OU SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Grade 5 through High School
Sarah, a once-reserved fifth-grader, was hesitant about attending OU Israel's Camp Dror Program. Born to a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, Sarah had limited exposure to her Jewish heritage. In our program, she discovered a welcoming community that helped her embrace her Jewish identity.
Sarah's newfound confidence and connection to her roots continue to enrich her life and the lives of her family members.
Sarah OU Israel's Camp Dror
CHILDREN AND TEENS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarship Cost & Impact
$1,200,000 Fund
$6,000 Per Family 200 additional Families
Current Program Participation
2,600 Families
32 Programs
Underserved Population
Low to middle-income families
Unaffiliated Jewish families
Seeing the World
"JOLT Europe summer trip is a truly enriching experience, combining Jewish learning, leadership skills, and the exploration of Europe's rich history and culture. It's an extraordinary journey of personal growth and global awareness, creating unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships."
"My summer with NCSY Kollel Mechina was an eye-opening adventure. It felt like stepping into a whole new world of knowledge
The learning was fascinating, and the sports and trips around Israel kept things fun and engaging It was a place where I could grow intellectually and personally.
This experience gave me an appreciation for my heritage and broadened my perspectives "
Abigail - Woodmere NY
"Going on The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) was like walking into a whole new world. We got to check out all sorts of places in Israel, and it wasn't just sightseeing – we were connecting with different communities, traditions, and bits of our Jewish heritage I never knew about before.
Every day felt like a new discovery about myself and where I come from. If you ask me, TJJ is way more than a summer trip –it's a deep-dive into your roots, and it's pretty awesome "
ou.org/onesummer for all
and grow, and make friendships of a lifetime.
summer programs
HoningBasketballSkills
SavingLives
Hatzalah Rescue is a co-ed program for teens. On Hatzalah Rescue teens get certified as EMR’s, volunteer on an ambulance and assist in the Hatzalah logistics center.
"Joining the LEAD summer program was truly life-changing I found myself growing each day, not just through our daily activities, but mostly by spending time with the wonderful kids at the orphanage.
We learned, we laughed, and we explored Afula together. It wasn't just about having a fun summer; it was about making a real difference. It's an experience that's now a part of who I am, and I couldn't recommend it enough for anyone looking to have a meaningful summer "
Jumpshot Israel is an Israel-based overnight basketball camp for high school boys with a focus on cultivating excellence in basketball while instilling an a personal connection to Torah & Israel through athletics and leadership skills.
OU One Summer Data
GRADES 5 THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
TOTAL CAMPERS 2023
2,600
GROWTH
GENDER
70%FEMALE I 30%MALE
LOCATIONS
Population Served Population Unserved 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 2020 2021 2022 2023
From Spectator to Participant: Yael's Transformation Through NCSY's GIVE Program
Background
Yael, a 16-year-old high school student, came from a financially constrained family. The inability to afford the NCSY's GIVE summer program throughout her high school years had placed a burden of isolation and embarrassment on her. This feeling of exclusion impacted her self-image and participation in the school and Jewish community.
Over a decade ago, Rivky Potestio and her family began their extraordinary journey from being deeply involved in a small Spanish-speaking church, where her father served as pastor, toward conversion to Orthodox Judaism. But for Rivky, the transition was socially and academically difficult. “None of my new classmates had ever encountered anyone with my kind of background, and I don’t think they knew how to relate,” she explains
Yael's struggle didn't go unnoticed. Yael's school's guidance counselor, recognizing the significance of Yael's situation, coordinated with her family, the local Jewish community, and the OU's scholarship committee. Together, they managed to secure the necessary funding for Yael to participate in the GIVE program in Israel.
In tenth grade, Rivky attended NCSY's Latte 'n Learn classes, which she enjoyed. “Soon enough, I was attending Shabbatons and Regionals. From NCSY, I got this feeling that, for the first time in a long time, I belonged.”
The Experience
NCSY became a safe place in which Rivky could grow and thrive in her Judaism without the pressure. “NCSY not only helped me become more comfortable with myself, but now I’m confident and proud to tell people I’m Jewish,” Rivky says.
The GIVE program turned out to be a life-altering experience for Yael. Engaging in community service and exploring historical landmarks in Israel, she was no longer a spectator but an active participant. The program helped her connect with her Jewish heritage more deeply and boosted her confidence through hands-on community contributions.
