Related Blog Posts on Summer Youth Experiences, teens, and Youth Engagement
Strength, Stress, and Support: A Portrait of American Jewish Teen Well-Being
How are teens really doing? In the spring of 2024, BeWell, the mental health and wellness initiative of the Jewish Federations of North American (JFNA), in partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (The Network), conducted the first national study of American Jewish teenagers to explore how their communal involvement, interpersonal connections, and perceptions of themselves as Jews relate to their overall wellbeing.
Inspiring Teens to be Tomorrow’s Leaders
Over the weekend of January 17-20, over 250 teens from 11 NFTY regions - the largest NFTY event since 2020 - were welcomed to URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, CA for a weekend of connection, joyful Jewish moments, social action, and fun.
Teens Leading Change: The Power of NFTY on Fostering an Innovative Spirit
NFTY has long been a catalyst for teen leadership and social change. Two remarkable teens, Maccabee Anderson and Lucy Targum, embody the innovative spirit and commitment to being the change they wish to see in the Jewish world and beyond.
The Collab: Connecting Teens, Cultivating Leaders
At The Collab, these teens met new people, learned about social justice issues, and shared their traditions with one another.
Nominations Open for Teen Israel Organizing Immersive
Over the past months, the URJ Teen Israel Organizing Immersive has been a haven for Jewish teens.
Teen Jews of Color Fellowship Empowers Young Leaders
NFTY's Teen Jews of Color Fellowship is a nine-month program that offers leadership development, value building, and deep communal connection by and for Jews of Color. All of these are especially crucial in these challenging times.
Celebrating the Pioneers of URJ 6 Points Sports Academy: A Hall of Fame Induction
This July, URJ 6 Points Sports Academy commemorated its fifteenth summer by inducting six dedicated individuals into its Hall of Fame. These exceptional lay leaders, faculty, staff, and supporters have played a vital role in shaping the camp into a premier Jewish sports institution in North America.
It’s Time to Drop the Nostalgia
"Stop being nostalgic for the past and start helping to build what is already happening, because it's happening, with or without you. And we want you with us."
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.