- Some of the CITs are ‘upset about missing camp to go to Israel’. At one level, we are so thrilled to hear about the passion the CITs have to be in camp. At the other level, we know this feeling largely arises out of the very natural uncertainty around change and new experiences. This trip is not designed to replace camp. The trip is designed to specifically enhance the camp experience. They will be travelling with their friends, bunkmates, section and unit. They will be together. This a part of the camp experience. It is just incredibly magnified, supplemented and enhanced with the venue of the experience being shared in Israel for part of the experience.
- Will it be safe? Safety, health, security, camper and staff well-being are top priorities for all we do. The cost of this trip includes a guard and medic that travels with the group 24/7, as well as health insurance. The itinerary is being carefully crafted and would be monitored and modified to mitigate any known risks even while the trip is in action. The tour would be part of the larger tourism infrastructure with resources available to be deployed as needed should any unforeseen circumstances arrive. We would also have experienced staff on the trip to assist with day-to-day matters as needed.
- Is there a reduction in camp fees because some of camp time on site in Haliburton will be missed? This has been factored into the reduced cost of the Israel Trip.
- What about the CIT trip that they get each year at camp? The vision is that this Israel trip will become ‘the CIT trip’. At camp, they still have ample opportunity for tons of fun and bonding together including events like CIT field trips/days off to places like Huntsville, Bracebridge, Haliburton and other fun team outings that change from year to year.
- Can someone join who has never been to camp before? Anyone has always been welcome to apply for the CIT program. Whether someone is accepted or not will depend on how they proceed through the application and interview process. This summer of 2020, with the addition of the trip, would be no different.
- What about Birthright which as of today is free and available to the kids two years later? As high school age students (under 18) travelling for less than three months, this trip does not disqualify them from Birthright. We have verified that the current Birthright website for Canadians indicates as follows:
It depends. If you have been to Israel before, but only with your family or on other personal business, you are still eligible if you were there for under 3 months.
- Applicants who traveled to Israel prior to turning 18, on a program designed for high school teens, for a period shorter than three months in length are eligible. Even if you were 18 at the time of the trip, you are eligible, as long as the trip was designed for high school students.
- Applicants who participated in most “High School in Israel” programs for up to a semester are eligible.
- Applicants who traveled to Israel since turning 18 on a family trip, a multi-generational trip, or some interfaith/secular experiences are eligible.
- Applicants who traveled to Israel after turning 18 on programs designed for college students or young adults are not eligible. Programs include University, study abroad, gap year, yeshiva/seminary, internship and any other experience under the umbrella of Onward Israel or Masa Israel.
Unsure about your eligibility? Do you want to verify your eligibility? Please contact Birthright directly at [email protected].