Before her junior year, Rivky was invited to join the board and coordinated chessed projects for NCSYers
Life Post-Program
When Yael returned to school after the summer, she was noticeably more self-assured. She was able to share her experiences from Israel. But the GIVE program had ignited something else within her - a strong desire to give back to her community.
The following year, Rivky went on NCSY’s GIVE program, which immerses teen girls in volunteer experiences that give back to the people and land of Israel. “Participating on GIVE helped grow my appreciation for Judaism and NCSY, and it cemented my decision to apply for president of the board for my senior year,” said Rivky. It’s a position she won handily and at which she excelled.
During her senior year, Yael started a fundraising campaign aimed at helping other students like her afford the GIVE program ensuring that other students wouldn't face the same barriers she once did.
“Being involved in NCSY and being Jewish showed me that I have a greater purpose in life,” declared Rivky. “Whereas I once looked at Judaism as burdensome, I now think of it as a privilege to be a part of something so big. And that’s thanks to NCSY.”
Yael's journey underscores the significant impact that programs like OU's GIVE can have on a young person's life when financial barriers are removed. From feeling alienated to becoming an integral part of her community, Yael's story emphasizes the need to ensure their accessibility for all students.
A family affair: Brothers Joshua, Gabriel, and Judah experiencing Israel on Yad B’Yad together.
Y A C H A D
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Aaron and Sarah Trauring have three wonderful sons, who have been part of the Yachad family for more than five years
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES SCHOLARSHIP FUND
It all started in the summer of 2017, when Joshua, now 21, attended Yad B’Yad as a high school participant Joshua’s younger brother Judah began attending the Marilyn and Sheldon David IVDU High School after that summer.
In back-to-back summers of 2018 and 2019, Joshua and Judah attended Camp Morasha Yachad, Joshua as a fellow and then counselor, and Judah as a camper In the summer of 2021, Judah’s twin brother, Gabriel, joined in on the action and the three brothers attended Yad B’Yad together, Joshua as a counselor and Judah and Gabriel as participants, marking the first time where three brothers were together.
Judah is still thriving at IVDU and went back to Yad B’Yad this past summer to relive the experience, and to help teach the meaning of belonging to those attending for the first time.
Scholarship Cost & Impact
$1,000,000 fund
$2,500 per family
400 additional families
Current Program Participation
1,500 Families
26 programs
Underserved Population
Low to middle-income families
Camp Within Camp
Integrated within various sleepaway camps, OU-Yachad campers enjoy a separate bunk with its own support system, joining mainstream peers for many daily activities.
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Dear Yachad Team,
I can't thank you enough for the respite your Family Getaway program gave us. The serene location, great facilities, and thoughtful staff provided a much-needed break. This vacation wasn't just enjoyable but truly tailored to our family's unique needs, allowing us all to unwind and rejuvenate We can't wait for our next trip with you
Friendship for Life
Yad B'Yad creates an environment where everyone belongs and feels a part of something greater. The unity within the group is palpable and lifelong relationships are cultivated. From participants to staff, over 100 individuals become one family.
Warmly, Ellen
Vocational Summer
The Yachad Vocational Program offers participants the opportunity to join a mainstream camp as a specialty staff member. Fun camp activities balance their day, along with opportunities to build relationships with peers.id ent it y
BirthRight Israel
Through its dedicated and experienced staff and tour guides, great activities, and stateof-the-art specialized bus, the trip is designed for participants to have a comfortable and incredible journey.
"Thank you so much for the opportunity you've given my child through the Yachad Vocational Program. The experience of joining a mainstream camp as a specialty staff member has been incredibly enriching for them.
They've not only enjoyed fun camp activities but also learned valuable skills and built wonderful friendships along the way and gave him a priceless sense of belonging. We're deeply grateful for your commitment to inclusivity and growth."
Jacob - Parent
I just wanted to express how grateful I am for the chance to be part of Yad B'Yad this summer. Working with such a diverse group and making a real difference was truly a lifealtering experience
I learned so much about empathy, understanding, and the power of community. This program has genuinely touched my heart and changed the way I see the world. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!
