Israeli teenagers experience what made their parents love this country, at Summer Camps Plus

Many American-born immigrants to Israeli remember going to summer camps as teenagers and holding a Kabbalat Shabbat or doing rousing Israeli dancing after Havdalah overlooking the Delaware River.

Three former emissaries to summer camps in the U.S., Gil Reines, Rami Carmel and Zeev Shafrir, wanted to share this magic with Israeli teens. Their experience and connections to various summer camps in the U.S. prompted them to found Summer Camps Plus, a company which provides a one-stop service to Israeli teens looking for the ultimate experience in Jewish camping in North America.

“We believe there are many immigrants here who would love to see their children and grandchildren enjoy the unforgettable camp experiences they had in Jewish camps in North America. Our camps offer an exciting range of activities including water sports, horseback riding, theatrical arts, creative Shabbat services, rope courses, mountain-biking and more,” Gil Reines said. These camps include the Young Judean camps – Camp Judea in North Carolina, Camp CYJ in Texas, Tel Yehudah, Pinemere, Laurelwood and more. All of them are situated in picturesque areas of North America and offer advanced activities in sports and culture in a Jewish atmosphere.

Yael Baratz, an immigrant of many years living in Tel Aviv, sent all three of her teens to camps in North America. She believed that there was a much more developed culture of summer camps there and that the experience would be enriching for her children.

“Although they had been exposed to American culture at home, there is nothing like personal contact with American peers,” Baratz said. “They had a much wider range of activities than is offered in camps in Israel, and they are still in touch with friends they made there seven years later.”

Beyond the fun, the former emissaries see the Israeli teens as emissaries representing Israel to the Jewish youth of North America.

“They truly are a bridge between Israeli and American youth,” said Zeev Shafrir. During the two-day orientation camp in Israel, the teens are exposed to the culture of American camps and prepped to be emissaries. We want them to experience the Jewish camps that we were fortunate to be part of while acting as emissaries, to develop their leadership skills as well as to make personal connections with Jewish youth abroad”.

Summer Camps Plus offers a complete package: camp fee, airfare, preparatory two-day camp and counselor escort abroad and back. The prices are lower than when registering directly with the participating camps. This comprehensive package allows parents to feel secure that their children are prepared for the experience and individually cared for. Many see this as the ultimate bar or bat/ mitzvah present.

For information call Linda Lovitch 050) 540 0172 or 054 200 2303

or check the website: http://campplus.co.il