Youth Movement programs
1) NFTY: www.nftyisrael.org/summer
For over sixty years, the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) has offered thousands of young people the opportunity to explore and live Reform Judaism. Thousands of families have chosen NFTY for more than a promise of a thrilling experience in Israel. NFTY programs have transformed more than 27,000 young people by turning a spark of interest into a summer of exciting challenges, wonderful new friends, and a lifelong involvement with Judaism. Whether its for six weeks or six months, there's an opportunity for you to travel to Israel with NFTY!
2) USY: www.usy.org
Spend your summer with USY (United Synagogue Youth of the Conservative Movement) for a complete introduction to the land of Israel. You'll be exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel. Climb the fortress of Masada, explore the stalactite caves of Netifim, swim in the waters of the Kinneret, pray at the Kotel, and drink tea in a Bedouin tent on the sands of the Negev desert. You'll experience these sights and sounds with new friends who share your love of the Jewish homeland.
3) Ramah: www.ramah.org.il
Ramah Seminar is a 6-week trip, based in Jerusalem, which includes exploring Israel's history, archeological digs, tiyulim (trips), and more, including the opportunity to spend the summer with Ramah campers from all over North America.
4) Young Judaea: www.youngjudea.org
There are plenty of opportunities to experience Israel, but Young Judaea is certainly leading the way. Through our 55 years of sending youth to Israel, we've developed comprehensive Israel programs and not just teen tours! Young Judaea's jam-packed programs give you all the fun and excitement of a teen tour plus those extras that will make your summer a time to meet new people, learn, grow, be challenged, and most of all, have a great time. Options for travel to Prague, Rome and Spain.
5) BBYO: www.bbyo.org
With more than 18,000 members and 80 years of experience, BBYO is known as the largest and most effective provider of identity-building and leadership development programs for Jewish teens. BBYO invites you to join our Israel programs, Passport to Israel (P2I) and explore desert canyons, walk in the footsteps of history, and connect to your Jewish identity in a place like none other. P2I is your ticket to a truly hands-on journey. Our uniquely active approach to experiencing Israel is the ideal way to appreciate a country that is rich in history, spirituality, terrain, and culture.
6) Israel Scouts Chetz Vakeshet and Keshet: www.israelscouts.org
Tzofim Chetz V'Keshet is a joint summer teen program of the Tzofim (Israel Scouts) and the Gadna, the Educational Division of the Israel Defense Forces with cooperation of the Ministry of Absorption and the Jewish Agency. On Tzofim Chetz V’Keshet participants explore Jewish heritage and strengthen their connection to Israel by seeing Israel through the eyes of Israeli youth. They get to know Israel on foot, falling in love with the beauty of Israel, exploring unique neighborhoods and magical landscapes, seeing the state from north to south, east to west.
Through Gadna, participants experience an Army training, including: navigating, visiting battlefields and exploring military history up-close. Other activities include 2 nights of building and sleeping in your own tents and sports activities such as rafting and bicycling.
Tzofim Keshet is a summer program of the Friends of Israel Scouts. It is geared towards youth, 12-15 years old, from outside Israel who seek a short, challenging and exciting Israel experience for the summer. Tzofim Keshet is Israeli oriented for both Hebrew and English speakers.
7) Machach Bnei Akiva: www.bneiakiva.org
Mach Hach Ba'Aretz combines the excitement and inspiration of Israel in an enjoyable and dynamic Religious Zionist educational summer experience. Mach Hach Ba’Aretz is a 5 1/2 week summer program for 10th grade graduates which offers a unique way of exploring and visiting Israel. Through seminars, visiting historical sites, kibbutzim, and meeting with Bnei Akiva members in Israel, Mach Hach Ba’Aretz participants experience Israel first hand and develop a deeper understanding and connection to Eretz Yisrael. Mach Hach Ba’Aretz is not just another summer tour, but rather, is a unique religious Zionist educational program designed to deepen the appreciation and connection to our religious and national heritage, culture and history.
9) Habonim Dror MBI: www.habonimdror.org
MBI (Machaneh Bonim B'Israel) is a unique Israel experience designed to meet the goals of Habonim Dror. This summer you have the opportunity to participate in an amazing Israel program, which will provide you with memories and lasting ties to Israel and your national kvutsah (group) for the rest of your life. By downloading this application package you have become a potential MBI participant. MBI is not just another teen tour. It is a program with specific goals and expectations for its participants. While MBI is open to post-tenth graders who have not been involved in Habonim Dror before, participants are expected to be involved in the movement after the summer is over.
