Teens 

At a time when they are hungry for meaningful encounters in their life, teens benefit from involvement in Jewish communal activity -- from local leadership development programs to summer trips to Israel, and more. These experiences help shape them as responsible and empathetic young adults and enhance their skills as they prepare for higher education and the workplace. The Federation is committed to investing in a bright Jewish future with programs for tomorrow's Jewish community members.

 

J-SERVE Day of Service

J-SERVE is the international day of Jewish teen service, when more than 10,000 teens from across the globe come together to fulfill the value of repairing the world. In the heart of NJ, hundred of volunteers in sixth through twelfth graders participate in a wide range of community service activities, from visiting seniors in assisted living to making teddy bears with teens who have special needs for children fighting cancer. See photos from past J-SERVEs and learn more. 

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J-SERVE: Planting a preschool garden

Ruth Kroll Scholarship

The Ruth Kroll Scholar Award was created by Jewish Federation and the Kroll family to perpetuate Ruth’s memory and values and invest in a strong Jewish future. This scholarship recognizes young Jewish women who make a difference in our community and encourages them to continue the practice of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world.

Teen Travel To Israel 

Young people who participate in immersive Jewish experiences connecting with Israel tend to have stronger Jewish identity and communal involvement as adults. That is why the Federation invests in Israel travel for teens, providing them with the opportunity to further connect with their heritage, deepen pride in their Jewish identity, and strengthen bonds with Israel. 

Birthright Israel

18- and 19-year-olds are eligible to participate in Birthright Israel, free, ten-day peer trips for young adults 18-32-years old. Compliments of Birthright Israel and its funders, including the Jewish Federation, these experiences connect young travelers to their Jewish heritage and community, as well as the people, ideals, natural beauty, history, and culture of the state of Israel.

 

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Teen Israel Programs

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Teen Israel Programs

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Birthright Israel

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Birthright Israel

Fresh Ink for Teens

Fresh Ink for Teens (FIT) is a website whose content is written for—and by—Jewish students from high schools around the world. FIT covers high school, politics, Israel, sports, culture, college preparation, Judaism, family matters and more through original articles and insightful essays. Creative writing and poetry are also welcome. Fresh Ink began more than 15 years ago and has won awards from the American Jewish Press Association. The website is edited by Lily Weinberg and hosted by The Jewish Week Media Group, New York, NY.

 

Write On for Israel

This elite education and advocacy training program enables high school students to better process and express complex ideas about Israel before entering college. Sponsored by The Jewish Week Media Group, the two-year program teaches students about Israel through the eyes of respected journalists with a wide range of views about Israel and its modern-day conflicts. Participants gain greater awareness of the pro- and anti-Israel environment, as well as enhanced confidence in speaking about Israel with professors, friends, and detractors.

Summer Camp

 

Jewish summer camp is a great way to inspire teens to embrace their Jewish identity, gain valuable life skills, and make good friends. The Federation supports and offers many ways to make day camp and sleepaway camp more accessible and affordable.

Camp Grants & Scholarships

Incentive Grants for First-Timers

For those who don’t know if Jewish camp is for them, the Jewish Federation offers incentive grants in partnership with The Foundation for Jewish Camp’s One Happy Camper program. Exciting kids about Jewish camp is a great investment in our future because it often leads to future involvement in Jewish community. In addition to teaching great life skills, Jewish camps offer world-class programs in athletics, the arts, technology, and more.

Scholarships for Families In Need

For working families who need help affording child care when school's out, summer camp is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Their children spend the summer in a warm, safe, Jewish environment filled with fun, learning, and friendship.

Special Needs Camp Scholarships

Children with special needs can share in the magic of Jewish camp to learn new skills, build self-confidence, and make lasting friends and memories. Scholarships from the Jewish Federation can put camp within reach and enable all Jews to find their place in the warm and supportive community of Jewish summer camp. 

 

Visit Camps All Year-Round

If you're considering sleep-away camp this summer, now's the time to start planning. Tour camps during the summer to see them in action.

Look What Else We Have for Young People