Safety and Rules

Program Rules and Expectations

The Program Rules are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants on Hashomer Hatzair travel programs, to cultivate a safe community space, and to abide by local laws.

Participants are expected to:

Ensure they are familiar with all components of the program and program rules, able to actively participate in all components of the program and act according to the rules
Respect the program: Attend all activities, be prompt and respectful of others including madrichim, educators, program coordinators and the communities they engage with
Take responsibility for themselves and their kvutza members
Treat themselves and others with respect
Maintain an appropriate and respectful dialogue and relationship with their madrichim, the Hanhaga, all program providers and staff, communities with whom they work, and others with whom they may interact
Not engage in harmful behaviors including (but not limited to): physical or psychological harm caused to another person whether on the program or not, property damage and vandalism, racist, sexist, or otherwise intolerant behavior or language
Follow the law of the State of Israel
Not consume illegal substances during the Shnat Hachshara program
Not abuse alcohol or drink in excess. Although alcohol is permissible to Shnat Hachshara participants over the age of 18 according to Israeli law, Shnat participants should remember that they are participating in a program of leaders of Hashomer Hatzair and are expected to act as such. Irresponsible consumption or provision of alcohol to others is dangerous and unacceptable.
Follow all security guidelines, and inform their madrich/a of their location and contact information when not on the program

Procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviors:
Disciplinary action is not arbitrary and every attempt is made to be progressive in our approach. In the event that a participant is found to have contravened the rules and guidelines of the program participants can expect:

A verbal warning and discussion with their madrich/a or other staff members
Discussion with participants’ parent(s) regarding the behavior and warnings

However, breaking the rules and behavioral codes may be considered severe or dangerous enough to warrant expulsion. Every effort is made to avoid this extreme action, but in the event that it becomes relevant, expulsion is at the sole discretion of Hashomer Hatzair and the Shnat leaders. Should a participant be expelled from the program, understand that there is absolutely no refund of any monies paid and that any expenses which may result from expenditures incurred in the process of separating the participant from the program are due and payable by the participant and their family.

Safety and Security

The Shnat program is designed to maximize the safety and security of its participants at every point in the program. Considering the current realities of life in Israel, Hashomer Hatzair has added some new security procedures and restrictions to ensure the safety of the Shnat participants throughout the program. We have been running successful Israel programs by modifying the itinerary and free time procedures as necessary.

Below is a detailed description of our security policies and practices:

Mid-program changes
In the case of an emergency or any other immediate situation, the Shnat program is promptly altered in consultation with the relevant authorities. Programs and itineraries may have to be changed drastically if and when the need arises. The program coordinator will receive regular updates from the Israeli state.

Communication
The Shnat Madrich/a (Counselor) carries a cell phone at all times. The Shnat participants are encouraged to purchase their own cell phones for their time spent in Israel.
Every participant must have his/her own phone working in Israel to reach and be reached in case it is needed.

Medics and Security
All Hashomer Hatzair programs travel according to the regulations of the Education Ministry regarding medic and security personnel for tiyulim (hikes) and touring.

Travel Restrictions
No individual participant will be permitted to travel through or to the West Bank, with the exception of authorized educational group tours. Travel restrictions will be subject to change and travel may be prohibited depending on the situation in Israel. All travel within the program (that is, other than free time) will be taken care of by the program, and chartered by the coordinators.

Free Weekends and Time Off
All participants of the Shnat program are required to notify the Madrich/a of their location for free weekends or any time a participant is away from the program including relevant contact information. In the event of a security alert during the period of free time, the Shnat participants must contact the Madrich/a. Please be aware that all free time throughout the program may be canceled and programmed at a moment’s notice in accordance with the security situation. If travel rules are not followed, the participant may be dismissed from the Shnat program.