10) JCC Maccabi: www.jccmaccabiisrael.org
Our four-week teen program is pluralistic and non-denominational. It’s perfect for teens that enjoy meeting other teens, exploring new places, trying new foods, and learning about their history. At JCC Maccabi Israel, we have created a trip that uniquely blends travel, education, and adventure perfect for Jewish American teens. Learn and discover Israel with teens from across the country. Extend your curiosities, question answers, and challenge yourself. Return with incredible insights, memories, and experiences that will change you and shape you into the person you will become.
11) NCSY: www.ncsy.org
Offering programs to bring Jewish teens back to their heritage, NCSY is at the forefront of the battle against assimilation. NCSY is a multi-faceted Jewish Youth group which is open to all Jewish youth regardless of background and affiliation. Offering social and educational programming in hundreds of communities across the U.S. and Canada, NCSY is a leader in bringing unaffiliated youth an awareness of what Judaism is all about. For Jewish teenagers, NCSY is a relaxed, fun environment to learn about their own heritage. NCSY offers a variety of programs in Israel including options for male-only, female-only or co-ed groups, and options for extensive travel in Europe.
12) Hashomer Hatzair: www.hashomerhatzair.org/israel_yedid.html
Hashomer Hatzair is a youth movement, based on the principles of Progressive Zionism, Social Justice, Progressive Judaism and self-actualization, and committed to peace and equality. It promotes a strong commitment to Israel, and a Jewish identity based on our common ancestry, history, and culture. Hashomer Hatzair believes firmly in social justice and community responsibility, and facilitates lasting and powerful group and individual friendships. During Yedid Plus trip to Isael, the participants will acquire the knowledge and tools to return to the movement, their communities and their peers, able to share what they have learned. The program in Israel will consist of a series of educational seminars, tours of Israel and a week stay on a kibbutz.
13) National Council of Young Israel- Achva: www.youngisrael.org/achva/
Achva's summer tours feature fantastic sites and attractions, spectacular views, exciting cities, great friends and a warm, caring staff- all under the auspices of the National Council of Young Israel. All tours are strictly kosher, shomer Shabbat, and designed for observant teenagers with an Orthodox day school background.
Other Summer programs
1) Israel Experience: www.israelexperience.org.il
Israel Experience Educational Tourism Services Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) . The company specializes in providing organized trips to Israel for teens, university students and adults from all over the globe. The mandate of the company is to facilitate and implement Jewish-Zionist experiential/ educational visits to Israel in order to strengthen Jewish identity among Jews – especially youth - living in communities outside of Israel.
Our clients represent communities, movements, organizations and schools from the various streams of Judaism from around the world. Since its formation, Israel Experience Ltd. has solidified its reputation as a provider of high-quality programming at fair and reasonable prices, backed up by superior logistical services.
Israel Experience Ltd. is committed to developing programs that are “tailor made” to meet the needs and interests of each of its clients. To this end, we pride ourselves in maintaining excellent lines of communication with our clients, working with them in all stages of development, from a program’s inception through its actual implementation. Our dedicated and experienced staff of professionals looks forward to working with you.
2) Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel: www.bronfman.org
Every year, twenty-six outstanding North American teenagers are selected for The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel. The Fellows come from all over the United States and Canada, from the widest possible range of Jewish backgrounds, and are selected based on merit, and not financial need. In their five weeks together, the Fellows encounter the land and people of Israel, study Judaism and major issues in contemporary Jewish life, and learn about themselves and each other. The summer is the beginning of a long-term association for the Fellows, which continues through our extraordinarily active alumni network.
3) Nesiya: www.nesiya.org
The word nesiya means journey in Hebrew. Nesiya’s creative journeys explore Judaism and Israel through a combination of travel, outdoor adventure, workshops in the performing and visual arts, community service projects, and creative study. No special background or skills are needed to have a great time on Nesiya. Meet and work with fascinating Israeli personalities including expert nature guides, visual artists, writers, musicians, actors, scholars, and community activists. Nesiya invites you to experience Israeli in an environment that reflects the diversity and vitality of the Jewish people today. Israeli and North Americans from secular, Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox backgrounds come together and share responsibility for building a dynamic and caring community.
