Know Before You Go

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered in the guidebook sent to all participants. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact [email protected] 

DAILY LIVING

A “typical” day on USY on Wheels starts with a wake-up call between 6:00 and 7:00 A.M.  Teens begin the day with Shacharit (morning) services and breakfast. A committee of Wheelniks then handles loading the bus, ensuring that this is done quickly and efficiently and that everyone’s luggage is on board.  

However, it is the individual’s responsibility to make sure that all personal belongings have been put on the bus and taken from the hotel.

Daily bus trips vary in length. The bathroom on the bus is used for storage and will not be permitted for use as a restroom. Rest stops are scheduled throughout the day and as needed. 

Longer rides are a great time to relax by listening to music, reading, journaling, or bonding with fellow Wheelniks! 

Each evening’s curfew will be established by the group leader. Since Wheelniks will be keeping a very hectic pace during the summer, they will frequently have early morning quiet hours on the bus to catch up on additional sleep. It is extremely important that all participants observe the curfew and quiet hours to achieve the most from their experience.

Every Wheelnik serves on various va’adot (committees) throughout the summer.  These committees are in charge of activities including loading the bus, meal preparation, tefillot, and Shabbat. Va’adot are often a Wheelnik’s favorite part of the summer, as it is special to have ownership over the program in this way. 

VISITORS

To obtain permission for visits during the summer, please make sure a parent has filled out the Visitation Form in Regpack. A parent can also email our office ([email protected]) to update or add additional visitors during the summer.  No visitation will be allowed without this written permission. 

FREE TIME

There are various occasions for free time while sightseeing during the summer. Free time must be spent in groups of three or more Wheelniks. All Wheelniks have the cell phone number of the Group Leader, so if they are not in the same immediate area and need assistance, they can easily get in contact with their staff. 

HOTELS

There are many types of accommodations utilized by USY on Wheels. They commonly include hotel and motel chains such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Sheraton, and Marriott. All accommodations are evaluated by a staff member or representative of the program to determine their suitability for use by our program.

Rooms usually contain two double beds for three or four Wheelniks. USY does not provide cots in the rooms and expects that the Wheelniks, rooming together, will share the double beds.  

Rooming will be done on a rotational basis. At each new hotel, participants will have new roommates. This will allow participants to get to know all their fellow Wheelniks. USY strives to create a welcoming community for all of its participants.

There is no need to bring a sleeping bag or linens.

There will be certain areas of the hotel that will be set aside for everyone’s use to sit or talk with one another.  Please note: you must remain in the room to which you were assigned.  

SPENDING MONEY 

Past participants recommend $500 as an ample amount of spending money. USY recommends that participants carry money in the form of a reloadable debit card (in case the Wheelnik requires additional funds). 

Past participants have also used a Visa card. Most banks and AAA have Visa/debit cards available for purchase. All money brought and the budgeting of that money is the participant’s own responsibility throughout the summer. 

Lost cash cannot be recovered.  

COLLECTIVE TREASURY (Group Kuppah)

There are a number of events that occur during the summer, such as birthdays, group t-shirts, and special events, which the group will want to celebrate with a special activity.  

In order to do this, the group will establish a kuppah (treasury). Each full trip Wheelnik will contribute $150 per person and each half-trip Wheelnik will contribute $80.  These special events, as well as the bus driver tip, will be given to the bus driver at the closing banquet.  

GRATUITIES

Aside from the bus driver’s tip (as mentioned above), we do not allow staff members to accept gratuities. The staff members receive a salary for their summer work, and we request that parents not present them with monetary tips. 

In lieu of gratuities, we suggest that you make a donation to USY in honor of your child’s staff member. You will receive a mailing during the summer that will explain this donation procedure.

LUGGAGE

Each participant is limited to one suitcase no larger than 30″ in height. The total dimensional sum of the suitcase must not exceed 58”. Absolutely no expandable suitcases or duffel bags are allowed on the bus. 

Each bus carries a large supply of food and utensils and therefore, we have a limited amount of space. For this reason, if your suitcase is larger than the maximum size, you will be required at orientation to purchase a suitcase that follows the specific dimension requirements.

6/30- Pittsburgh, PA

7/1- Cleveland, OH

7/2-7/4- Chicago, IL

7/5- Madison, WI

7/6- Minneapolis, MN

7/7- Sioux Falls, SD

7/8- Rapid City, SD

7/9- Cody, WY

7/10-7/11- Bozeman, MT

7/12- Jackson, WY

7/13- Idaho Falls, ID

7/14- Salt Lake City, UT

7/15- Elko, NV

7/16- Reno, NV

7/17-7/18- Sacramento, CA

7/19-San Jose, CA

7/20-7/22- Los Angeles, CA (half way point and trip on/off)

7/23-7/25- Phoenix, AZ

7/26-7/27- Grand Canyon, AZ

7/28- Albuquerque, NM

7/29- Amarillo, TX

7/30- Oklahoma City, OK

7/31- 8/1- Fort Worth, TX

8/2- Houston, TX

8/3- 8/4- New Orleans, LA

8/5- Birmingham, AL

8/6- Atlanta, GA

8/7- 8/8- Charlotte, NC

8/9- 8/10-Washington DC

8/11-Philadelphia, PA

8/12-8/13- Somerset, NJ

If you have specific questions, Please contact Jennifer Fisher

• Airport Pick up & Drop off
• Kosher Meals & Snacks
• Accommodations 
• Programming

When packing clothing, participants should take into account both the informality of the program and the warm climate of the United States during the summer months. 

We encourage participants to pack sports clothes that are lightweight and easily laundered. Ironing is difficult, so please bring drip-dry, wash-and-wear, no-iron permanent-press-type clothing. Jeans are desirable for certain places. Bring an ample supply of underclothes.  

Since the sun is strong, all participants must bring a good pair of sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle.

While traveling, Wheelniks will probably find it most comfortable to wear jeans or sweatpants and a sweatshirt on the air-conditioned bus.  

We recommend participants do not bring their very best clothes, as the circumstances of travel are not always ideal. Clothes that are casual and wash-and-wear are most useful. 

While we want Wheelniks to dress neatly and cleanly at all times, please remember that simplicity and modesty should be important guidelines in choosing clothes to bring.

DRESS CODE

 Kavod (dignity or respect) should be embodied in participants’ attire.

•   Clothing on which profanity or inappropriate language, pictures, or symbols are written, printed, or depicted is prohibited
•   Clothing cannot be made of see-through material, and undergarments should not be visible
•   Clothing, including bathing suits, should be of an appropriate length such that a person’s genitals, breasts, and buttocks  are adequately covered. 

Shabbat Dress Attire

To celebrate and mark the important distinction between Shabbat and the weekday, Shabbat dress attire is required. The following attire is acceptable for Shabbat:

• •   Slacks, khakis, dresses, or skirts
  •   Blouses, collared shirts, or sweaters with sleeves
  •   Dress shoes or sandals
  •   Religious head covering

Meet your staff-click here!