General Information—Tehiyah Day School, 8^th Grade Trip 2011

luggage:

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ONE CHECKED BAG AND ONE BACK-PACK as a CARRY-ON.

    On international flights, you are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. The total permitted   

    dimensions of the two pieces of luggage is 106 inches. El Al’s baggage limitations (checked on

    2/22/10): The maximum weight per piece is 23 kg (50.6 lbs.); 2 checked bags (pieces), provided

    that the sum of the 3 dimensions shall not exceed 62 inches (158 cm.) for one of the bags

    (piece). You are responsible for checking with the airline for baggage restrictions at

    <http://www.elal.co.il>  before the flight.

Type of Luggage

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the trip, so your bags or suitcases should be made of lightweight but durable material. We suggest a duffel bag on wheels, which has wheels on one end and a pull piece on the other; these can be purchased at most luggage stores.

One Piece of Luggage

Most participants bring one suitcase/duffel bag on wheels. In addition, many bring a foldable/collapsible nylon type bag/suitcase that can be used as a second suitcase if you buy gifts or other items. Please pack sufficient underwear and T-shirts for the duration of the trip; it is unlikely we will have the opportunity to wash clothes.

Carry-on Luggage

You will also be allowed one piece of carry-on luggage with a maximum total dimension of 35 inches. You must be able to fit it under the airplane seat in front of you. A purse or waist-pack does not count as your carry-on. We strongly suggest that you put one change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, medication etc. in your carry-on so that you will be prepared in the unlikely event your luggage is temporarily misplaced.

Name Tags

All pieces of luggage (checked and carry-on) should have proper identification tags, which will be provided prior to the trip. Your name should be clearly marked on each clothing item.

Lost Luggage

Our experience has been that “misplaced” luggage (i.e., luggage does not arrive on the same flight as the group) usually arrives on the next flight. If a determination is made that luggage is indeed lost and is not retrievable the group leaders will help the student acquire the basic necessities. The cost of these purchases is the sole responsibility of the participant and his/her parents.

WHAT TO BRING

When packing, keep the following in mind. You will be carrying whatever you pack.  Israel is a very informal country with a very warm climate (though nights may get chilly).  Lightweight, easily laundered (in-room), drip-dry cotton or cotton blend sport clothing is recommended for most touring days.

TDS is NOT responsible for items lost or broken.  Bringing any items you are afraid of losing or breaking will be done at your own risk.

A backpack is STRONGLY recommended to make it easy to carry with you whatever items you will need for the day’s activities. On some days, you may need to carry a change of clothes, or a towel, etc.

Cell Phones

Students should not bring their own cell phones to Israel. All the chaperones will have cell phones and make sure the students are in contact with the parents frequently. Students will be allocated to a chaperone and parents will be provided with a contact phone number.  Emails can be sent to the students via our Israel website and will be passed on to the students at regular intervals.  Students will not be able to reply by email.

The following are Essential Items:

§  Hiking boots or very supportive sneakers

§  A hat

§  Sunglasses

§  Notebook to keep a journal (required)

§  Fanny pack or backpack (for hiking, touring, and carrying water)

   Dress Code:

            Girls

§  No pajamas allowed for traveling

§  No spaghetti straps

§  No belly-bearing tops

§  No short-shorts

§  Sweat pants are allowed only for the flights

§  Appropriate swimwear

            Boys

§  Pants that fit properly, without falling down/sagging

    General Items for Males and Females:

§  8-10 pairs of socks

§  10-12 underwear

§  2 sweaters or sweatshirts

§  2 cotton pajamas

§  Bathing suit - modest

§  8-10 short sleeved shirts or t-shirt with sleeves (must be worn for hiking)

§  2 pairs jeans (one pair may get ruined)

§  5 pairs shorts

§  2 pairs sneakers (one that can get wet and one for touring)

§  1 pair hiking boots (break them in before the trip)

§  1 pair sandals

§  1 pair flip-flops

§  1 pair dress shoes (optional)

§  Water socks for kayaking (optional)

§  2 sweat pants

    List for Females      

§  2 long-sleeved blouses or t-shirts (for holy sites)

§  1 white shirt for Yom ha-Zikkaron

§  2 skirts (that are comfortable to walk around in -- one must reach below the knees for holy sites)

§  A personal supply of female sanitary products (available in case of need)

    List for Males

• 2 kippot
• 2 pairs of dress pants (for holy sites)
• 2 dress shirts (for holy sites)

1 white collared shirt for Yom ha-Zikkaron   

    Miscellaneous Items to Pack

§  Small flashlight (required for tunnel tour)

§  Camera with film

§  Travel alarm clock

§  Extra batteries for CD players

§  Laundry bag (optional)

§  Pens and other writing materials (post cards, air letters, and stamps must be purchased in Israel)

§  Traveling clothesline and clothes pins for washing (optional)

§  Toiletries, including:  sun block, moisturizer, facial soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, “wash and dry” packets, disposable razors, shaving gel, shampoos, deodorant, hairbrush/comb. These items are available in both American and Israeli brands; so don’t overload your suitcase.  Just pack a small supply.

