Touring Camps for American Boys in Israel

Executive Member Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 250

Hi,
Would like to hear about camps in Israel for boys- my son will be 14 this summer and my parents would like to treat him to a summer in Israel as a belated bar mitzva gift, I have heard of Sdei Chemed, would like to hear about others and Sdei Chemed as well.
Thanks!

Beginner Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 9

Im not one to use this forum really but I happen to see your post and my brother and his friends went to Sdei Chemed long long time ago. I remember them saying it was the best summer. I dont know much about it today just that they now have a girls program, but I think its completely separate. Some of my neighbors kids went and they enjoyed it.
There are other camps like NCSY kollel and other NCSY programs out there. But for touring and trips I think sdei chemed seems great.
It also depends what kind of crowd your looking for. From the website and photos, sdei chemed seems to have a mix of kids orthodox/modern orthodox type.
The cost of an Israel camp should be about the same plus airfare and I know you could get scholarships from the jewish federations too.
Best is to ask parents that sent recently and see what they say.
Links
http://www.campsci.com/
http://ncsysummer.com/

depends what you are looking for ...

there is camp emes which is like sdei chemed but with more of a focus on learning.
If you are looking for something more modern orthodox there is Kayitz bakibbutz and Camp Amichai.

I think the ncsy tours are for slightly older aged kids.

Executive Member Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 250

Thank you so much, one of my brothers went to Sdei Chemed in 1990 and the other one went to NCSY kollel in 1998 but that is a program for HS boys. I liked what I say on Camp Emes's website. We live in baltimore, I am looking for something with learning, more on the yeshivish side then modern orthodox. I do want sports and other fun activities just gathering information and seeing what is out there.

Beginner Joined: Apr 28 2009 Posts: 9

No problem.
I was looking at the sdei chemed website and saw a program specifically for Bar-Mitzvah age boys it sounds like a really great idea. I would look into it. http://www.campsci.com/camp/Bar-Mitzvah%20Pilgrimage.htm

There is also another camp run by a Rabbi Fuchs but I dont know much about it, maybe someone else does.

I do want to add that you should choose a camp on where your child would feel more comfortable. Sending him to a learning camp or more yeshivish camp doesn't always make them frumer, its when they connect to a place that makes it work. I dont know your family or you son, so my opinion is just personal. I find out-of-towners (if baltimore is still considered that) fit less into a brooklyn/yeshivish atmosphere, and more friendly. I know these girls that went to sdei chemed and saw their friends they made, they are the sweetest and frum girls you can meet.
Anyways I wish there was a summer program for adults like us, its not fair.