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 Grade
BBYO Passport summer experiences are available to teens currently enrolled in 6th through 12th grades. See what’s available for you!
6th Grade
Choose from a range of experiences in North and South America. More Info »
7th Grade
Choose from a range of experiences in North and South America. 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 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!” – Past Summer 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 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?
- 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?
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 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 Argentina, Europe, Israel, Thailand, Ecuador, and South Africa. A supervised flight option may be available for Western United States, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic 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 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 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?
What if my teen is traveling as an unaccompanied minor?
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.
Unsupervised Flight
Applicable for 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.
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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 (fully refundable through March 2, 2021). NOTE: Posted program prices exclude flight costs.
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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 registration after flights are announced. Travel insurance may be purchased up until the date you make full payment for the program. Learn more about travel insurance.
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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
- January 28, 2021: $750 due*
- March 2, 2021: $750 due*
- April 6, 2021: Full balance due**
*$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.
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
March 2, 2021 is the last day to cancel and receive a full refund of land costs. Beginning March 3, 2021, a cancellation fee of $250 applies to land costs. The full cost of the program is non-refundable if a cancellation is made any time after April 6, 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 highly encouraged to purchase a travel insurance policy.
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 April 6, 2021.
BBYO also reserves the right to consolidate and/or cancel specific programs and/or program dates according to its own discretion. Confirmed program offerings and dates will be finalized by March 3, 2021. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, I understand and agree that BBYO reserves the right to consolidate and/or cancel specific programs and/or trip dates, in its sole discretion, without prior notice.
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 Whatsapp 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 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.
- Israel
- Europe
- Western USA
- Costa Rica
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Argentina
- Washington, D.C.
- Dominican Republic
- Chicago
- Ecuador
Friends & Family Updates
Get your family in on the experience. During the trip, parents of participants automatically receive email notifications 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. Also, be on the lookout for new pictures of your teen’s trip on our Facebook page!
CONNECTIONS
There are so many ways to extend a summer of learning, exploration, and fun this summer by combining two BBYO Passport 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.
Supervised Connections
Connecting travel arrangements are available between programs, and staff supervision is provided at all times. Note: The staff member accompanying the connection period may not necessarily be continuing onto the following program.
Europe + Israel
Poland + Israel Journey
Current Grades: 10-12th
Italy Discovery + Israel Journey
Current Grades: 9-11th
Spain Discovery + Israel Journey
Current Grades: 10-12th
Western Europe Discovery + Israel Journey
Current Grades: 9-11th
Within Europe
Mediterranean Discovery
Connects Spain Discovery + Italy Discovery
Current Grades: 10-11th
Euro-Continental Discovery
Connects Western Europe Discovery + Italy Discovery
Current Grades: 9-11th
How many teens opt for Supervised Connections?
The number of teens that choose a connection varies depending on the programs. For example, typically a large majority of the group originating in Poland or Bulgaria will elect to connect to an Israel experience. If you are considering a connection but are unsure, contact us and we will be more than happy to answer questions you may have, including how many teens are connecting.
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.
The Americas
CLTC #2 + Stand UP Dominican Republic
Current Grades: 9-10th
Stand UP Dominican Republic + CLTC #4
Current Grades: 9-10th
*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.
Leadership + Israel
CLTC #1 + Israel Journey #1
Current Grades: 10-11th
Israel Journey #1 + International Kallah
Current Grades: 9-11th
Israel Journey #3 + CLTC #4
Current Grades 9-10th
CLTC #2 + Israel Journey #4
Current Grades 9-10th
Israel Journey #5 + CLTC #5
Current Grades 9-10th
ILTC + Israel Journey #5
Current Grades 10-11th
CLTC #4 + Israel Journey #7
Current Grades 9-10th
Trek Israel #1 + CLTC #4
Current Grades 9-10th
CLTC #2 + Trek Israel #2
Current Grades 9-10th