A young camper proudly displays his siddur.

The Summer Jewish Creative Academy in Moscow, Russia
Ages 10-14

In this unique "academy style" summer camp, campers learned about Israel, Shabbat, Jewish traditions and holidays, Hebrew, Holocaust Memorial Day, and more.

The children made their own prayer books which they individually designed, including the content, design and cover.

Campers were divided into seminar groups. Each seminar group was asked to choose a topic related to a Jewish and/or Israeli theme and a creative technique which would express the chosen topic. Creative techniques included communications, creative writing, design, drama, cinema, and more.

The design group constructed homes that displayed their family tree.

As part of the seminar, one of the campers wrote a moving poem about a Holocaust survivor. Please note the poem was translated from Russian to English therefore the rhyme was lost.

Today I am free
Yesterday I was a captive
And though I am poor
I am still alive
I fear to be a Jew
I must survive
But I won't become a beast
I won't kill

At the end of the camp session, the campers organized a six-station activity for the entire camp which showcased the work accomplished in their respective seminar groups. 

Campers made clay tablets with Mitzvot (commandments).

Campers at the booknik station constructed a time machine that depicted different types of
communication between people throughout the centuries.

The campers say farewell to one another and look forward to seeing each other soon
at another Jewish Agency event or week- long camp.

July 2-14 2009