our office staff will be connected to for use during the program.
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You may 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 Israel. A supervised flight option may be available for Western United States.
What is the cost of the supervised flight?
A supervised flight is offered separately from program land costs. Ticket costs vary greatly by destination and dates and are available on individual
program pages. Flight costs that are listed on the program webpage is an approximate flight price and not the actual cost. The supervised flight cost and flight details will be released in the spring. The confirmation of a flight booking through BBYO Passport is subject to having enough monies paid into your account to cover the cost of the flight above the $250 deposit and, insurance amount, if applicable. All flight fees are subject to the same payment schedule confirmed in the terms you accepted for participation or within 2 business days of adding the fee.
NOTE: Following the final payment deadline, space and rates on supervised flights can no longer be guaranteed. Contact us for additional details. BBYO reserves the right to adjust the price of the flight by up to 5% based on the 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.From where do supervised flights depart?
Most supervised flights depart from JFK Airport in New York City. In some cases, a supervised flight may also depart from Newark, Atlanta, Boston, or Miami. We strongly recommend participants book their connecting flights after the supervised flight details are announced.
What airlines are used?
Our programs fly a range of reputable international air carriers. Airlines vary by year and are selected according to schedule, availability, and cost. In some cases, we will use a combinations of airlines for programs that involve multiple countries.
Is airfare included when connecting two programs?
All connecting flights are included in the supervised flight for programs that connect Europe and Israel or connect within Europe. For teens connecting programs within the United States, families are responsible for making their own connecting travel arrangements based on guidance we will provide in the spring.
Can I make my own flight arrangements?
For Summer 2021, participants will not be able to make their own flight arrangements to Israel.
Teens will be required to join one of our supervised group flights which are organized by our team. This flight often departs from the New York City area, and we may also provide group flights from other North American cities according to demand (e.g. LAX, SFO, ORD, BOS, NYC, YUL, and MIA). Flight arrangements will be released in late spring and you are responsible for your teen’s transportation to and from the departure location. Learn more about our
supervised flights.
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 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?
Detailed airport arrival and departure instructions will be sent well in advance. For the departure day, there is a designated meeting spot for each supervised flight where participants will meet our staff. For participants traveling to the supervised flight airport via a connecting flight, be advised that staff are not able to escort participants from/to their domestic gates.
Can my ticket be extended for personal travel?
For Summer 2021, participants will not be allowed to extend their stay in Israel beyond the program length, as they will need to arrive and depart with the group.
What if my teen is traveling as an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has their own rules and separate age thresholds for mandatory “unaccompanied minors,” and additional fees may apply. For families booking a flight, refer to your chosen airline for information, and contact us well in advance if special arrangements need to be made with our staff. Last minute requests for staff supervision of “accompanied minors” cannot be guaranteed.
How do group flights work?
Group bookings are created differently from individual reservations. There are many pros, including discounted rates and the ability to hold our tickets at a stable price while families confirm their travel. Each airline holds a limited number of seats at a group rate and group status. They also help ensure that teens who register later or additional staff needed can still join the flight.
While we gain these perks, it is important to note that we often lose the ability to hold seats, change routes, or even fly direct.
If you prefer greater flexibility, then another option is to purchase your reservation directly from the airline where you might be able to change your route, upgrade your seat, explore prices, and get a refund.
Choosing flights is a rather complicated process. Our team takes the time throughout the year to carefully plan, evaluate, review, and reassess each of our flight holdings as the year progresses.
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.
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Choose Your Experience
Launch your registration after finding the experience that is right for you.
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Enroll Online
Signing up only takes a few minutes, and a $250 deposit is required to complete your registration and hold your spot (The full cost of the program is non-refundable if a cancellation is made any time after May 11, 2021). NOTE: Posted program prices exclude flight costs.
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Protect your Travel
You should consider purchasing travel protection to protect your trip investment and plan for the unexpected. A group travel protection plan through Travel Insured International can be selected and paid for as part of your registration after flights are announced. Travel protection may be purchased up until the date you make your final payment for your trip. Learn more about travel protection.
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Complete the Forms
As part of the registration process, you will complete an online program waiver, a health history form, immunization records, physician physical form, a connecting travel plan form, and upload a copy of your passport (international programs only).
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Review the Terms
You’re almost there! Take a moment to familiarize yourself with our straightforward terms of participation.
Payment Schedule
- With registration: $250 due to secure your spot
- April 6, 2021: Full balance due
- May 11, 2021: All programs are non-refundable
**$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.
Terms
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our terms of enrollment and cancellation policy. Program prices are subject to some change and are not guaranteed until you complete your registration with a deposit.
Method of Payment
Payment is accepted by e-check/ACH, check, 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. All prices are in US Dollars.
Cancellation Policy
The full cost of the program is non-refundable if a cancellation is made any time after May 11, 2021. 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 encouraged to consider purchasing travel protection.
Terms of Acceptance
Acceptance to the program is conditioned upon the receipt of a full application including a physical examination of the applicant within 12 months of the program start date that demonstrates their physical and mental fitness and ability to participate in all aspects of the program. This program is for teens that identify as Jewish and within the current grades posted on the website. 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. Note: BBYO reserves the right to add a COVID-19 program fee up to $100 through May 11, 2021.
BBYO also reserves the right to consolidate and/or cancel specific programs and/or program dates according to its own discretion.
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 WhatsApp group so that you can connect with the teens and staff that you’ll be traveling with this coming summer.
Travel Protection
Our partner, Travel Insured International, advises that travel insurance can be valuable for situations such as cancellations due to personal or family illness, delays resulting from connecting flights, medical protection (which can include coverage for pre-existing conditions*), baggage protection and much more. Please note that in some cases, certain benefits are available only if travel protection is purchased before paying the final payment for your trip. Plan ahead and protect your experience in advance (available to USA residents only).
*Losses due to, arising or resulting from pre-existing conditions are normally excluded from coverage. However, such losses are covered on the same basis as losses due to, arising or resulting from all other sicknesses and injuries if you qualify for the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver.
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 receiving a mailed program t-shirt, emergency contact card, and luggage tags. Hold onto them for your program!
Pre-Trip Preparation 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
During the trip, our staff maintain a blog so friends and family can keep up with our exciting journey. Parents of participants will automatically receive email notifications with updates from their teens’ trip. Also, be on the lookout for new pictures from our trips on our Facebook page!
There are so many ways to extend a summer of learning, exploration, and fun this summer by combining two BBYO experiences! The type of connection varies by the program as described below. Keep the memories going and going this summer!
PLEASE NOTE: We have reached capacity for our RootOne Vouchers and there is currently a waitlist for them. If you are interested in traveling to Israel with BBYO this summer, we still encourage you to register and apply for a voucher. We will be clearing teens from the waitlist as vouchers become available in the order in which we receive applications and based on availability.
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.
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. NOTE: Families connecting a BBYO Passport experience with BBYO’s CLTC, ILTC, or Int’l Kallah can expect some differences between program policies, and registration for these connected experiences is done separately for each program.