§  Sunglasses

§  Sewing kit

§  Throat lozenges

§  Band aids

§  Insect repellent

§  Small mirror

§  Towel for showering and swimming

§  Wash cloths

§  Zip-loc bags

Strongly Recommended:

We suggest participants carry a fanny-pack or backpack for touring rather than a pocket

-book or wallet. 

Glasses/Contact Lenses:

Contact lens wearers should bring a pair of glasses for emergencies:  dust from the Israeli

desert may present problems with contacts.  Lenses that can be chemically cleaned are most

convenient.  Furthermore, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses should be with you in a case.

Jewelry/Makeup

There is no need to bring expensive jewelry or a lot of make-up; neither will be appropriate for Israel’s weather or for the activities in which we will participate.

Cameras are great, but videotape equipment or motion picture cameras are not recommended, as these are difficult to manage within the itinerary of the program.

Medication:

Anyone presently taking medication or who will be taking medication while in Israel  

MUST provide the following information, as instructed in the application packet:

            Prescription Medication: Have available:

o  name of medication,

o  prescription,

o  explanation of use,

o  dosage instruction. 

o  All medications should be the in original bottles and packaging.

            Over the counter medication: Have available

o  name of medication,

o  prescription,

o  explanation of use,

o  dosage instruction. 

 Customs, Electronics, and Gifts

Electric current in Israel is 220 volts DC (in the US and Canada it is 110 volts AC.)  Transformers to convert voltage can be purchased at Radio Shack and other electronics stores. Many devices such special transformers; be sure to check with your dealer.  Some appliances are available with dual voltage built into their systems.

You may bring certain electrical devices into Israel. These include one electric shaver, travel iron, hair dryer and portable radio. Cameras and film are also exempt from custom duties. If you wish to bring any electrical devices with you (and experience suggests that your trip will be significantly more worry-free if you don’t) be sure that they are adaptable to 220 voltage/50 cycles.

Spending Money

You will want to bring money for gifts, extra snacks, and miscellaneous items. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought to Israel.  However, an individual participating in a two-week program will generally spend an average of $150-$200.   Approximately $10 a day is the recommended pocket money. You may also want to use an ATM card.  Bank machines are located in all of the major cities you will visit.  A credit card is not recommended; you may bring one if you choose to. You may also bring cash if you prefer.

Money is held for participants by the staff and stored in the safe available at each hotel/youth hostel the group stays in. Only staff can access the money. This process is to safeguard that money is not misplaced or lost. This will also ensure that the group changes money when needed and as a group.  

WHILE IN ISRAEL:

Safety and Security

All sites visited are approved by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism. Hiking routes are approved by the SPNI (Society for the Protection of Nature) and by the Police.  Every morning the person in charge of logistics receives an update from the appropriate offices to get approval for the day’s itinerary. An armed staff member accompanies groups when appropriate, as determined by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism.  If unfortunately, something happens, routes, tours, and itineraries will change according to instructions received from the army and the police. The Education Department is in charge of

the well being of thousands of Diaspora students every summer and at other times of the year, and therefore, the procedures are strict, coherent, and abiding.

All Israeli staff members are graduates of the Israeli Army or national service (a special program for religious women).  Certain staff members may have to carry weapons for specific trips and routes – this is a standard practice for Israeli youth trips, as well.

Students will be chaperoned at all times and the group will travel around the country in chartered buses. Even when the group has free time, staff will be present and available.

Orientation

Every group receives an in-depth security orientation upon its arrival.  Security rules and regulations are explained including those prohibiting hitchhiking and wandering off alone.  The orientation will cover the necessity of heightened “security consciousness” in Israel.

Communications

Each group carries a cellular phone at all times. Each bus is equipped with a closed circuit radio that keeps them in contact with bus headquarters at all times. All of the group coordinators have cell phones so they can be reached 24 hours a day. Students will be provided a calling card. Many cellular providers do not operate in Israel. Daily updates will be posted on our Israel trip web site. 

The Israeli Madrich/ah (counselor)

He/she serves both as a tour guide and a madrich/ah. He/she is a graduate of the Israeli army (or national service and has experience both in the social aspects of running a group and in tour-guiding. All our madrichim have previous experience with Diaspora youth and formal or informal educational settings.  The Israeli madrich/ah will meet the group at the airport and remains with the group from that point on.

Medic

A medic is included in the staff for specific visits to sites and for trips to the North and South.  He/she is a certified medic, trained either through the army medical programs, or through private programs. Having an additional Israeli staff person is helpful in case of an emergency, or if a student needs to be taken for medical help. In addition, the medic is there to assist the staff in any way they may need.

Extended Stay / Deviation from Itinerary

Any deviations from the above itinerary must be approved by Tehiyah Day School prior to the trip; please make sure to provide Tehiyah with the contact information requested prior to departure. If your child will already be in Israel at the start of the trip, please ensure that s/he is handed off personally to our chaperones upon the group’s arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. If your child is staying on in Israel, please make sure to provide Tehiyah with all necessary contact information prior to departure.