Josh - NCSY Teen Participant
A SUCCESSFUL ALIYAH
FindingOurPlaceinIsrael:AFamily's JourneywithYachad'sSummerProgram
Five years ago, my wife and I embarked on our journey of aliyah, bringing our two youngest children, Mendy (23) and Suri (27) with us. Both Mendy and Suri were born with Down syndrome, and as we prepared to move to a new country, we were deeply concerned about their ability to adjust socially and stay safe.
It was during this time we discovered Yachad Israel and their summer program for children with special needs This program proved to be a lifeline for us The dedicated staff at Yachad went above and beyond to ensure not just the safety, but also the success of all participants. They cultivated an environment that was fun, inclusive, and unforgettable
Our home now bears the mark of these cherished memories, with photos and mementos from the Yachad summer program adorning every wall. These tokens serve as constant reminders of the joyful times we spent with our extended Yachad family.
We are profoundly grateful to Yachad Israel, not just for enriching the lives of our children, but also for extending that enrichment to their friends and families Our aliyah journey would have been unimaginably different without the support of the Yachad team and the summer program.
-E. Goldstock, Jerusalem
OU's programs for individuals with disabilities in Israel include summer camp, relationship building, the Slice of Torah Learning Program with Yeshivat HaKotel, and a weekly buddy program in partnership with seven local schools.
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The 489 ongoing chavrutot with students and OU-JLIC educators learn topics that include Chumash, Navi, Gemara, and Mussar
Rachel Landesman, a sophomore at Barnard College attended SIJW, where she got the chance to intern for ITIM - The Jewish Life Advocacy Center.
“While interning at ITIM I had the amazing opportunity to deepen my understanding of the complex relationship between religion and state in Israel. Each week the interns learned about different religious services and met with representatives from organizations working to promote a more inclusive religious establishment within a Halakhic framework. I also completed a personal project in ITIM’s Giyur K’Halacha Center, which involved strengthening the company’s English conversion curriculum. These experiences helped me develop my own opinions on religion and state issues in Israel, and gave me an insight into future career paths ”
COLLEGE AGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarship Cost & Impact
$200,000 fund
$2,500 per family
80 additional families
Current Program Participation
190 Families
12 programs
Underserved Population
Low to middle-income families
Non OU JLIC campuses
Unaffiliated families
C o l l e g e A g e S t u d e n t s
ALL SUMMER TRIPS AND PROGRAMS
CHILDRENANDTEENS GRADE5THROUGHHIGHSCHOOL
NCSY Summer Trips
Girls Trips
Kollel Mechina Track
Chai
Euro 4G
GIVE
GIVE West
Impact
LEAD
Michlelet
Michlelet Mechina
Boys Trips
Camp Sports
Chai
Impact
Jumpshot
Kollel
Kollel Mechina Track
OU Israel
Camp Dror
Fagin Leasdership Program
Coed Trips
Euro Israel
Hatzalah Rescue
Israel ID
JOLT Israel
Justifi Thailand
Kadima
Next Step: Israel Internships
Passport
NCSY Relief Missions
Rwanda
Houston
Kentucky
New Orleans
Puerto Rico
INDIVIDUALSWITHDISABILITIES
Amichai Vocational Integration
Chaverim
Getaway
Kesher
Lavi Vocational Integration
Lavi Yachad Integration
Mesorah Camper Integration
Mesorah Vocational Integration
Morasha Yachad Integration
Moshava Alevy Camper Integration
Moshava Alevy Vocational Integration
Moshava Ba’ir NJ Vocational Integration
Moshava Ba’ir Toronto Vocational
Integration
Moshava Ennismore Camper Integration
Moshava Ennismore Vocational
Integration
Moshava IO Camper Integration
Moshava IO Vocational Integration
Moshava Wild Rose Camper Integration
Moshava Wild Rose Vocational
Integration
Nesher Yachad Integration
Sephardic Adventure Camp
CLE ELUM, WASHINGTON
Sephardic Adventure Camp
Yachad BaChutz
Yad B'Yad
COLLEGESTUDENTS
Ascend
Summer in Jerusalem at TVA
Summer In Jerusalem for Women at Nishmat
Dr. Mordecai D. Katz Z'L OU-JLIC at Tel Aviv University
Dear Community Member,
