The mission of JADE Expeditions is to enhance the lives of students of any age by extending educational and Jewish identity programming into the worldwide classroom and providing the best opportunity for learning through seeing, experiencing, and interacting.

JADE Expeditions endeavors to offer our clients opportunities to expand their horizons through travel. Founded by professional educators and travel experts, JADE Expeditions realizes the true benefits of an educational program. What better way to experience an in-depth discovery of a new country or region than to experience it first-hand under the guidance of expert scholars and educators. JADE Expeditions adheres to a strong educational philosophy when designing each tour, whether the emphasis is on adult education or tours appropriate for student groups.

 JADE Expeditions has developed a number of unique travel categories dedicated to cultural and Jewish education in the field. Whether traveling with renowned scholars and historians through Provencal France or exploring the wonders of wild Alaska through our signature "Judaism & Nature" program, JADE Expeditions brings you a unique and exciting way of learning and understanding.

Service & Experience

Academic Expeditions provides the utmost in personalized service. We coordinate every aspect of your program. We work behind the scenes to ensure a safe, fun and memorable experience for each participant. Our years of experience allow us to handle all of the logistics from start to finish:

• All development, reservations & logistical planning
• Round trip air and/or deluxe motor coach transportation
• Quality hotel & lodging accommodations
• Appropriate accommodations and programming for Shabbat 
• Escorts, sightseeing guides, lecturers, educators
• Nutritious, well-balanced, and plentiful Kosher style or Glatt kosher meals under strict supervision (for those interested in a kosher tour option).  JADE does not patronize fast food establishments, as we strive to provide top quality, healthy food for our groups.  Vegetarian options are always available.
• 24-hour emergency toll-free contact numbers.

Highest quality leaders, lecturers & educational programming
 
JADE Expeditions will put together the educational component appropriate for your tour or choose the programming that is of interest to you and your group. These include a list of lecturers and educators with expertise in Jewish history, nature, Jewish identity building, youth programming and much more. We have a wide range of programming to choose from including:   Jewish Roots, Tikun Olam travel projects and our signature "Judaism & Nature" program.

Scholar & Lecture Series: JADE Expeditions will supply your tour with a knowledgeable regional expert; if you are interested in a particular lecturer or scholar to accompany your program, we will make the necessary arrangements and gear the tour toward your particular academic interests. Through education and expert leadership we strive to provide an in-depth understanding of the destinations we travel, whether you explore and seek out Jewish heritage in the small Provencal towns of southern France or the natural beauty of the mighty Amazon.
 
Student Programming: JADE Expeditions and its educators have developed curriculum dedicated to helping students of all ages discover history, science, nature and exploring their Jewish identity in a whole new way. Our educators have put together programs that can be geared toward your group's particular interests to provide participants with a fun and new way to experience and learn about their destinations. If you are looking for something more than just an on-the-bus-off-the-bus tour or teen tour, then this is the program for you. JADE Expeditions believes in the power of education through travel. We believe in making the world your classroom; through travel we break down traditional barriers of classroom learning, allowing the participants to return home with a greater sense of understanding about the world around them and themselves.

"Nature & Judaism": In our quest to use the world as our classroom, JADE Expeditions' educators have developed our "Nature & Judaism" educational curriculum. Here we combine the wonders of nature and the great outdoors with Jewish identity, history and tradition.

(Sample curriculum)
Ancient Fire-making Techniques and Fire in Jewish Tradition
Once upon a time, our ancestors knew how to make fire by rubbing sticks together. Each Shabbat and Jewish holiday, we start by the lighting of candles. This session features a demonstration of the bowdrill technique of rubbing sticks together and a real understanding of the gift of fire in Jewish tradition.

Contemporary Environmental Issues and Jewish Tradition
This discussion introduces participants to Jewish ecological/environmental traditions and practices by focusing on contemporary environmental issues. These issues might reflect participants' concerns or include such topics as the treatment of animals, living in a society of waste, environmental issues facing Israel, etc.

Sukkah Making - the Old Fashioned Way
Before the advent of self-locking screws and sheets of plywood, our great-grandparents threw together whatever they had to work with. Whether participants are in the Amazon or in interior Alaska, participants will learn about the purpose of the Sukkah by constructing one from natural resources and enjoying a meal in it. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the role of nature in Jewish life.

For more information about our Judaism & Nature program please visit the resource center page.

Past Participants Include:
NFTY – Go West
Ezra Academy
Solomon Schechter of Greater Boston
Solomon Schechter of Dallas
Solomon Schechter of St. Louis
Epstein School
Bornblum Solomon Schechter
Pearlman Jewish Day School
South Peninsula Hebrew Day School
The Brandies School
Camp Morasha – National Parks & Alaska
The Cohen Foundation & Camps – Summer Travel Experience