What happens when you have the perfect itinerary for traveling through some of the most beautiful places in the world, led by a dynamic and passionate director, all in a frum environment focused on religious growth?
We found out the answer this past summer when the always-enthusiastic and beloved Yoram Roschwalb led a sold-out group of 164 great Modern Orthodox kids, representing virtually every East Coast yeshiva day school, on a tour of the Western USA for post-ninth graders called YTT West. And it was amazing. Many called it the best summer they ever experienced or even the best five weeks of their life.
“The itinerary was great. The food was great. But it was really the kids who brought it to the next level and made it memorable,” Yoram explained when asked what makes the trip so spectacular.
“It was truly remarkable to see how so many kids from different schools, communities and backgrounds all came together for the summer,” he continued. “The davening was beautiful, counselors gave inspirational Torah-learning sessions on the bus, and there were often deep, meaningful conversations happening.”
What also made the trip so special were the brand new friendships forged. Yoram explained that many kids come on the tour looking to expand beyond their current social circles, which the program does everything possible to facilitate by encouraging kids to cultivate new friendships as they navigate from one adventure to the next.
“Kids always make new friends, but the tour brought that to a whole new level. Every Friday night dinner, we would randomize the seating to help mix things up but for the last Friday night, there was no need anymore.” Kids sat wherever they wanted and then noticed something magical had happened. Yoram asked everyone to look around their table and notice with whom they chose to sit. There was a collective gasp in the room as everyone realized that there was no longer a need for randomization. In that moment, the kids understood how much the social dynamics had changed for the better, not just that evening, but over the last five weeks.
Yoram continued in regards to the special moments on the tour. “We had certain moments that were just really inspirational, like when we hiked up six miles to the top of Nevada Falls at Yosemite National Park. When we got there, everyone just started singing “Am Yisrael Chai.” Wow, what a moment!
“Our ruchnius and singing at Friday night tishes and Shabbos kumzitzes had such palpable energy. There was tremendous ruach permeating throughout.
Then there was the time our group davened Mincha overlooking the Grand Canyon. Total silence enveloped the group as everyone took in the awesome moment. “There was something real happening there,” Yoram remembered.
While in San Francisco for Tisha B’Av, the group stayed at a hotel overlooking the Bay. Utilizing a program called Reflections, the group discussed the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. “Then we tied it into the day, and kids talked about what destruction and tragedy means to them. It became this really emotional program which kids experienced while looking out over the majestic San Francisco bay. It was very powerful.”
Touring the West Coast has the added benefit of occasionally seeing famous celebrities out and about. NBA player Jrue Holiday was spotted by the group at Six Flags Magic Mountain. In fact, some of our kids competed against him in a 3-point shoot-out. During the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, the kids got a good look at Aquaman actor Jason Momoa.
Amusement parks, sports, hikes and big-time tourist attractions were all part of the mix. There was jeeping in Sedona, kayaking in La Jolla, swimming in Newport Beach and a whole host of “out-doorsy-fun” activities. On the final Saturday night, YTT went on a boat cruise around San Diego Bay. Yoram continued: “Everybody was dancing and there was this fun energy. It was super uplifting to be out in the middle of the Pacific ocean together.” Even dolphins got in on the action as kids spotted them swimming alongside the boat.
“It felt like on this trip there was something for everybody. Whether you love big cities or the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy big-time roller coasters or watching funny animal shows. Everyone had a different favorite part of the tour.” Even a cursory glance at the itinerary confirms that this is the case, given the breadth and depth of the activities offered each and every day.
The YTT staff is now busy booking and planning next summer’s tour and there will no doubt be some new surprises in store. Registration is open and the limited number of spots are being gobbled up even faster than last year. A $500 early-bird discount currently brings the price down to $7,950 for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For more information visit www.yttsummer.com. You can also email [email protected] or call 917-423-6629 to speak to Yoram about why YTT might be right for you.
