Questions & Answers

Welcome to the wonderful world of USY Outdoor Adventure Pacific Northwest! You are about to embark on a most exciting and unusual adventure and this question and answer sheet is designed to tell you about it. Of course, only by being on USY Outdoor Adventure can you actually experience it, but we want you to know as much about our program as possible before the summer begins.

1. Why go on this trip?
   This four week adventure will show you some of the greatest land in the world. From seeing huge, thousand year old trees, to swimming in cool mountain lakes, participants will have experiences unlike anything they have ever done, and will have memories they will tell to their grandchildren. All this with fellow USYers, eating kosher food, keeping Shabbat and in a Jewish atmosphere.
2. Who created this program?
   The itinerary for this program was created by Josh Lake, previously of the Shalom Nature Center and currently of Outdoor Jewish Adventures. Jewish students learn about Judaism and the environment and how Judaism values and respects the natural world. Josh has organized and led many tiyulim (trips) for participants of all ages around the country. Josh and his staff have over 20 years of backpacking/outdoors experience leading campers of all ages from the crests of Mt. Rainer to the Colorado River in Utah and the Sinai Desert in Israel. OJA staff will serve as the morei derech (trail guides) throughout the duration of the program.
3. What are the activities we will be doing?
   Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Kayaking, Swimming, Singing, Eating, Davening, Experiencing and Living. USYers on Outdoor Adventure will learn to make a fire with no matches, set up their own tents, cook their own food, use a map and compass and learn to camp in the outdoors.
4. How much does Outdoor Adventure cost?
   The cost for the 2005 summer of Outdoor Adventure is $3,910. This price includes tuition, three meals a day including snacks, guides, and all group equipment rental.
5. Where will Outdoor Adventure take place?
   Outdoor Adventure USYers will fly into the Seattle Airport and we will begin our journey. We will be hiking on Mt. Rainer, the highest peak in the lower forty eight states. We will be Kayaking in Puget Sound, and we will be playing near the rivers in the Northern Cascades. The intense natural Beauty and untouched land will be explored by land and sea, giving participants a sense of the blessings and sanctity of God's creation.
6. What kind of gear/clothes do we need to bring?
   A very complete packing list will be sent to you. Each USYer will be responsible to bring the specified personal gear including backpacks, canteen, mess-kits, sleeping bags, and clothing.
7. Who will our staff be for this trip?
   USY chooses its staff with an eye to quality. To work for USY Outdoor Adventure is a coveted position, and we have received many applications for the available openings.

   Selection is based upon extensive Jewish knowledge, commitment and experience working with youth. Our USY staff includes youth workers, Rabbinical students, teachers, both male and female: people who devote their lives and their talents to the Jewish people in general and to youth in particular. They are mature, responsible, caring people. Each of our staff bring a knowledge of the land, maps, safety in the outdoors and lots of experience working with youth and camping. They are also very knowledgeable about Judaism and nature, and will constantly push and challenge participants to view nature and its protection as a Jewish responsibility.

   These individuals are responsible for the overall functioning of the trip. Together, these people create a joyous and stimulating atmosphere in which the USY Outdoor Adventure program grows and thrives.

8. What about health and safety?
   The USY Outdoor Adventure staff shares a responsibility with you to keep you healthy throughout the summer. We take this seriously and expect that you will do the same. This is not an extreme adventure course. The activities your children will be a part of are activities that are very safe and well planned. The leaders will be in constant contact with the outside world. Our Program Director is available for emergencies the entire time that the group is on the "trail". The groups are never too far from phone access. In addition to this outside support, staff are trained in First Aid and CPR, and some staff carry advanced training in wilderness first aid. All trails and routes of travel have been traveled and scouted by at least one member of the Staff.
9. What happens if a USYer should need medical care?
   Some of the nights on USY Outdoor Adventure will be spent in campgrounds with first aid care (or infirmaries.) If a USYer should require additional care, we will make arrangements for the USYer to be seen by a nearby clinic, hospital or doctor in the Seattle area if necessary. Most often the accidents that happen are a cut or a bruise. We will carry an extensive first aid kit on us at all times with all the participants' medical forms. If there is something more serious than a cut or a bruise, then the Group Leader will decide what action needs to be taken. There will always be contact available with the outside world.
10. How will I be able to contact my child in the event of an emergency or just to say hi?
    We will have regular mail stops to drop letters off. Whenever you need to get a message to your child, simply call the New York office and we'll help relay the message. Our group staff carries emergency cell phones and pagers and are in continuous contact with the New York office. The program director is on call 24 hours a day and there is an after hours answering service to assist you in an emergency. While you cannot reach your children directly, they can call home occasionally from any pay phone so a calling card is a good idea. While we do not anticipate that USYers will be able to receive mail on a regular basis, we will arrange for at least two mail drop-offs during the program and will notify you of that procedure.
11. Are there any scholarships available?
    You may apply for Tikun Olam scholarships through your USY regions. In addition many synagogues may have scholarships available, usually through the Youth Commission Chairperson, chapter advisor, Mens' Club or Sisterhood. Be in touch with your Congregation's Youth Commission chairperson, advisor or Rabbi for details. Additionally, some Federations may also offer scholarship assistance.
12. Where do we stay every night?
    Most of the trip will be spent camping in 2-4 person tents. The first and last nights of the program will be spent at either a hotel, camp or lodge.
13. How do we eat?
    Outdoor Adventure is a kosher trip. Therefore, all of the food that we serve is strictly kosher. We will carry a supply of non-perishable food with us and have access to convenience stores for fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, we have arranged for food to be delivered to us in various locations for bbq's and Shabbat.
14. What kind of Judaic component is there?
    The forests, rivers and lakes will become our classroom and we learn together about Judaism and the environment. We will daven (pray) at least 2 times a day - always shacharit and mincha and/or maariv in the evening. On Shabbat, we always pray 3 times. All males must bring talit and tefillin - any female who is accustomed to wearing talit and tefillin may bring them as well. Hamotzi is said before meals and birkat hamazon or bracha achrona is said after every meal. All the elements of the wonderful sights that are seen, meeting new friends, Jewish prayer, ritual and study combine to create a true community that is truly unique and special.
15. How much spending money does an Outdoor Adventure participant need?
    You will need a minimal amount of spending money. We do recommend bringing about $150-200 for any souvenirs or extra snacks or drinks. Additionally, you will need to bring $30 for the group kuppah (treasury) at the beginning of the summer. This money will cover the extra expenses to make the group personal like any birthday celebrations, a group t-shirt or a special program.
16. How much can I bring?
    You can bring as much stuff as you can fit into one backpack! Once you arrive in Seattle, the staff will show you how to repack your backpack so everything fits comfortably. Do not bring more than what is required as you will have to carry anything additional. You will receive a full packing list prior to the program.
17. Will we ever travel on a bus?
    Occasionally, we will travel on a bus only to get from one location to another. We will have a van that travels with us in case we do need local transportation.

This is only the beginning of what we are sure will be one of the most exciting and meaningful adventures of your life. You will be living a total Jewish experience in every way while traveling throughout our great and beautiful region with all of its God-given natural resources.

For more information, please feel free to e-mail Karen Stein or call 212-533-7800 ext. 2327.