Summer Programs

USY offers a broad variety of summer programs. Whether touring across North America on USY on Wheels or exploring Israel and/or parts of Europe on our various Israel Pilgrimage programs USY has something for everyone!

USY Summer Programs provide an exciting way to explore your Jewish identity and tour North America, Europe and Israel. Experience the beauty of Shabbat, learn about the power of Tzedakah, and gain inspiration through creative prayer and engaging interactive Jewish learning programs.

We look forward to seeing you on a USY summer program!

2012 USY Summer Programs Registration is open! Fill out your Preliminary Application today!

Do you want to get more information about USY Summer Programs? Make your inquiry request today!

USY on Wheels

“Classic” USY on Wheels

Spend six-and-a-half weeks traveling coast to coast and experience North America, from sunrise on the rim of the Grand Canyon to pizza and blues in Chicago. Along the way, you’ll meet the famous mouse at Disneyland, feel a mile high … Continue reading

USY on Wheels, Mission: Mitzvah

USY on Wheels, Mission: Mitzvah

Want to spend your summer having fun while helping others? Want to see the United States in a unique way? Then join us this summer on USY on Wheels, Mission: Mitzvah. For five-and-a-half weeks you can travel from east to west … Continue reading

USY on Wheels, Pacific Northwest

USY on Wheels, Pacific Northwest

Capture the excitement of Seattle, the uniqueness of Portland, the beauty of Vancouver, British Columbia and the majesty of Anchorage. Explore some of North America’s most spectacular wonders of nature from Mount Rainier in Washington State to Crater Lake in … Continue reading

wheels east niagara

USY on Wheels East

A Summertime Adventure for 8th Graders USY on Wheels, East will cover the East coast of the United States and Canada on an incredible four-week adventure in Summer 2012. Open to current 8th graders, highlights of the program include*: Toronto … Continue reading

Classic USY Israel Pilgrimage

USY Israel Pilgrimage

Spend your summer with USY for a complete introduction to the land of Israel. You’ll be exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel. Climb the fortress of Masada, explore the stalactite caves of Netifim, swim in … Continue reading

Eastern Europe/Israel Pilgrimage

Eastern Europe/Israel Pilgrimage

Discover the unique cities of Eastern Europe, from the towering spires of Germany and the Czech Republic to the countryside of Poland. Learn about the past, present, and future of these unique Jewish communities, including visits to concentration camps. Then … Continue reading

Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar

Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar

Explore Jewish life in Poland, followed by four weeks of renewal in Israel. A full week is spent discovering the history and culture of Polish Jewry, including visits to the concentration camps of Sobibor, Majdanek, Auschwitz, Birkenau, and Treblinka. Poland … Continue reading

italy_ip

Italy/Israel Pilgrimage

Begin your experience with a week of travel in Italy learning about the history of Italian Jewry from the inside, exploring the amazing cities of Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome. You’ll spend the final four weeks experiencing all that Israel … Continue reading

USY Israel Adventure

USY Israel Adventure

Have an incredibly exciting and stimulating summer in Israel. For four weeks, you’ll be exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel. Climb the fortress of Masada, explore the stalactite caves of Netifim, swim in the waters … Continue reading

Israel Adventure PLUS

Israel Adventure PLUS

Spend five weeks experiencing a complete introduction to the land of Israel. Time is spent living history in Jerusalem, traveling through Haifa, hiking the Galilee, snorkeling in Eilat, and exploring the Negev. Your group will also spend a week in … Continue reading

L’Takayn Olam

L’Takayn Olam

A four-week trip to Israel that includes both sightseeing and social action projects on a daily basis. Spend time volunteering in Haifa, Jerusalem, the Golan, with the final week focused on helping the land of Israel flourish. This program is … Continue reading

Applications for all of our programs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited spaces are still available except as indicated below. Please contact the USY International Office with any questions or for more information about our programs.

North America

Program2012 DatesCost *Grades *
“Classic” USY on Wheels1st departure:
(this option is not being offered in 2012);
2nd departure: June 25 - August 9
$6,9909-11
USY on Wheels, Mission: MitzvahJune 25 - August 2$6,4959-11
USY on Wheels, Pacific Northwestthis option is not being offered in 2012$4,6959-11
USY on Wheels, EastJune 26 - July 24$4,9558

Israel and Europe

Program2012 DatesCost*Grades*
Eastern Europe/Israel PilgrimageJune 26 - August 5
(this program currently has a waiting list)
$8,71010-12
Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar1st departure: June 18 - July 23
(this program currently has a waiting list);
2nd departure: June 27 - August 1
(this program currently has a waiting list)
$7,89510-12
Italy/Israel Pilgrimagethis option is not being offered in 2012$8,44510-12
Israel Adventure PLUSJune 27 - July 31$6,75010-12
USY Israel Adventure –
A Teen Tour of Israel
June 26 - July 25$5,99510-12
L’Takayn Olam –
A Social Action and
Sightseeing Experience in Israel
June 26 - July 25$5,98510-12

* Please note:

  • All prices are in U.S. dollars and subject to change. “Grades” is the current grades (2011-12 school year) you must be in to participate.
  • The cost of USY on Wheels includes the charter bus from the New York area (or Seattle, for Pacific Northwest), travel, room and board, gratuities, and admission fees.
  • Each Israel Pilgrimage program cost includes round trip airfare from New York, room and board, an approved medical plan, sightseeing tours with professional guides, gratuities and admission fees. All personal expenses are additional. Domestic flights are not included in the cost of USY summer programs. Extra baggage on your flights is additional.

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered by the USY regions, local congregations and affiliated programs for qualifying USYers. For further information on these and other scholarship programs, contact your synagogue or regional USY director, or contact the USY International Office for more information.

Payment and Cancellation Policy

A $750 deposit is required in order to reserve your spot and qualify for the early bird discount. Final prices are set to be announced around November 15, 2011. Once prices are officially announced, you will be notified immediately and you will have 2 weeks to cancel without penalty. After this two week period has concluded, should an application be withdrawn for any reason, a $150 processing fee will be withheld provided such written cancellation is received by March 1, at which point additional cancellation fees will apply. All applicants must complete the second half of the early bird application once the prices are announced

Please note: Additional cancellation fees may apply for all programs. You will be notified of such fees in advance.

USY does not provide trip cancellation or interruption insurance. Please contact your local insurance company or contact the USY office for recommended options.

Please note the following:

  • Spaces are limited on all programs and are first-come, first served.
  • If there is a SOLD OUT icon next to the program you want to go on, you can still sign up. Your name will be placed on a waiting list and if spots open up, we will contact you.