OUR VALUES

While each BBYO Passport experience is unique, they share these common programmatic goals:

COMMUNITY

Teens will develop a sense of being part of a community and family—a mishpacha—living in the same space, sharing meaningful experiences, and forming lasting friendships.

JEWISH LIFE

Teens will nurture a love and appreciation for Jewish life in all its forms around the world while embracing values of mutual respect and learning.

SAFETY & FUN

We offer a safe space for teens to be themselves, and create an environment that is always welcoming and inclusive.

CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Teens will engage in experiences outside of their comfort zone and will return home with greater confidence, sense of self, and independence.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Teens will be exposed to new cultures and ideas, and in so doing will develop the capacity to see their own life from a broader perspective.

ROLE MODELING

Teens will benefit from forging connections with a diverse team of program staff and their role modeling potential.

PARENTS & TEENS AGREE

Parents know that BBYO programs are enriching, meaningful, and safe. Teens know they are signing on for an experience full of exploration, cross-cultural adventure, and bonding. It's the best of both worlds!

CUSTOMIZE YOUR SUMMER

We make it easy to enjoy the traditional camp setting or explore faraway lands on your terms. Our summer experiences range from eight days to five weeks and are scheduled throughout June, July, and August. Many programs are modular—meaning two experiences can be connected for an extended summer journey.

UNITING TEENS WORLDWIDE

WORLDWIDE APPROACH

In destinations across the globe, we provide proactive risk management and well-informed precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of all our participants. Our procedures vary to match the specific situation in each country in which we travel, while our core approach remains the same.

LOCAL EXPERTISE

Our program directors are skilled professionals—many of whom are also licensed guides—who bring years of local knowledge and cultural expertise to our trips.

SUPERVISION

While we make every effort to give participants space and time to explore on their own, there is no leaving the group without approved supervision.

SECURITY ESCORTS

In certain areas we travel where we assess it to be prudent, groups will be escorted by a licensed security professional.

WELL-TRAINED STAFF

Our staff are carefully selected, must pass a background screening, and attend an in-person training with a strong emphasis on participant well-being.

ISRAEL APPROACH

Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel that have resulted in a strengthened sense of Jewish identity, a lasting connection to the State of Israel, and lives transformed. Behind our track record is a layered approach to providing a safe and meaningful experience:

SECURITY ESCORTS

Each group is accompanied at all times by a licensed security escort with first aid response training—most of whom have recently completed their military service.

CAREFUL PLANNING

We plan our itineraries with caution in mind—being careful to avoid areas of potentially heightened concern and always traveling with discretion. If necessary, we modify itineraries and/or policies in the interest of safety.

24/7 MONITORING

Our itineraries are approved in advance and re-approved daily by the "Situation Room," a special unit administered by the Ministry of Education and coordinated with Israel's security services.

SECURE LOGISTICS

Our main mode of travel is on a private coach bus with experienced drivers trained to keep the bus secured. We only stay at overnight accommodations with security personnel on site and which are equipped with secure rooms in accordance with Israel's high standards.