JUF : Springboard : Big Apple Adventure

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Big Apple Adventure

Explore. Give. Connect.

Join Midwest NCSY for 5 days of fun and inspiration on "Big Apple Adventure" for teens on President's Day Weekend 2020. Take in the sights and shopping that only the Big Apple has to offer. Discover Jewish New York by visiting Brooklyn's Jewish community, volunteering at some of its most inspiring social services organizations, and meeting real-life Jewish heroes. You'll also celebrate Shabbat with new friends from across the Chicagoland area. Here's your chance to explore New York - and your Jewish identity.

Program Highlights

Visit New York's top tourist attractions, including Times Square and the Statue of Liberty
Tour Brooklyn's famous Jewish community
Volunteer at some of New York's most inspiring social services organizations
Celebrate Shabbat with new friends from across the Chicagoland area

Email: Springboard@juf.org
Location: New York, NY
Grades: 9-11
Dates: President’s Day Weekend, Thursday, February 13 - Monday, February 17, 2020
Cost: $300 for first time participants; $400 for second time participants; and $500 for third or more time participants
Focus: Travel, Jewish Identity, Volunteering, Shabbat

FAQ

Q: How much does this program cost?
A: All Springboard School Break programs are highly subsidized. While the actual cost of a 5 day school break experience is $900, all participants received a $400 subsidy. There are additional subsidies for first and second time school break participants, and additional financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Q: I'm confused, how much will I actually pay for this program?
A: If you are a first time Springboard School Break participant, you will pay $300. If this is your second Springboard School Break program, you will pay $400. If this will be your third (or more) Springboard School Break program you will pay $500. If these prices are not affordable for you, please contact us to find out about additional financial assistance.

Q: How will participants travel to New York?
A: The teens will travel via airplane as a group.

Q: Where will the teens be staying?
A: At a hotel in or near New York City.

Q: How will the teens be supervised?
A: The teens will be supervised at all times by Midwest NCSY staff. The trip will be led by North Shore Director Rabbi Jeremy Schaechter with support from several experienced, volunteer advisors.

Q: What kind of food will be served?
A: All meals and snacks will be fully kosher, under the certification of the Orthodox Union (OU). Participants will also have a chance to sample some of New York's best kosher pizza! We can also accommodate teens with allergies and other special dietary needs, including vegetarians.

Q: How will you accommodate those who have never experienced Shabbat before?
A: We will offer a traditional Shabbat experience to all participants and work to ensure that the atmosphere is sensitive to everyone. With the exception of Kabbalat Shabbat, all prayer services will be optional. In an effort to create a sense of community, teens will be asked to limit their public use of technological devices on Shabbat.

Midwest NCSY runs weekend conventions throughout the year that are attended by teens of diverse backgrounds who celebrate Shabbat in different ways, or who don't celebrate Shabbat at all. On this program, as on all our conventions, we will ensure that participants at all levels of observance are not only comfortable, but feel included in all aspects of the program.