NCSY ANNOUNCES EXCITING SUMMER 2007 PROGRAMMING FOR TEENS IN NORTH AMERICA
As the school year unfolds with its rigorous academic demands, teenagers coast to coast are reminiscing about this past summer’s fun and free days, in which they participated in an exciting series of vacation programs in North America, Israel and Europe presented by the Orthodox Union’s National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY). As they eagerly await next year, NCSY has just announced a jam-packed 2007 summer season.
NCSY, the national youth program of the Orthodox Union, provides educational and fun events for both observant and non-observant teenagers. At the forefront in the battle against assimilation, NCSY offers innovative programming which helps Jewish teens see the beauty of their heritage and a Torah observant lifestyle.
One new program will be featured in 2007: ICE, which stands for Israel: Create Your Experience. ICE is a co-ed program that takes teens on a journey through Israel. Its unique elements enable participants to choose one out of the four weeks based on their particular interest; the options include a Yam L’Yam (sea to sea) eco-adventure; professional basketball training at Israel’s Wingate Olympic center; and, learning Torah with the scholars of Jerusalem. In addition, there is an opportunity to extend the stay for an additional two weeks on a kibbutz, to help rebuild communities in the North.
Two programs have been expanded: In addition to studying Jewish texts, the Michlelet program for teenage girls, which is under the new directorship of Rivka Yudin, now includes more touring opportunities and chesed (kindness) volunteering projects. Rivka Yudin will share her many years of experience and Torah education as she provides guidance to the Michlelet girls.
The EuroTrip participants, who in the past years visited either Spain or Italy before proceeding on to Israel, will now visit Spain, Italy and Portugal before heading to Jerusalem.
“This past summer was just incredible,” declared Rabbi Steven Burg, National Director of NCSY.” Participants in NCSY Kollel volunteered to pack food packages for the soldiers fighting in Lebanon, and the Michlelet girls made a wedding for an impoverished Israeli couple. Everything was done Al Kiddush HaShem (for the sanctification of God’s name).”
“We expect another great summer,” said Rabbi Burg.
Summer programs for 2007 include:
Europe
•Eurotrip – The trip will visit Israel, Spain (including the adjoining British possession of Gibraltar), Portugal and Italy before going to Israel. Special highlights will include the birthplace of the Rambam (Maimonides) in Cordoba, Spain, and the birthplace of the Ramban (Nachmanides) in Genoa, Italy.
•JOLT (Jewish Overseas Leadership Training) – With a special focus on serving as counselors and advisors in day or overnight camps run by the OU Joseph K. Miller Torah Center in Kharkov, Ukraine, boys and girls in grades 10-12 holding NCSY leadership positions will also travel to Poland and Israel.
Israel
•ICE: Israel Create your Experience – This co-ed program will enable yeshiva/day school teenagers to experience Israel, from the mountains of the Galilee to the canyons of the Negev Desert.
•TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) – Public school co-ed students will explore Israel by participating in activities such as archeological digs, hiking up Masada, visiting the Kotel, and swimming in the Kinneret.
•GIVE (Girls Israel Volunteer Experience) – A great success the past two years, this program will provide girls with the opportunity to volunteer at Israeli food banks, hospitals, and camps for child victims of terror; collect clothing for the poor; as well as tour Israel and participate in outdoor activities.
•Kollel – Boys will intensify their commitment to Judaism through beginners and advanced learning classes, while playing sports, engaging in recreational activities and touring Israel.
•All New Michlelet – Girls will learn Torah on either a beginners or advanced level, while touring Israel and participating in recreational and volunteer activities.
•NCSY Birthright – NCSY partners with “Taglit-birthright Israel” on a special ten-day tour of Israel for high school boys and girls (usually open only to ages 18-26).
United States
•Summer at YU – Boys who have just completed the eleventh grade will spend the summer at Yeshiva University in New York, where they will experience dorm life, learn in a Beit Medrash program, and choose classes from a variety of subjects such as law, international affairs, medicine, scientific research, finance and marketing.
•Camp Sports – Located in a Baltimore suburb, boys at all levels of learning will play sports and participate in other camp activities, while studying and growing in Torah.
•SEG (Summer Experience for Girls) – Located in New York’s Catskill Mountains, SEG gives girls an opportunity to travel to Hershey Park, tour New York City and even go to a minor league baseball game. They will be able to choose their own activities from a variety of possibilities, including swimming, sports, art, horseback riding, and aerobics. At the same time, they will explore different concepts of Judaism by participating in interactive classes given by rabbis, and teachers, as well as experienced advisors.
An early registration discount of $150 is available by applying online using the coupon code “early-bird” before December 15. For last year’s participants, an additional discount of $100 is available before November 20 by request e-mail to summer@ncsy.org.
For more information on these programs, and to register, visit NCSY’s website at www.ncsysummer.com , call 1-888-TOUR-4-YOU, or e-mail David Cutler, NCSY Director of Summer Programs at summer@ncsy.org.