The WOW Initiative First initiative ideas for grades 3 to 5/6 Our dreams The main idea Business plan and staffing Pilot programs
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Presentation
Camp Alternative
We’re dreaming of…
The benefits of summer camp such as informal education in a kid world, participatory learning, an immersion environment over many days, building relationships between students, and depth in their learning. Resolving the struggle with families who miss a lot of religious school or opt out entirely for other activities because of the time conflict.
The Main Idea:
Establish a day camp model that incorporates informal education with religious education that operates for several days in the summer, a few days during winter break and on a periodic schedule during the year. The camp incorporates an entire day of educational activities through a variety of experiences including arts, tefillah, playing, learning time, exploring etc.
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation
Camp Alternative
Business Model & Staffing
Can be run as a community alternative, collaboration of institutions, or adopted by interested congregations/institutions. Can incorporate inclusion of unaffiliated families. Staffing is required for camp planning and separate staff is required for actually running of the camp.
Sample Pilot Programs
A camp alternative program for a particular grade throughout the community ( e.g all of grade 3) or for participating schools (multiple grades) for 2 weeks in early August, 1 week during winter break, monthly family education programs and additional weekly programs as determined by congregation. Typical camp day includes community time, tefillah, chuggim (electives), learning, and arts.
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation
Retreat Concierge
We’re dreaming of…
A way of providing immersive Jewish learning experiences throughout the year for students A way to utilize the outdoors and other learning venues, study for a longer period of time, incorporate family education or other configurations of learners, and build community. Breaking the time and cost barriers for retreat planning by single organization staff members and not reinventing the wheel every time a retreat is planned.
The Main Idea:
An education professional whose role is to assist in planning retreats for groups focused on grades 3, 4, 5 & 6. The Concierge will build a community repository of information about planning retreats as well as curriculum and sample activities.
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation
Retreat Concierge
Business Model & Staffing
Staffing is the core of this program and would consist of an educator with skills in informal education and event planning. Would most likely be run at the community level.
Sample Pilot programs
Community wide retreats for grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 and/or Partner organizations (schools) are given option for particular institutional retreats A retreat can be a Shabbaton, school breaks, Sundays, daytime or overnight; and they can be focused on a learning topic, building community, environmental education, etc.
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation
Merit Badge – Social App
We’re dreaming of…
A learning model that allows for student/family flexibility to work more/less independently depending on their interest, that provides activity based learning and grounds a portion of their learning outside the classroom. Incorporating technology into the learning and assessment activities so that Jewish learning in the realm where students today are already living or are soon headed.
The Main Idea:
Similar to scouting model - curriculum of activities and learning topics clustered into “badges” that progress over years. Allows for an independent pace mixed with group activities. Internet programs or social apps are utilized to incorporate activity and location based learning.
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation
Merit Badge – Social App
Business Model & Staffing
Can be run as a community alternative, collaboration of institutions, or adopted by interested congregations/institutions.
Staffing is needed for curriculum development and for student oversight.
Sample Pilot programs
Establish for one grade (e.g. grade 3) or limited number of topic badges for several grades (e.g. holidays for grades 3-5). Sample: Complete 12 activities with at least one in each category (visual arts, ritual, language arts, knowledge assessments, practicum activities, Hebrew, creative arts and group activities). Regular meetings for learning programs, community building, group activities and assessment of progress.
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation
First Ideas for Grades 3 – 5/6
Camp Alternative
Retreat Concierge
Merit Badge – Social App
WOW – Jewish Education and Identity Department Columbus Jewish Federation - Community Board Presentation