The phones have been ringing off the hook. Emails have been flying back and forth. Schedules have been worked – and reworked. Plane tickets? Check. Hotel? Check. Restaurants? Check. Tourist attractions? Check. Social Action? Check. Swag? Check.

The list goes on and on… But after months of planning, we’re thrilled to bring you Big Apple Adventure!

Four years ago, Springboard Chicago presented several local organizations, including Midwest NCSY, with the following challenge: Do you have an idea that will inspire, connect, educate, welcome and celebrate Jewish teens’ life and learning?

Our response then was “yes,” and we called it “Big Apple Adventure.”

In the last three years, Big Apple Adventure has proven to be much more than a fun adventure in New York. It has become a chance for teens from throughout Chicagoland to experience meaning, connection and community.

This year, we want your teen to have that same chance.

That’s why we’ve tweaked the program to create an even more fun and inspirational experience, adding new “heroes” and hands-on activities to make this trip truly memorable.

It is our hope that Big Apple Adventure will be more than just a one-time, positive Jewish experience. We hope it will be a “springboard” for further Jewish connection, no matter where your teen is today, or the path he or she will forge in the future.

We’d also like to express our appreciation to JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jim Joseph Foundation for their generous support of Springboard. A special thank you to the dedicated staff at JUF who has partnered with us in so many ways to make Big Apple Adventure a reality!

And most of all, parents, thank you for entrusting us with your children.

We look forward to their feedback – and to yours.

The Big Apple Adventure Team