From 1993, the cornerstone of the Jewish Agency’s youth-related activity in the former Soviet Union (FSU) has been its network of summer camps. These unique camps, initiated and directly operated by the Jewish Agency, provide children and youth ages 7-17 with a compelling and fun introduction to Jewish heritage through an up-close and personal experience, including exciting Israel-centered programs and interaction with young, creative counselors from the FSU and Israel.

With increasing success and popularity each year, these intensive summer camps have become the cultural lifeline for thousands of young FSU Jews. For many youngsters from small peripheral communities, a Jewish Agency Summer Camp is their only organized Jewish educational activity for the entire year. After attending camp, many children are motivated to enroll in Jewish youth clubs during the school year. Veteran campers also become prime candidates for long-term programs in Israel.

For many children, the camps are an entry point into year-round Jewish activities that focus on the issues that were explored during the summer.  The camps also provide the educational staff with the motivation to continue creating innovative programs that lead the youngsters to attend another camp session the following year. 

 Visit the FSU Summer Camps Blogs