4) Camp Shachar: www.campshachar.org
Camp Shachar is a Torah-observant summer tour program bringing together teenagers throughout North America together with teenagers throughout Israel, creating lifelong friendships and an unforgettable summer of pure fun. The Camp Shachar "Israel Experience" covers all aspects of Israel's beauty and excitement - from all kinds of water sport activities on the beaches of Eilat, hikes ending at waterfalls, banana boats and snorkeling in the Red Sea to relaxing on the beaches of the Mediterranean, mountain climbing, survival/wilderness training, rappelling, and many other once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Touring groups are divided into two age clusters- current 7th and 8th graders and current 9th-11th graders each with its own unique itinerary. The older group program includes touring in Europe.
5) Camp Cohen Dor L'Dor: www.cohencamps.org/DorLDor.htm
The Dor L'Dor Leadership Program, a combined program for Camps Pembroke, Tel Noar and Tevya, is recognized in Israel, the Jewish camping community, and throughout the United States as a unique and innovative leadership development experience for young people who have attended the Cohen Foundation Camps. Current campers who have completed the 10th grade are eligible to experience a memorable 4 ½ week tour of Israel and return to camp as Counselors-In-Training (CIT’s). This wonderful adventure combines their desire to learn about their Jewish homeland, their love for camp and a passion for developing life-long leadership skills.
6) National Jewish Council for Disabilities Yad B'yad Israel:
www.njcd.org/summer_programs
The Yad B’Yad Israel Program brings high school students together with Yachad members on a fabulous Israel leadership experience. Participants form strong bonds of friendship and grow beyond themselves as they experience our homeland, Israel, in a new and unparalleled way.
With safety always our first priority, our group enjoys time in Jerusalem, an Israeli army base, the Kineret and Dead Sea, and many other fantastic locations. They ride camels, hike up Masada, participate in special Shabbat programs, and so much more. Yachad members experience Israel just as their peers do, forming incredible relationships with their new friends. High school students benefit from a unique leadership-training program providing seminars in leadership, advocacy and hands-on experience in special education.
7) Camp Kimama: http://www.campkimama.org
Imagine the white sands of a secluded coastal village...A group of children are leading their horses back along the beach... They have had a long day packed with kayaking, sailing, drama and creative workshops...
Though they come from all corners of the earth they are immediately bound by their Jewish heritage and by the strength of this shared experience in Israel that will last a lifetime... Now it is evening. It is time for singing Israeli songs around the campfire before bedtime...Tomorrow is another exciting action-packed day at Camp Kimama. Camp Kimama, Israel offers Jewish youth the opportunity to enjoy the summer camp experience they are accustomed to - but in a new exciting environment with kids from Israel and all over the world. Camp Kimama is situated in one of Israel's rarest beauty spots - an unspoilt seaside resort minutes from Caesarea.
8) Oranim Travel: www.travel4teens.com
Israel offers its visitors a great abundance of unique sites and activities - and when you travel with Oranim- you won’t miss a thing! As Israelis, we can show you Israel like no one else. Participants will see the classic sites - such as Massada, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - as well as experience unique “off-the-beaten-track” sites that only Israelis know about! One of the highlights will be when Israeli peers travel with the group for a week. Participants will have a wonderful opportunity to create new friendships and exchange ideas with their young Israeli peers. Options for travel to Europe.
9) Machane Mitgalgel: www.mitgalgel.com
For the first time in Israel the concept of a wandering camp is introduced to the Dati Leumi campers. Unlike regular day camps, Machane Mitgalgel is a sleep away camp. And, unlike the other sleep away camps who base out of one location, Machane Mitgalgel travels each day to a new location and the campers enjoy both the camp atmosphere as well as traveling to new and exciting places every day.
