How many teens are on the bus?
There are up to 40 teens on the bus. This allows for each teen to take full advantage of the meetings and not get lost in a big group. The program is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do we travel and where do we stay?
Throughout the trip we stay in reputable, major brand hotels and all meals are in restaurants. We travel in luxury coach buses driven by professional drivers hired from companies with appropriate licensing.
Who is the staff?
The summer trip is staffed by Billy Planer, the Founder, and Director of Etgar 36, and Josh Dubin, Asst. Director and alum of the program, as well as 2 male and 2 female counselors who are at least rising juniors in college and have had experience working with young people.
How religious is the trip?
The Etgar trip is not a religious trip, rather, it is a Jewish identity experience in which the participants will discover how, and on what level, Judaism relates to them as American citizens. Teens who are not Jewish are more than welcome to come on the program. We attend Friday night services at synagogues representing the various denominations. There are opportunities for discussions on Jewish spirituality, belief, and theology. There are no mandatory religious obligations on the trip. Vegetarian and dairy options are available at every meal.