Camp is one of our Movement’s most precious gems. Our network of 14 summer camps shapes Jewish identities, instills core values, and nurtures Jewish pride in a fun, community-filled atmosphere. We work year-round to create environments of connection and belonging by focusing on the mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health (MESSH) of our campers. One way we do this is by providing staff with professional training to support the physical and mental health of all our community members and staff. In 2024, all URJ camps welcomed committed lay leaders during the summer to see the blessings of camp firsthand. We also utilized our Talk for a Change curriculum to equip thousands of college-age staff grappling with the complexity of antisemitism on their campuses to have courageous conversations and hold multiple truths. The blessings of camp continued throughout the year, serving the young and young at heart through specialized retreats and programs.
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URJ Jacobs Camp celebrates the 10th anniversary of Anna Herman as their camp director
URJ Camp Coleman hosts their first Donor Shabbat
URJ 6 Points Sports Academy celebrates 15 years and inducts six pioneering individuals into its Hall of Fame
URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy holds their first Alumni Day
URJ Camp Harlam hosts the dedication ceremony for their solar field
URJ Greene Family Camp and URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) both welcome Israeli campers from the Campers2Gether (C2G) program
URJ Eisner Camp and URJ Crane Lake Camp host their Alumni Days
Teens have the power to shape the world and create positive change – and the URJ gives them the tools to develop their voices and mobilize their peers around critical issues and oppose systemic injustice. In 2024, over 268 URJ teen fellows inspired more than 1,800 young Reform Jews to stand up for a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.
In a time when diverse perspectives on Israel are more crucial than ever, Heller High and Yallah! Israel empower teens to think critically, build Reform Jewish community, and develop multifaceted understandings of Israel, its history, and its people. Through various travel programs, they offer immersive experiences that encourage exploration and nuanced reflection.
“I [spent] over a month in the Jewish homeland fulfilling two of the most important mitzvot of them all – helping the Jewish people and serving my country as best I can”
Teens crave connection with each other as they explore their Jewish identities and begin building communities of belonging that will accompany them throughout their lives. NFTY’s extensive network of regional events and fellowships makes this community building possible when teens most need it. The URJ took our commitment to empowering our teens to the next level in 2024 by equipping them to take ownership of NFTY’s future through the NFTYignite: Unite, Inspire, Give initiative. This opportunity sparked unprecedented engagement as teen-led fundraising efforts fostered a sense of philanthropic responsibility, community engagement, and a culture of grassroots giving.
“NFTY has given me the opportunity to connect with other Jewish teens, build meaningful relationships, and explore what it means to be Jewish in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to me.”
