Journal of Youth Engagement

Teen Stress: To What End?

Samara Leader

We encourage our youth to be leaders and want them to succeed and excel. But what happens when the stress to achieve takes away the joy from their social lives and their ability to recharge? Should we consider giving our teen campers dedicated time to do SAT prep in summertime? 

The Hero’s Journey

Dena Shaffer

How can our teens “find themselves”? Read about one congregation’s approach to a service learning journey to Haiti, building homes for the locals, celebrating Shabbat together, and discovering what a transformational Jewish experience can really be.

A New Approach to Camp Recruitment

Ellie Klein Goldman

Our younger youth look up to their older siblings wearing camp t-shirts at the congregational “Camp Shabbat” and wonder – what’s this all about? Learn how one congregation designed an integrated program that gets the kids writing letters home during the school year. 

Immersive Experiences: Shaping Our Jewish Future

The URJ coordinates a network of youth programs across North America that promote community, spiritual growth, and lifelong friendship, motivating more young Jews to embrace Jewish living as a path to meaning, purpose, and joy.