Aryeh Adventures is an organization unlike any other. Launched in 2011, they offer trips with ever-changing itineraries across the world to special needs youth, while at the same time bringing along mainstream peers with the goal of forming long-lasting bonds and friendships. Previously the program had only been for teens, but now Aryeh Adventures is excited to announce the launch of Aryeh Plus, which will be the same program, but opens the door to adults as well.

Aryeh Adventures is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) charity that Rabbi Yoni Glatt launched in 2011 in memory of his uncle, Edward (Ari) Lichtschein, who tragically lost his life on 9/11. Two aspects of his uncle that stand out to Rabbi Glatt were his love of travel and kindness to those with special needs, and so Rabbi Glatt carries on his legacy by marrying the two with Aryeh Adventures. Rabbi Glatt is especially excited about Aryeh Plus, seeing it as an opportunity to allow even more people to experience the trips.

“Aryeh Plus solves the biggest problem with our program,” Rabbi Glatt shared with The Jewish Link. “We would have participants who were young teens and who would have an absolute blast on the trips summer after summer, but then they would age out. Aryeh Plus allows us to continue to offer these trips to them, and we’re really excited to be launching it.”

Aryeh Adventures—and now Aryeh Plus—takes its participants all over the world. Previous trips included Aryeh Alaska, Aryeh Hawaii, Aryeh Am3rica, and trips to both Europe and Israel. Aryeh Plus will be open to participants between the ages of 20 and 30 and will be run by Raphi Cooper and Judd Eisenberg—two previous staff members with full-time jobs who are using vacation days to run the trips.

“Raphi and Judd are true tzaddikim,” Rabbi Glatt continued. “We’ve been so blessed to have them as part of our team.”

This coming summer the organization will also run Aryeh West for grades 8-10, which will include stops in Utah, Denver, and Los Angeles. Rabbi Glatt and his volunteer staff are actively getting the trip and itinerary ready. A lot of the preparation involves putting together a program that will be accessible to all the participants.

“We take every precaution to make sure our participants are able to make the most of the trip,” Rabbi Glatt continued. “We make sure to only fill three quarters of the seats of the bus, so that those with sensory issues have space to spread out and not feel squished. We also are always checking in on them and making sure they are having fun.”

The reception to the program has been immensely positive. Rabbi Glatt reports that the trip is a favorite among many, with some participants returning year after year—hence why the launch of Aryeh Plus is so important, so those who age out won’t have to miss out on the fun.

“We’ve had one kid who has gone on 13 of our trips!” Rabbi Glatt said. “He comes back every time with the biggest smile on his face. We also have kids who start out as mainstream participants who then return as staff members. Seeing that sense of continuity just makes it all the more meaningful.”

A big part of Aryeh Adventures is the fact that half of the participants are mainstream individuals. Going in, this was always an integral part of the program, as Rabbi Glatt wanted it to be a safe space where these special needs individuals can learn social skills and foster connections with others. Thus far it’s been a massive success, with participants keeping in touch long after the trips have concluded.

“I love seeing the friendships that develop,” Rabbi Glatt continued. “I think that’s the most meaningful part of it all. Because I know how much it would mean to my uncle, and knowing that there’s good, positive things being done in his name, it just means the world to me. He would have loved to have joined the trips and see everything that’s going on.”

Aryeh Adventures and Aryeh Plus are actively accepting campers and staff volunteers for their upcoming trips. If you would like to learn more or register a participant, you can do so by visiting their website, aryehadventures.org. Additionally, for those interested in becoming a volunteer, you can email Rabbi Glatt at [email protected].

Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.