Q: What type of teenager is a JOLTer?
A: A Jolter is anyone in 10th or 11th grade who wishes to serve as a role model and to share their Jewish knowledge with the youth in Kharkov and with their fellow JOLTers. Because of the intense nature of the program a JOLTer must have a strong work ethic as well as be able to deal with some serious issues in a mature and responsible manner. Knowing how to have fun is also a must

Q: How many kids do you expect on the program?
A: JOLT 1 can accommodate between 35 and 40 JOLTers

Q: What are the accommodations?
A: In Kharkov the boys will stay in sleep in the dormitory of the OU center which is located on Sumskaya Street in the center of own. The girls sleep in the girl’s dormitory which is a short walk from the OU center. All travel between dormitories are accompanied by security personnel.
In Poland and Israel JOLTers will stay in hotels.

Q: Is there free time on the program? If so, how much?
A: Each portion of the JOLT program includes limited free time which is supervised by staff and security personnel.

Q: Are there accommodations for Shabbos?
A: JOLT 1 will be spending 2 shabbosim in the OU center in Kharkov, 1 shabbos at a resort in the Ukraine with the campers, 1 shabbos in Krakow, Poland and the final shabbos in Tzefas.

Q: What is the dress code (include during davening or other special times(I.e. tiyulim, hiking...)?
A: All JOLT participants are required to adhere to halachically acceptable dress.

Q: Do you tend to get a large percentage from a certain age group?
A: Most JOLTers are entering their senior year but those entering eleventh grade have been accepted in the past.

Q: Are religious services mandatory?
A: Yes, all religous services are considered part of the program and are therefore required for all JOLTers.

Q: What kind of learning is there, and how much?
A: The JOLT program includes daily learning. Each JOLT participant will be required to prepare at least four lessons to teach to the other JOLTers during the trip.

Q: What is an average daily schedule?
A: In Poland and Israel the JOLT schedule depends on the touring which we will do during that day. Touring days usually begin at 7:00 AM and continue until 11:00 PM. During the camp in Kharkov the usual schedule is as follows;

7:00 AM Wakeup
7:30 AM Shacharis
8:15 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Depart for Camp
9:00 AM Camp Begins
4:00 PM Camp Ends - Free Time
5:30 PM Mincha
5:45 PM Dinner
6:30 PM Learning Session
7:30 PM Prepare for Camp
9:00 PM Night Activity
10:30 PM Maariv
11:00 PM Layla Tov

Q: How do I apply for an NCSY Summer Program?

A: The complete application is available online HERE. 

Q: What forms do I need to fill out before I can be accepted?

A: Acceptance decisions will not be made without a completed application, recommendation letters, and medical waivers.  ** Please note, some programs require a telephone interview before an acceptance decision is made.**

Q: I have applied, now what?

A: Upon completion of your online application, you will receive a confirmation email. Most NCSY Summer Programs also require a brief telephone interview as part of the application process. In the unlikely event that you do not receive a phone call to schedule your interview within three weeks of submitting your online application, kindly send an email to or call us at 1-888-TOUR-4-YOU.

Q: Until when can I apply for the programs?

A: All programs work under a rolling admission system which means that there is no final date to apply to the program. Once the program reaches capacity, we will stop accepting applications for that program. Most programs fill to capacity sooner rather then later so applying right away is always recommended.

Q: Are scholarships available for NCSY Summer Programs?

A: Yes! The financial aid application is part of the online registration process. Scholarship decisions are based on need and are made after an applicant has been accepted.  Please note, many outside organizations offer scholarships for summer programs. You might consider calling your local Federation, ZOA, JCC or Synagogue for scholarship assistance.

Q: What forms do I need to send to NCSY before I can go on a program?

A: After being accepted, you must submit a packet of legal forms and medical forms. All forms will be sent to you in a confirmation email upon completion of the online registration process.

Q: When will I know if I have been accepted?

A: All programs will be accepting applicants on a rolling basis. You can expect to have an answer about three weeks after interviews have been conducted. If more than three weeks have passed since your interview and you have not been contacted regarding your participation, kindly send an email to or call us at 1-888-TOUR-4-YOU.

Q: When can I expect to receive an information packet for my program?

A: Packets will be mailed out before Pesach. These packets will include packing lists, itineraries, flight information, specific program codes of conduct and other VERY IMPORTANT information. It is crucial that you read through the entire packet and mail in all appropriate forms. If you need this information prior to Pesach, kindly send an email to or call us at 1-888-TOUR-4-YOU. Please note, most of this information will also be available on our website (http://www.NCSYsummer.com) around Pesach time.

Q: Can I extend my stay in Israel?

A: Yes. To extend a ticket, you will need to contact the Summer Programs Associate assisgned to your program.  He or she will give you the direct email address for our travel agent who will make the accommodations.  Registrars cannot arrange flights.  Note: Any additional fees associated with the change are the responsibility of the program participant.

Q: Once the program has departed, how can I be in touch with my child?

A: For domestic programs, numbers will be provided.  For the overseas programs there will be cell phone rental service required through a third party.  There will also be an emergency number available.  Some programs will also have access to fax machines and emails. 

Q: Once the program has started, whom do I contact with problems or questions?

A: If you have a question regarding billing, flights or any other matter concerning your program, please contact the NCSY Summer Programs Registrar assigned to your program at 1-888-TOUR-4-YOU. 

If your specific questions were not answered in the FAQs above, please feel free to call 1-888-TOUR-4-YOU, or email your inquiry to