What is Trek Israel with BBYO?

BBYO Trek Israel is one of many Israel summer programmes run under the umbrella of UJIA, which provides funding and support on multiple levels to ensure the success of our programme. UJIA’s goal is to inspire, educate, and connect young people to Israel and Judaism through immersive Jewish educational journeys.

BBYO’s mission for Trek is simple: experience Israel in all its colour and beauty. Walk ancient and modern streets, be amazed by natural landscapes, and meet the people shaping today’s Israel. Explore it through BBYO’s pluralist lens and take part in Israel’s ongoing story.

In short, Trek is about creating lasting, meaningful connections to Israel for your teen – whether that’s hiking, experiencing Shabbat in Jerusalem, engaging with activists, or visiting historical sites. Every day of the trip is designed to leave a lasting impression that teens can bring back to the UK.

Our tour provider, Authentic Israel, manages all logistics on the ground, including accommodations, transportation, meals, and security. They have worked closely with BBYO and UJIA to create a safe, engaging, and culturally immersive itinerary.

Staff, Safety, and Support

Madrichim Hevrati’im

Our staff includes BBYO bogrim trained through UJIA and BBYO. They:

• Facilitate discussions and daily reflections.

• Support the wellbeing and safety of each teen.

• Ensure the themes of each day are meaningful and remembered.

They are also, and this is important to remember, in their early 20s. They bring the energy needed for early mornings and late nights, and for days that are full of activity, all while staying highly attuned to the needs of participants.

What they are not is trained social workers or doctors. While they receive extensive support and training, should BBYO or UJIA determine that a teen would require too much one-on-one support from the two BBYO tzevet members—potentially taking attention away from the rest of the group—the application may be declined unless additional support is arranged (which we can discuss and provide if needed).

The more information we have about your teen—even small details—the better we can support them and find ways to include them in the programme. Please provide full disclosure of any medical, dietary, or social considerations.

Code of Conduct

Safety, respect, and responsibility are our top priorities. All participants sign an agreement to:

• Treat others with respect. Treat one

• Follow all safety guidelines.

• Avoid damaging property or disrupting local communities.

We use a three-strike system:

1. Verbal warning from a staff member and notification to BBYO UK leadership.

2. Discussion with BBYO UK leadership, UJIA notified, and parents notified.

3. Immediate dismissal from the programme.

Zero tolerance applies to sexual harassment, bullying, drugs, and alcohol. Those infractions will result in an immediate dismissal from the programme and potential suspension from BBYO events for the upcoming year.

Security

Security is our top priority. The tour is supported by a security guard and medic throughout. The Ministry of Tourism and our providers monitor risks such as extreme weather or heightened tensions. Itineraries may change at short notice to ensure safety without compromising the experience.

Communication

Parents will receive:

• Daily emails updating on the group’s activities.

• Social media updates 1–2 days delayed for security reasons.

For emergencies, staff will contact parents directly. Please avoid non-essential contact with HQ during the programme.

Health, Medical, and Accessibility

• UJIA may fund a support staff member for participants needing additional assistance.

Medical Conditions

• All pre-existing conditions must be fully disclosed.

• Specialist sign-off is required for conditions affecting participation.

• Non-disclosure voids insurance coverage and may result in immediate removal from the programme.

Physical Disabilities

• Trek is inclusive and adaptable wherever possible.

Mental Health

• Open disclosure is essential for safe participation.

• Staff are trained to support common challenges but are not therapists or counsellors that can work with complex mental health issues.

• Specialist guidance is required for ADHD, ASC, anxiety, or other conditions affecting programme suitability.

Financial Assistance

BBYO aims to make Trek accessible to all eligible participants:

• Mosaic Grant (Trek Israel only): Up to £2,200 for under-engaged teens who fulfil the programme’s criteria, including a one-to-one connection with an Israeli teen in the months leading up to summer. Eligibility is based on geography, engagement with Jewish life, and prior Israel experience.

• UJIA Bursaries: Apply via Form 1 and Form 2 by 26th of January for consideration. Awards are communicated by March.

Please note there is no guarantee of receiving either the Mosaic or UJIA Grant. Early applications are strongly recommended. Subsidy applications close 18th of January.

Deposit & Payment Structure

1. Form 1 – Initial Application: Parents submit £500 deposit, within 48 hours of registration. Refundable within 48 hours. Until 26 January, cancellations or application rejections refund the deposit minus £150 admin fee.

2. Form 2 – Full Application: Completed after Form 1. Includes medical forms, dietary requirements, and all of the finer details BBYO and the UJIA needs to know about every participant in order to ensure that everything is in order.

3. Payment Deadlines:

   • 13 April – Flight deviation deadline. If your teen wishes to stay in Israel after the completion of the programme, this needs to be finalised here.

   • 26 April – Full payment £4689 of due

Trek Israel Y11’s        -         £4689 (BBYO members)

                                              £4799 (non-members before 16th Dec)

Trek Atid Y12-13’s    -         £3550 (BBYO members)

                                              £3600 (non-members before 16th Dec)

*Lifetime BBYO Membership can be purchased for £169 for Y11s and £129 for sixth form. If purchased before 16th of December, they can receive the Membership price.*

 

Places are secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Lifetime members are guaranteed a place if registering within the first week of Launch Day (24 Nov).

 

                                                      Insurance

• Basic travel and medical insurance is included in the cost of the trip.

• Additional comprehensive insurance is recommended, especially for pre-existing conditions.

• Coverage is contingent on full disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions. Non-disclosure may result in removal from the programme.

 

Additional Costs

• GP forms: £40–£80

• Spending money: £250–£400

• ETA Visa: £6

Key Dates & Parent Responsibilities

Date                                                  Event

24 Nov                                             Programme Launch & Applications Open

24 Nov                                              Information Session on Zoom at 19:30

16 Dec                                              Early Bird deadline for non-members

18 Jan                                               Bursary application deadline

26 Jan                                              Final date for refunds (minus £150 fee)

6 Feb                                                Full application submitted

19 Mar                                              Final numbers for flights

13 Apr                                               Flight deviation deadline

26 Apr                                              Full payment due

May–June (Date TBA)                      Parent Evening (mandatory attendance)

June (Date TBA)                              Teen participant orientation day