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Teen travel is the way to go when considering your teens' summer plans. Read an expert's opinion on the most efficient way to research the right choice in Israel for your family.

There is probably no more challenging decision-making process for a parent than trying to help (or stay clear of) a teenager in the midst of making summer plans! Camp counselor? Real job? Au pair on Nantucket? How about world travel?  How about Israel?

"Teen tour" conveys an image of senseless meanderings -- bus and train loads of sleeping kids ready to endure the obligatory museum/ruin/museum itinerary in order to win a few hours free time for food, shopping, and fun. Although these types of trips continue to exist, providing as they do free travel and expenses for school teachers and administrators who often plan, staff (and own) them, they are no longer the only items in the teen travel marketplace. Today there are many wonderful offerings available across the world providing meaningful, well-designed experiences for teens in a variety of special interest areas that challenge the mind, body, and creative imaginations of their participants.

ATTENTION:  The U.S. State Department frequently issues travel warnings concerning Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.  For updated travel advisories, please visit http://travel.state.gov.

Israel for Teens

Let me give some examples from the market I know best: Israel.

Nesiya (212 951 7128) introduces Israel to its 10th- 12th grade participants through the eyes of Israeli artists: dancers, singers, sculptors, graphic artists, musicians, etc. Students go right from arrival at Ben Gurion Airport to the most remote Israeli desert where artists and teens spend time hiking, exploring, creating, experiencing -- ultimately gaining a first-hand understanding of both ancient nomadic Israelites and the contemporary realities of the Middle East.  The exploration continues for a total of six weeks and includes visits to the Negev, Galili, Jerusalem, Judean Desert and Tel Aviv.

The B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (202/857-6633) offers a summer Israel iscovery program that celebrates history both on and off the beaten path.  An extension is available for those interested in staying longer on a special Army Base and on a kibbutz.

KIVUNIM: New Directions (917/930-3092) runs a travel program which utilizes academic study to encourage students to experience Jewish life and spirituality.  As a gap year program that post high school students can take before they start college, each participant can receive up to 28 college credits.  New Directions focuses on hiking, cultural institutions and meeting key personalities throughout Israel in order for teens to interpret the past of the Jewish tradition and better understand the future of their people in a peaceful and tolerant society.  The application process is similar to that of college and financial aid is available on first come, first served basis.

The Bronfman Youth Fellowship (518/475-7212) selects 26 outstanding high school (entering) seniors (age 16-18) for an intensive intellectual and spiritual 6-week encounter with the Land, People, and State of Israel. They create a community of diverse, yet similarly capable young people, then focus on the encounter between the participant and the program's highly committed, charismatic, and gifted staff. And all selected receive a full fellowship for the entire cost of the trip!

These are just a few of the hundreds of diversified "Teen Israel" programs providing multifaceted experiences in nature, culture, religion, and personal growth that are second to none.