FAQ
Everything You Wanted to Know
about CTeen Xtreme America Out West
Q. What is CTeen Xtreme?
A. CTeen Xtreme is a unique travel camp geared for today’s American high school student. Our program aims to boost your teen’s self-esteem with extreme adventures, extreme trips, and an extreme love for being Jewish. The adventurous hikes and thrilling trips are designed to boost the self-confidence, sense of responsibility, communication and survival skills of your teen.
Q. Who is CTeen Xtreme for?
A. Jewish teens in grades 9–12, regardless of affiliation, who want to enjoy the summer of a lifetime. No previous experience in outdoor adventure is necessary.
Q. How is CTeen Xtreme staffed?
A. Our staff members are handpicked for their dedication, experience in outdoor adventure and working with teenagers, as well as their warm and welcoming spirit. In addition to our dedicated directors and counselors, a wilderness first aid responder, a talented chef, and a fun-loving rabbi or rebbetzin will accompany us throughout our trip.
Q. Where does the trip start and end?
A. The trip starts in Denver, CO. Participants purchase a one-way flight from their hometown to Denver International Airport (DEN). There is a specific timeframe when your flight must arrive in Denver. Campers do not leave the airport. The camp bus will pick up all participants from the airport, and the trip starts from there.
The trip ends in Los Angeles, CA. Participants purchase a one-way flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) back to their hometown. There is a specific timeframe when your flight must depart Los Angeles. Campers do not need to arrange their own rides to the airport. The camp bus will bring everyone to the airport together, the camp staff will escort teens to their airline terminals, and the trip ends there. After registration, you will receive an online form to submit your teen’s flight information. If your teen will be staying in Los Angeles after the trip, local pick up will be available from the last camp location before the camp bus departs to the airport.
Q. Who can escort my teen in the airport?
A. If necessary, you should be able to escort your teen to his or her flight. Please contact your airline. It is generally possible to obtain a gate pass to escort an unaccompanied minor through security until the departure gate (e.g., Spirit Airlines). CTeen Xtreme staff will have the flight information of every camper and will be waiting at the airport to greet your teen in Denver and ensure that they join the rest of the camp group.
When available, we can put you in touch with the other parents of participants who are departing from the same airport, so that you can book the same flight. Additionally, a staff group flight will be available from/to New York. Please contact our office for further information.
If you wish, you can use airline unaccompanied minor service, however, please notify us before booking so that we can give you the correct information of the staff member who will meet your child at the airport.
Q. How much does the trip cost?
A. The full price for CTeen Xtreme is $3,650; the subsidized price is $2,595.
We are only able to offer a subsidized price thanks to generous donors and grants and it is limited to certain geographical areas. We normally charge the full price for this trip. If you are financially capable, we ask that you choose to pay the full-price option, so that we can extend the subsidies to as many who need it. We leave it up to your discretion. Either payment option obtains equal trip participation.
Q. Where will the camp be staying?
A. CTeen Xtreme campers will lodge at hotels, cabins, and dormitories. Throughout the trip, we will camp out overnight one time. We will periodically rotate the rooming assignments to provide a better opportunity to meet new friends and to enhance the group dynamics.
Q. How will the camp be traveling?
A. CTeen Xtreme will travel on a state-of-the-art coach bus, which is equipped with electrical outlet capacity.
Q. What if a camper can’t participate in every activity?
A. Participants are expected to be able to participate in most activities. If there are restrictions for your teen in regard to a specific activity, we ask that you please note this in the registration form, so we can plan for any special arrangements needed.
Q. What kind of community service hours does this trip offer?
A. Along the route, we will stop and volunteer at 2-3 non-profit organizations.
Volunteer work can include helping pack food, clothing, children’s school packets, or hygiene kits for needy families. Depending on availability, CTeen Xtreme partakes in building, painting or maintenance projects for subsidized housing developments.
Q. Is cell phone usage permitted on the trip?
A. Participants are permitted to bring a cell phone on the program. However, CTeen Xtreme regards cell phone use during the program as a privilege. Participants must exercise discretion when using them (e.g., respect sleeping roommates, etc.). If necessary, program staff reserve the right to revoke the privilege if it is abused.
Parents and friends who wish to contact a participant during the trip should keep in mind that part of the trip is in the Pacific Time Zone (California & Nevada), and part of the trip is in the Mountain Time Zone (Colorado, Utah & Arizona). The group will typically return to the lodging in the early evening, and that is the best time to call.
Q. Will there be internet access on the trip?
A. A handful of the hotels, dormitories, and lodges where we will be staying will have internet stations available, and participants are welcome to use them during free time—usually for an additional fee. However, often there are only one or two such stations available, and many eager customers. It is best not to expect participants to have online access during the program. We strongly discourage bringing a laptop or any expensive communication devices on the trip due to increased risk of theft or damage.
Q.What does the camp fee cover?
A. Sleeping accommodations, meals, in-trip transportation, and all program activities are covered by the core program tuition. The airplane tickets to Denver, CO and from Los Angeles, CA, as well as extra airline baggage fees are not covered in the general tuition.
Q. What should I bring?
A. You can find the packing list here. We highly recommend that you only bring one main piece of luggage to check onto the plane (duffel bags are preferred, but rolling suitcases can also work) and one backpack for daily travel on the road.
Q. What food will be served on this trip?
A. Our kosher chef will serve a tasty and nutritious menu. Please contact us regarding any allergies or specific diets so that we can prepare appropriately. In cities with large Jewish populations, such as Los Angeles, we will get a taste of the local cuisine at some of the local kosher restaurants.
Q. Is it necessary to bring along additional spending money?
A. Sleeping accommodations, meals, in-trip transportation and all program activities are covered by the core program tuition. To purchase souvenirs or extra snacks, a small allowance under $50 a week is recommended.
More questions? Contact Us:
718-887-9721 or summer@cteen.com