Health & Wellness

Everyone attending must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or Novavax vaccines. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to be boosted for COVID-19.

In 2022, all participants were required to participate in two pre-trip, lab-certified COVID-19 tests. Updated information about requirements for Summer 2023 will be posted in the spring.

Symptomatic individuals will be tested with a rapid test. BBYO reserves the right to randomly test anyone on a program for any reason, failure to comply will result in the removal from the program. If a participant is not feeling well, they must report it to their staff member. Failure to go to report illness may result in further consequences for the teen, as it jeopardizes the health and safety of the entire community.

If an individual tests positive with a rapid antigen test onsite, they will be re-tested immediately to confirm results. If results confirm a positive case (with a rapid antigen test), the individual will be removed from programming, isolated from other participants with staff checking in, and you will immediately be contacted by a member of our staff about next steps.

If a teen tests positive,asymptomatic teens from the bus/group will need to wear N95 masks at all times when indoors for five days after initial contact with the positive teen. Social distancing guidance will be strictly followed during this period. BBYO reserves the right to test participants as we see fit.

Policies and procedures related to COVID-19 are everchanging and BBYO will follow guidelines and procedures based on the current policies of the location and time of travel, which will always include supervision by BBYO vetted staff who ensure that teens have all that they need to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

In the event of a positive COVID-19 case, the family of the teen with a positive result will immediately receive communication from our staff. All families of teens in the same room as the positive result will receive communications with details of precautions taken for the group. No personal details will be shared about individuals.

Vaccine medical exemptions are rare but may be considered. Those looking to be considered must share a letter from the child’s pediatrician or specialist as well as full vaccine and medical history. BBYO’s Medical Team will review exemption requests and the BBYO team will be in touch with the decision on exemption. Submissions should be shared here: Immunization Waiver.

BBYO reserves the right to institute an inclusive COVID fee of $80 per participant per program to cover expenses such as food service, cleaning, facility upgrades, and additional medical supplies and personnel.