Linking the chain of generations…
For lucky children around the world, summer means one thing: camp!
For those in the Former Soviet Union, the Federation of Jewish Communities supported by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews organizes a series of day camps, overnight camps, and even 9-day travel camps to Israel.
Strengthening identification with their Jewish roots and tradition, for many, this will be their first or only connection to Jewish life. Here, they will be encouraged to participate in Jewish community activities, developing their mental and emotional growth, contributing to their self-confidence, motor abilities, sense of appreciation and internal happiness – in short, a healthy foundation for the rest of their lives.
The FJC targets Jewish children and youngsters from diverse backgrounds, aged 3-18, from both affiliated and unaffiliated backgrounds – even children with special dietary or mobility needs.
Our specially trained* young male and female counselors come from local or nearby Jewish communities, but also from Israel or the United States. Most possess previous educational or instructional experience, and a growing number are graduates of FJC camps, themselves.
Parents Day allows parents and family to join in the activities; but even prior to the camp, preparatory events include lectures, open days, educational consulting and social meetings between groups of parents and children.
Camps take place in select campuses, offering both cleanliness and comfort, security and safety. Well-kept dormitories amidst lush greenery, well-kept sport fields and swimming pools or private beachfronts, hygienic kitchens and dining rooms, and the full-time presence of certified doctors, nurses and lifeguards are provided– all to ensure peace of mind.
And to keep it interesting for the campers, ongoing themes taken from Jewish history, tradition or heritage form the basis for many activities, specially designed to create a sense of unity and “team spirit”.
* The FJC partners with the Avi Chai Foundation to sponsor counselor training.
