Summer camps: the ultimate guide for kids and parents!
By Rachel Paul and Tamara Ezekiel
July’s here and that means… summer camp!
Now, we know what you’re thinking. There are SO many to choose from… where do I even start?
Luckily for you, Jewish News has investigated and produced the ultimate guide to cure kids’ summer boredom.
With a variety of activities, locations, ages, religious observance levels [and of course prices..] let us help you select the best option…
Ezra – Orthodox youth movement
For Girls and Boys (separate)
Age groups : Years 3-6 Juniors, Years 7-10 Inters and Year 12 – Mad camp (Girls) and Ezra Plus (boys).
Itinerary: Two weeks away from home in an action-packed, religious and warm atmosphere. There are activities and trips every day including to markets and theme parks, in addition to engaging in discussions. The camp is led by strong madrich(a)-chanich(a) (leader and camper) bonds and offers an opportunity to make plenty of new friends!
Location: Devon coast
Price for Girls: £629- Juniors , £729- Inters and Mad camp. Price for boys: Juniors – £649, Inters and Ezra Plus £729
Date for Girls: Tuesday 28th July- Monday 10th August. Date for boys: Juniors- Tuesday 28 July – Tuesday 11 August, Inters and Ezra Plus- 29th July- 11th August
What they say: “Ezra aims to create an emotional bond with Judaism and strives to develop a generation of caring and giving people” Daniel Moise (Ezra website)
Website: http://ezrayouth.com/
Bnei Akiva – Religious Zionist youth movement
Age groups: Years 6-8 Aleph/ Aleph Chalutzi/ Bet Base, Year 9 Bet Chalutzi Machane, Year 10 Gimmel.
Itinerary: Two weeks away with friends – religious Zionist based discussions on “Torah, Avodah and Aliyah”, sports and art workshops, as well as other exciting activities and highly qualified madrichim (leaders) guaranteed to create a safe and fun atmosphere for all.
Location: North Wales (Years 6-8)/ Holland (Year 9)/ Derbyshire (year 10)
Price: Years 6-8 -£755, Year 9-£865, Year 10- £780
Date: Wednesday 29th July – Wednesday 12th August
What they say: “Bnei Akiva Machane looks to empower young Jewish individuals in Israel and the UK… where young people come out of their shells” – Yehudah Fink
Website: http://bauk.org/
Tribe – Youth arm of the United Synagogue
Age Groups: Years 7- 10
Itinerary: Based abroad, Tribe summer camp offers participants endless fun, including days out, visiting a theme park, and uplifting discussions of Jewish issues.
Location: Belgium
Price: £599
Date: Tuesday 28th July- Thursday 6th August
What they say: “Tribe camps provide an excellent social and educational environment where participants can meet their peers and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.” David Collins
Website: http://www.tribeuk.com/
RSY – Netzer – Zionist Youth Movement for Reform Judaism
Age Groups: Year 7-10
Itinerary: Affiliated with the Reform movement, Shemesh is a two week summer camp filled with a variety of activities which allow the campers to develop their passions and skills. Shemesh also encourages participants to explore their ideas on Israel and Reform Judaism.
Location: Wales/Midlands
Price for Reform Synagogue Members: £989
Price for non-Reform Synagogue Members: £1175
Date: Tueday 28th July- Tuesday 11th August
What they say: “I feel that RSY-Netzer is another family to me…RSY has made me who I am today” – Natasha, 20.
Website: http://rsy-netzer.org.uk/
FZY – Federation of Zionist Youth
Age groups: Years 9-10
Itinerary: Film and media, cookery, photography, and journalism are just some of the exciting and valuable sessions on offer at FZY Machane. Campers are also encouraged to engage in discussing Israel, past and present.
Location: Suffolk
Dates: Sunday 26th July – Thursday 6th August
Price: £950
What they say: “Loads of exciting programmes for kids- old and new,” Zoe E
Website: http://www.fzy.org.uk/
BBYO – Bnei Brith Youth Organisation
Age groups: Years 8-10
Itinerary: 11 days of outdoor adventures, volunteering, talent shows, leadership practice and discussions on Judaism.
Location: See BBYO website
Dates: Monday 27th July- Thursday 6th August
Price: £845
What they say: “BBYO is known for its welcoming atmosphere” (BBYO Website)
Website: http://www.bbyo.org.uk/
Noam – Masorti youth organisation
Age groups: Years 5-6 Shorashim, Years 7-8 Nevatim and Years 9-10 Nofim
Itinerary: A Zionist, Masorti youth movement that includes education about Jewish identity, hikes, activities, friendship and summer sights.
Location: Shorashim and Nevatim- North Wales, Nofim- Spanish Mountains
Dates: See website for more details
Price: See website for more details
What they say: “2 weeks of fun-packed adventure surrounded by all your friends” (Noam Website)
Website: http://www.masorti.org.uk/young-people/noam-masorti-youth.html
LJY-Netzer – Liberal Jewish youth organisation
Age groups: Years 3-10
Itinerary: Engaging and creative activities from swimming to singing, drama to den-building
Location: Wiltshire with coaches from North and South London
Dates: Kadima: 11th August- 24th August
Price: £815
What they say: “Machaneh Kadimah is an amazing inclusive environment where all participants can flourish, make friends and have fun.” (LJY-Netzer Website)
Website: http://www.ljy-netzer.org/
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