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 or 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, Jun 30-Sun, Jul 21, 2013
Session II: Sun, Jul 28-Sun, Aug 18, 2013
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?
Enrollment is on a rolling, first come, first serve basis. Tuition is $5000 which includes room, board (3 Kosher meals a day), transportation around NYC and all program expenses. Tuition does not include transportation to NYC.
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.
Are there scholarships available?
For information about scholarships, call 212.415.5699 / Email.
Learn about the ONE HAPPY CAMPER Incentive Program.
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 begin with a late breakfast at 10:30 am followed by Reflective Electives, activites that range from acapella groups to meditative walks to food tastings to improv games to Israeli cultural activities or the opportunity to visit an area synagogue. Enjoy a catered lunch as a community before setting out for a “Choose your own Adventure” activity: Visit the MET or MOMA, hike, stroll or chill in Central Park, explore the food markets of Williamsburg, journey to Governors Island by ferry for an art festival, attend a concert in the park, with so much to do in NYC, 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.