What is Passport NYC?
Passport NYC is 92Y’s Jewish values driven specialty-based residential summer camp. For three weeks teens from all over the world will live at 92Y and will engage in one of five specialty areas: Film, Fashion, Culinary Arts, the Music Industry and Musical Theater. At Passport NYC we believe that no matter what your passion, you can use it to help make the world a better place—what we call Tikkun Olam. This belief is played out in the specialty and the general camp community.
So, in addition to the instruction there will also be community service? Will I be able to get hours for school?
Yes and yes. You will be receiving up to 30 hours of community service credit and we will be awarding all participants a community service certificate at the end of the summer
When is Passport NYC?
Session I: Sun, Jul 1-Sun, Jul 22, 2012
Session II: Sun, Jul 29-Sun, Aug 19, 2012
Is there an application process?
Yes! If you go to our "Apply Here" link you can see the online application. Don't worry, there are no long essays here. If you are committed to working hard, playing hard and have a good attitude and an open mind, this program is most likely for you. We also need to assess your skill level in your requested specialty so we can help you grow as much as possible in your chosen field.
How many hours a day will I be spending in my own specialty area?
You will be spending 5-8 hours a day, five days a week in your own specialty area.
How old do I need to be?
Passport NYC is for teens entering 9th-12th grades.
What does a typical day look like?
Click each specialty to see a sample day:
What kind of things will I be doing when I am not in my specialty?
Experiencing the best of NYC and 92Y! You will have a chance to get to know other teens in our Passport NYC community (from all five specialties) while accessing 92Y’s May Center for Health, Fitness & Sport, engaging in meaningful conversation over meals, exploring NYC during our scheduled evening programs in and around New York City, participating in community service projects and contributing to our weekend Shabbat Experience. There isn’t a dull moment within this extraordinary summer experience.
What does Passport NYC cost?
$4500 for each three-week session. Tuition includes room, board (three Kosher meals per day), transportation in and around NYC (subways and buses) and all program expenses. This does not include transportation to NYC or personal spending money.
Does Passport NYC provide airport transportation if I am coming from out of state?
For an additional charge, Passport NYC will provide chaperoned airport pick up and drop off on arrival and departure days from LaGuardia and JFK International airports. There will be an additional $50 charge for each way of provided transportation. A Passport NYC staff member will meet you in baggage claim on arrival day and will get you checked in and through security on departure day. We will also do our best to help you make travel accommodations with other teens traveling from your area.
I've done my research and know other specialty programs in NYC that are only a week or two long are more expensive. How do you keep your costs so low?
Our costs are relatively low (for NYC) because we are working with a generous grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camp made possible through the Jim Joseph Foundation. Every Passport NYC participant's tuition is significantly subsidized by these funders. We want as many people to experience Passport NYC as possible.
Are there scholarships available?
One Happy Camper Incentive seeks to increase the number of campers benefiting from the transformational experience of Jewish camp by providing financial incentives to first-time campers. Read on to learn how you can receive grants up to $1,000 to attend Passport NYC.
Learn about the ONE HAPPY CAMPER Incentive Program.
For information on tuition assistance, and/or payment plans contact Beth Teitelman at 212.415.5699 or by email.
How do you handle safety?
92Y is located on the Upper East Side, one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. We offer 24-hour security with surveillance, at least a 7:1 participant to staff ratio and supervised dorms and excursions. 92Y has a reputation for excellence and safety that dates back 134 years. With that kind of experience, you can rest easy.
How many participants are in one dorm room? Is there air conditioning? How about laundry?
There are doubles, triples and quads. Girls and boys will be on their own separate floors. Rooms are fully air-conditioned and laundry is done offsite once during the three weeks. To learn more about your rooms, visit our housing page and take an online tour or contact our camp office to arrange an on-site tour of 92Y.
Can I room with my friends?
We highly recommend that you do NOT room with any friends you knew previously. One of the awesome things about Passport NYC is that you will be meeting teens from all over the world with so many different backgrounds and interests. We promise you that you will have lots of hang out time with your old friends, but we are going to challenge you to expand your circle. That said, if you really feel strongly about it, we can discuss it.
How does Passport NYC do Shabbat (Friday night-Saturday night)?
Friday night at sundown we will gather together as a community to welcome Shabbat. Evenings may include singing, poetry, skits and moments of personal and community reflection. It will mostly be in English with some Hebrew (with English transliteration).
Saturdays are "chose your own adventure days"—beginning with a late breakfast, and then "chugs" (elective) activites that range from acapella groups to meditative walks to Israeli games or the opportunity to visit an area synagogue.
Enjoy a catered lunch and a few hours relaxation before setting out for an activity of your choice: Visit the MET or MOMA, hike or stroll in Central Park, participate in a 92Y walking tour of NYC, attend a concert in the park, play basketball—with so much to do at 92Y, the possibilities are endless!
Evenings are reserved for intellectual engagement—participate in some mind-expanding conversations and activities with your incredible staff. Spend time with your floor mates and roommates, shower and get ready for dinner.
We close the evening with Havdallah—think candle, flame, spices...all the senses engaged—and then a fun, social community activities.
Passport NYC is what we call “Shomer Shabbat Friendly”—Meaning that Passport NYC creates an atmosphere so everyone on the program can observe Shabbat in their own way.
What do you mean by Jewish values driven?
PPNYC believes in living the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam—helping repair the world—and Tikkun Middot—continuously working towards being your best self.
What about food?
Our caterer serves delicious buffet breakfast and dinner as well as made-to-order lunch options during class days (and ample snacks too) and is committed to serving a variety of organic and local fare. Our food is Kosher, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available. If you have specific questions about the Kosher certification, please contact Molly at 212.415.5641.
Okay, I'm interested, now what?
First of all, congratulations. You are one step closer to what could be the best summer of your life. Click here:
Join our Facebook group for updates on Passport NYC programs, fun facts, instructor hires, celebrity visits, special outings and more. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our camp community.
What if I have other questions that aren't in this FAQ?
Contact us at 212.415.5641 or by email and we can help answer any other questions you may have about Passport NYC, living in New York and/or 92Y.