Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.
How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO offers a supervised group flight for this trip. While you are not required to join the group flight for this trip, it is highly recommended if it is geographically reasonable. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. Learn more about flying to the program.
What if my teen is considered an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has its own rules for mandatory unaccompanied minors and additional fees do apply. If your teen is 15 years or younger, then please refer to your chosen airline for information and contact us at least 2–3 weeks in advance if special arrangements need to be made with our staff.
Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in several different types of accommodations, including 3-star hotels. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space.
How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local tour leader, and a bus driver. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.
What’s the summer weather like?
Temperatures in the Pacific Northwest can vary greatly with summertime highs in the 80s and 90s in the daytime, and cooler, sometimes freezing, temperatures at night. In the mountains, storms are common; always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. At higher elevations, it is possible for temperatures to drop below freezing or for snow to fall, even in summer. Wearing layers is important! The sun can be strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns.
How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety & security.
What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, we anticipate our average group size on Pacific Northwest Trek to be around 35–42 teens. Some teens choose to sign up together with a friend or two, and most teens choose to come on their own. Either way, our participants will have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of peers from various locations across North America which makes exploring a new place together even more exciting. On some programs, we might have multiple parties from the same area register together. In this case, we are unable to inform families when this occurs and though we are always willing to share the group dynamics of the current registrations, we typically have a good idea of the general group make up after our cancellation deadline.
What’s the food like?
Pacific Northwestern cuisine is heavily influenced by Asian and Native American cuisine. Fusion foods like bulgogi burritos, sushi, and Korean tacos are just some of the items that can be found on many menus. However, most of the food your teen will eat on this program is similar to what they’re used to at home. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.
As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.
Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.
Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.
Do I need a passport to attend this experience?
Yes, a passport is required. While a NEXUS card and proof of U.S. citizenship for teens under the age of 16 are accepted forms of ID when entering Canada, teens traveling with BBYO must have a passport. A teen’s passport must be valid for at least six months after their final travel day. If your teen’s passport needs to be renewed, or you need to apply for a first-time passport, please do so as soon as possible. The passport application and renewal process can experience lengthy delays.
Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport, good news! You don’t need a visa to enter Canada. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Registration Terms.
For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip preparation manual.