10) InnovationIsrael http://www.innovationisrael.org/
InnovationIsrael - is a four-week summer experience in Israel for creative, academically-oriented high school students. Many of Israel's premier institutions are partnering with InnovationIsrael on this exciting program. In addition to engaging in special imagination-driven courses of their choice at Tel Aviv University in the Arts and Sciences (all taught in English), students will travel throughout Israel for interactive visits at many of the most fascinating, innovative facilities in the world, including environmental, hi-tech, bio-tech, medical, university labs, art and film studios. Students will go on nature trips, archaeological digs, visit diverse communities, enjoy cultural and beach outings, and have extraordinary opportunities to experience Israeli creativity and friendship. For more information or to request an info-session, please visit: http://www.innovationisrael.org/
11) Derech Hateva's ITTA: Israel Trail Teen Adventure: http://www.derechhateva.org/
Come spend this summer in Israel having fun & challenging yourself on the Israel Trail Teen Adventure- the ultimate summer Israel experience program! This kosher, Shomer Shabbat month-long program combines backpacking, hiking, biking, and rock climbing with Jewish-learning and volunteering, along the Israel Trail (Shvil Yisrael) in the North & South of the country.
Make new friends from Israel, North America and Britain, ages 14-18, while you live outdoors, hike Israel’s mountains & deserts and gain teamwork & leadership skills. Each group has between 9-12 members, and 2-3 highly trained and experienced bi-lingual guides. Discover how to cook meals just about anywhere, climb a rock-face, read a map and even make Shabbat in the woods! "There is nothing like this!" said E. Laderman '06.
Derech Hateva is a program of SPNI (Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel), one of Israel’s leading not-for-profit organizations that has been promoting and protecting Israel’s natural resources since 1953. During July 2007, there will be separate Orthodox and multi-denominational Jewish teen groups on ITTA.
12) The Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE) and The Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) http://www.amiie.org are dedicated to engaging teens to discover, explore and embrace their connection to the history, culture and land of Israel. AMHSI offers a year-round, eight-week intensive study abroad program for high school juniors and seniors, using an interdisciplinary curriculum which strives to provide youth with a stronger Jewish identity. Students can follow in the footsteps of more than 18,000 AMHSI alumni and discover Israel through an inspiring, life changing experience that is non-denominational and pluralistic.
There are two classic AMHSI seven-week sessions offered during the summer (with a Poland/Prague Holocaust trip add-on option). The classic program uses the land of Israel as "a living classroom" with on-site, on-the-move teaching. Students learn chronologically more than 4,000 years of Jewish history, beginning with the Biblical period and ending with the modern Middle East. Students can enjoy a college atmosphere in co-ed dorms at their 'home away from home' at the beautiful school campus in Hod Hasharon. In 2008, two new additional summer programs will be available to complement the backdrop of Jewish history: the first is an innovative four-week program which focuses on heroes in history, leadership, social justice, volunteer work and community service; the second is in partnership with the Ruppin Academic Center School of Marine Sciences and focuses on identity, marine biology and ecology. The academic program at Ruppin is combined with unique learning experiences and theoretical studies are offered alongside fun marine activities such as seamanship, diving and sailing. Do a 5-day SCUBA Diving course (for 1 star); swim with dolphins; save turtles; enjoy kayaking and plenty of fascinating overland and underwater excursions never offered before at AMHSI!
13) eCamp Israel- International Technology Summer Camp www.eCampIsrael.com
We welcome kids& Teenagers from all over the world to join Israel's success story:
eCamp Israel is an International Technology Summer Camp, opening the gates to the #1 success story of Israel – Technology Innovation. eCamp Israel introduces the campers to an enriching experience that touches their deepest emotions and spur creative energies in their minds. We provide an original, creative and fascinating program, matching worldwide youth with Israeli peers in a unique way using universal language – Technology. eCamp Israel is an overnight summer camp where worldwide youth who love technology get together for an unforgettable experience.
eCamp israel is officially supported by the President of Israel, Israel Ministry of Tourism and Minister Advisor for Diaspora.
14) Havaya International 2008 www.92y.org/havaya
Havaya International is a 4 week long life-changing opportunity to travel like a local in both Israel and across the United States, while making a positive difference in our global village. Made up of fifteen American teens and fifteen Israeli teens, going into 10th-12th grade, Havayaniks will spend two weeks traveling throughout Israel with local Israelis from the 92nd Street Y's sister city in Ramat Hasharon and two weeks in the U.S. getting the opportunity to share their lives with their Israeli counterparts.
Program dates: July 22 - August 17, 2008
Cost: Only $2,750!
Application Due Date: Rolling Admissions (apply on-line)