Campers pose before a game of gaga, a dodgeball variant typically played at Jewish summer camps. Photo by Trybal Gatherings Jewish American recent college graduates will now have an opportunity to bring their summer camp experience to Israel while gaining leadership, teaching and networking experiences with the help of Masa Israel Teaching Fellows (MITF) and the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC).
The two organizations announced May 10 that they have created MITF Jewish Camp Track. Fellows who participate in the 10-month program and choose Ashdod as their home base, will live in the city with Jewish camp alumni from around the world, and have access to professional development programs focusing on camp management and Israel education at camp.
Jewish Camp Track has also created a flexible schedule to accommodate Fellows who are working at their summer camps prior to and following the fellowship.
“Masa and FJC are tapping into the enduring powers of the Jewish summer camp experience and an immersive experience in Israel, both of which are life- and career-defining journeys,” Masa Israel Journey CEO Liran Avisar Ben-Horin said in a statement. “Together we play an instrumental role in strengthening Jewish identity for countless young adults.”
FJC works with more than 300 Jewish summer camps and will pair its expertise in professional development, training and networking with Masa’s immersive Israel experiences in order to inspire and equip the next generation of Jewish leaders to pursue careers in the Jewish community. Jewish Camp Track is also open to young adults who are passionate about Jewish camps but plan to pursue careers in other fields.
“Participants of Masa Israel Journey’s immersive experiences in Israel are passionate young professionals and ideal rising talent for the Jewish camp sector,” Julie Finkelstein, FJC’s Director of Leadership Development, said in a statement. “We could not ask for a better partner than Masa for our pursuit of building a strong Jewish future through the transformative Jewish summer camp experience.”
Graduates do not need to be fluent in Hebrew and prior teaching experience is not required. Flights, housing, and monthly stipends are included in the 10-month fellowship with MITF. For more information visit the website.
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