Related Blog Posts on Summer Youth Experiences and Youth Engagement
How The Collab Inspired Me
I've been involved with NFTY for a few years now, and the experiences and relationships I've gained have shaped who I am today. This year, I had the privilege of attending the NFTY Collab, a gathering that brings teens together from across North America to engage with each other, learn, and explore the future of Jewish life.
Specialized Programs Cater to Campers’ Interests
When it comes to choosing an overnight camp, there are a variety of options to consider, each offering unique experiences to suit different interests and needs.
Jewish Pride + Jewish Community = Strong Jewish Future
In North America, our community has been dealing with rising levels of antisemitism and fears about being attacked for the crime of being Jewish. It was against this backdrop that I arrived in the safe haven that is URJ's Crane Lake Camp.
Why is Jewish Summer Camp Important?
Jewish summer camps provide children the opportunity to immerse themselves in Jewish culture, engage in ritual and education, challenge themselves physically and spiritually, and prepare to be leaders in and out of the Jewish community.
Empowering Camp Staff and Counselors to Address Difficult Questions about Israel and Beyond
As we gear up for another unforgettable summer at URJ Camps - and with some camps already in full swing - we are reminded that today, more than ever, providing safe, nurturing spaces for our campers, counselors, and staff is of utmost importance.
Communities of Belonging Don’t Just Happen…URJ Camps are Putting in the Work
While camp is an oasis away from everyday life, it still exists in a world that has much work to do around harm prevention, particularly for Campers of Color, gender-diverse campers, campers with a variety of body sizes, and campers with disabilities.
Embracing Jewish Identity, Learning to Lead: The Lifelong Benefits of Working at Summer Camp
The recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses has sparked concerns among students, parents, and communities. As the challenges faced by Jewish students navigating higher education persist, there is a growing need for safe spaces that celebrate Jewish identity and foster a sense of belonging.
Home Again: Five Tips to Welcome Your Camper Home
Camp is generally a great experience for kids. They deepen their Jewish identities, broaden their communities, and learn new life skills. However, these benefits can also mean your camper needs some time to process their experience on their own while readjusting to life at home.
We Bring You Peace: Bringing Israeli Counselors to Camp
The URJ has been bringing Israeli counselors to camp for many years. Their presence offers several valuable benefits to the camp program.
Jewish Camp, Our God Journeys, and Adding Faith to Our Checklists
As I contemplate how God manifests in our lives, I’m struck by the value of faith not only in God, nature, and other unknown universal forces, but also by faith in each other as we all strive for a life filled with meaning, purpose, and joy.
