A new Israeli project called “Parent and Child Journey” offers families a surprise outing for one parent and one child, with no advance knowledge of the destination or activities. The concept is led by Avi Shoham, who says the purpose is to move parents and children out of routine and into a space where they can really see and hear each other.
Shoham argues that a one-on-one trip gives a child a parent’s full attention, helps reveal sides of the child that do not appear within the family’s usual roles, and creates private memories, inside jokes and a kind of “secret language” shared only by the two of them. He says the experience also builds trust because children see adults as human beings who can get lost, make mistakes and adapt when plans change.
He adds that the child is not just a passenger but an active partner, helping with choices such as navigation, food and daily decisions. That, he says, teaches responsibility, independence and how to cope with uncertainty. Shoham, who was inspired after a post-divorce trip with one of his sons, recalls his son telling him, “Dad, if I got through this, I can get through anything in life.” Shoham says that moment brought him to tears and showed him the power of one-on-one quality time.
The project now runs surprise journeys of about 30 hours for up to 15 parent-child pairs at a time, in different locations around Israel. After registration and payment, participants receive a packing list and meeting point, but not the destination or schedule. The price is 2,500 shekels per pair and includes lodging in a khan, food and other expenses. Trips are offered for ages 5 to 9 and 10 to 18, are described as easy, and are designed even for people with no hiking experience. Shoham also asks families not to reveal the activities afterward so future participants can be surprised too.
