Achva can substantially increase the number of wondrous and amazing sights you will see in your lifetime. Not by Googling, but by being there and experiencing them. Achva also brings great Jewish kids together to create lifelong friendships.
Achva, the signature youth program of Young Israel, offers coed summer tours for Jewish teenagers. Now in its 36th year, Achva’s tours include East (post eight grade), West (post ninth grade), and Alaska/Hawaii (post tenth grade).
Their most popular tour, Achva West, has been running for over 20 years and only gets better and better with age. This tour will bring you to the most awe-inspiring sites in America including Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, not to mention glamorous cities like Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles among others. What sets Achva apart, aside from the sites, is the great group of teenagers and staff that come together to create lifelong memories. Throw in a little sports, all sorts of fun activities and some great kosher restaurants and you have a recipe for an unforgettable summer.
In the words of Jon Galandauer of Teaneck, NJ, an Achva West 2015 participant: “Traveling around the West Coast, going whitewater rafting in Montana or experiencing the exciting cities of California, was only part of the reason this trip was so spectacular. What really made the trip so spectacular was spending time with someone you just met for the first time in our hotel or on our bus while making friendships that outlast the summer. Activities eventually come to an end but the friendships can last forever.”
Despite the reasonable price, Achva does not scrimp on amenities. Participants travel aboard air-conditioned coach buses and stay at hotels. Attractions are top-notch and come in rapid fire. Every day on Achva brings something new, different and fun. You can check out the full itinerary online: Disneyland, SeaWorld, Warner Brothers Studios and Alcatraz are just a tiny sample of what’s in store.
This sentiment was shared by Josh Feldman of Englewood, NJ, another West 2015 participant: “Achva West was the greatest summer of my life. From the national parks to the big cities, it was amazing.” And yes, this is a very typical comment from Achva participants.
All Achva tours are strictly kosher and Shomer Shabbat with tefillah three times a day. An extensive staff, including senior Achva staff members along with college-age counselors, provides excellent supervision. Achva attracts a nice mix of kids from all around the tri-state area and parts of North America, as well as a few from Israel or even Europe.
Registration is ongoing while space is available. Last year, West was completely full and had to turn away some people. So don’t wait too long to contact us. For more information about all of Achva’s great tours, you can check out www.youngisrael.org/achva or call 212 929-1525 x181.
