Fostering Leadership and Connection: The Jerusalem Summer Camp 2024
The Jerusalem Summer Camp (JSC), a collaborative initiative by the Jerusalem Foundation, Shawna Goodman and Todd Sone Family Foundation of Montreal, and the Jerusalem Municipality, is reshaping summer experiences for youth in Israel. This program provides an enriching alternative to passive screen time, empowering participants to connect with their inner selves, form bonds across diverse backgrounds, and embrace the city of Jerusalem as a focal point for growth and leadership.
The 2024 JSC program, held amid the backdrop of Israel’s evolving challenges and the ongoing war, proved to be a remarkable success, attracting hundreds of participants and leaving a lasting impact.
A Summer of transformation
The 2024 JSC program achieved full enrollment, even with the challenge of the security situation due to the ongoing war, with 400 participants divided into two consecutive 10-day cohorts. The demand was so high that organizers opened a waiting list, reflecting the community’s trust in the program’s value. A total of 200 youth participated in each of the cohorts, conducted consecutively over 10 days from late June to mid-July.
The camp launched with celebratory ceremonies at the Jerusalem Arena Hall and Nir Ha’emek Youth Village, where attendees were welcomed by leaders from the Jerusalem Foundation, Masa Israeli, and the Jerusalem Municipality. Participants then embarked on a journey of self-discovery, leadership development, and cultural exploration, with each day centered around themes of personal and communal growth.
Activities included visits to northern Israel and Jerusalem’s landmarks, such as the Ein Yael Archaeological Park and the Western Wall. Outdoor camping, sports, and workshops fostered teamwork and self-expression, while an inclusive Shabbat experience united secular and religious youth in shared traditions.
Building Bridges Across Communities
A cornerstone of the JSC is its ability to bring together youth from diverse socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Participants hailed from Jerusalem’s vulnerable and affluent neighborhoods, representing secular, traditional, and religious lifestyles. This diversity created opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, encouraging participants to embrace differences while building mutual respect.
The camp’s screen-free policy was pivotal in fostering genuine interactions. Freed from the distractions of technology, participants engaged deeply in the program’s activities and formed authentic friendships. Through shared experiences in workshops and outdoor adventures, they discovered that differences could coexist harmoniously, strengthening their bonds and appreciation for one another. The camps ended in a meaningful closing ceremony, attended by Jerusalem Mayor Lion and other city leaders.
A catalyst for leadership
The JSC serves as the launchpad for an annual municipal youth education initiative led by Jerusalem youth centers. Camp participants often continue their involvement in these programs, mentoring younger children and promoting values of social responsibility and community engagement.
During the 2024 camp, municipal youth department managers joined participants in joint activities, sowing seeds for future collaborations. These interactions underscored the program’s broader mission: cultivating a generation of young leaders who are deeply connected to Jerusalem and committed to its growth and unity.
The JSC’s skilled staff, comprising experienced Masa Israeli leaders, play a critical role in inspiring and guiding participants. Their expertise in fostering personal growth ensures that each camper feels seen, heard, and valued.
Tom’s journey: A story of transformation
One participant’s story exemplifies the transformative power of the JSC. Tom first joined the camp in 2022 as a shy, socially isolated teenager. Over three years, he blossomed into a confident young leader, maintaining friendships formed at camp and applying newfound social skills in his daily life.
This summer, Tom spoke at the closing ceremony, sharing how the camp became his “second home” and a safe space for self-expression. Inspired by his journey, he plans to become a counselor in 2025 and aspires to join Masa Israeli as a leader, paying forward the program’s life-changing impact.
Looking ahead
The Jerusalem Summer Camp stands as a beacon of hope and unity, offering youth a chance to grow, connect, and lead. Through its carefully designed activities, diverse community of participants, and dedicated staff, the camp cultivates future leaders who embody the values of acceptance, responsibility, and resilience.
As the program continues to expand and evolve, it remains a testament to the power of collaboration and vision. Thanks to the initiative and support of the Goodman Foundation and the partnership of the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Summer Camp will undoubtedly continue to shape the next generation of leaders, strengthening their ties to Jerusalem and each other.
With its proven track record of success and the unwavering enthusiasm of its participants, the Jerusalem Summer Camp is not just a summer program—it’s a foundation for lifelong growth and connection.
