FAQ
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WHAT KIND OF STUDENTS WOULD BE A GOOD FIT FOR DARCO?
Darco provides a unique opportunity for Jewish students to explore the world while still functioning within a religious environment. We are looking for students who have a thirst for knowledge, can appreciate learning about new cultures, and are respectful of the religious aspects of the program. To create the kind of environment we would like to foster, we are also looking for participants who are responsible, timely, and considerate. For the group to get the most out of this experience, we all rely on each others consideration.
WHAT LEVEL OF JUDAISM DOES DARCO ADHERE TO?
Darco is geared to students who are modern Orthodox. Kosher meals will be provided, Shabbat will be celebrated, girls and boys will have separate sleeping quarters, there will be time for partipants to daven, and basic rules of tzniut must be adhered to. For example, boys shorts and girls skirts must reach the knee, t-shirts must have sleeves (no tank tops), and boys must wear a kippah or a headcovering of some sort, like a cap.
WILL WE KNOW WHO WILL BE IN OUR GROUP BEFORE THE SUMMER?
Yes. We will hold one or two zoom meetings before the summer to make sure everyone can meet beforehand and to ensure that you have all the information you need to feel comfortable. We are also always available to answer any questions by email.
WHAT GRADE LEVEL IS DARCO GEARED TOWARD?
For Summer 2023, we are looking for boys and girls entering 9th and 10th grade. In the future, we hope to have multiple trips per summer and students from grades 9-12.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY POLICIES?
Darco’s top priority is the safety and health of every participant. This reflects in how we run our tour. Participants will never be left alone anywhere at any time. Participants will be expected to stay with the program at all times unless he/she is accompanied by a counselor. Participants must never leave a hotel or separate from the group without permission. Participants will have a curfew each night at which point they are required to be in their rooms.
Darco reserves the right to remove any participant from the program for their own safety or the safety of others. Drinking, smoking, vaping, or drugs not prescribed to you by a physician have no place on any Darco program; neither does improper conduct between boys and girls such as being found in the sleeping quarters of the opposite gender. We will not hesitate to send anyone home who is involved in any such activity.
WHAT WILL WE BE EATING ON THE TRIP?
Darco will have a kosher chef traveling with us to provide meals. In certain cities, like Vienna, where there are many kosher restaurants, we will also eat out. If you have any specific dietary restrictions, please don't hesitate to let us know. We will do our best to accomodate you.
HOW DO I PACK FOR THIS KIND OF TRIP?
You pack LIGHT. We will be changing sleeping locations often, and we will be in parts of Europe where streets are often extremely hilly as well as cobblestone. You do not want to be dragging two or three suitcases around. Bring a large backpack and/or a duffel, bring items you can wear more than once, and we will also try to do laundry halfway through the trip. Make sure to bring sneakers, as we will always be walking, and if you're sensitive to the sun, bring a cap and/or sunglasses as well. This is not a fashion show - it's an adventure!