Kayitz Kef Summer 2024
Kayitz Kef Summer 2024 Update: Expanding Impact & Innovation in Hebrew at Camp Programs
Kayitz Kef, now a program of the Brandeis Hebrew Consortium, marked a significant milestone this summer. Providing training, mentoring, programmatic and financial resources to 32 Jewish camps across North America—20 day camps and 12 overnight camps, across 16 different states and Canadian provinces. We expanded our network with exciting new partnerships, including Chabad camps in Austin and Burlington, Moshava Ba’ir in New Jersey, and three Young Judaea camps in North Carolina, Texas, and New York. We also collaborated with a new day school camp in Sarasota, Florida, and welcomed back the Sol Taplin camp at the Michael Ann Russell JCC in Miami.
New Partnerships & Initiatives
In Sarasota, FL, we partnered with Community Day School, bringing Hebrew to a diverse day camp community of Jewish and non-Jewish children. In Asheville, NC, 6 Points Sports Academy benefited from the expertise of a Hebrew-through-sports trainer, integrating language learning into athletic activities. At Tel Yehudah’s Merkaz Ivrit, teens immersed themselves in Hebrew through music, food, film, and direct interactions with Israeli peers.
This summer, we introduced Hebrew facilitators specializing in sports, nature, and gardening, further enriching camp experiences. Innovation grants encouraged camps to pilot creative ideas like Hebrew cooking programs, Krav Maga taught entirely in Hebrew, and Hebrew-themed zoo visits. Ten camps received new camp grants, while 20 others used innovation grants to explore fresh approaches to Hebrew immersion. Along with our essential programmatic and training resources, we remain committed to easing the financial burden for camps. This summer, Kayitz Kef distributed over $34,000 in seed and innovation grants to help camps more easily deliver high-quality Hebrew immersion and engagement.
We also launched the Kayitz Kef Argaz Keilim (Tool Box) as part of the Jewish Education Projects Educator Portal. This resource hub offers affiliated camps access to professional development resources, curated activities and materials, fostering innovation and ensuring camps are well-supported in delivering engaging Hebrew programs.
Preliminary estimates suggest that more than 2,500 campers participated in Hebrew immersion activities this summer. We trained 15 new local Hebrew coordinators, with eight participating in specialized training in Israel through Kayitz Kef. Despite concerns about the impact of the war in Israel on shlichim availability, the number of returning Israeli counselors exceeded expectations, enabling camps to hire high-quality staff to lead their Hebrew programs. A revised training schedule in Israel allowed Kayitz Kef to prepare approximately 150 Jewish Agency shlichim (Israeli counselors) across four separate sessions.
Community Connections & Resilience
One highlight of the Kayitz Kef program at Schechter in the Sun, hosted by Gross Schechter Day School in Cleveland, was welcoming 24 teens and staff from Kibbutz Kissufim and Be’eri. During their day at camp, these teens fully immersed themselves in the activities, engaging in story time, music, yoga, and art, while sharing their authentic Hebrew and Israeli culture with the campers. Their presence created a joyful, unified atmosphere, deepening connections to Israel and Hebrew, and reinforcing Jewish identity.
Tel Yehudah also welcomed 12 rising 10th graders from Moshav Nativ Ha’asara, who had been displaced since October 7th. While camp couldn’t replace home, it provided a sanctuary where these teens could be themselves for over two weeks. The program offered a rare opportunity for campers to connect with Israeli peers outside of Israel. Their interactions with Merkaz Ivrit campers—who were learning Hebrew through real-life activities such as film, music, and food—enriched the experience for all. This unique immersion allowed participants to engage directly with native Hebrew speakers, deepening their connection to the language and culture. Although the focus wasn't directly about the events of October 7th, the visit provided local campers with valuable perspectives from those directly affected by the attacks and the ongoing war.
Kayitz Kef’s 2024 summer was a season of growth, resilience, and innovation, reinforcing our commitment to fostering Hebrew language skills, authentic connections to Israel, and Jewish identity across North America.
Kayitz Kef is excited to build on its success by expanding partnerships and reimagining how Hebrew can enhance the camp experience. From cooking and music to arts, STEM, and sports, the program will bring Hebrew to life in dynamic and engaging ways. With plans to broaden specialty training, grow the network of participating camps, and provide tailored support through enhanced mentoring and cohort-based training, Kayitz Kef is dedicated to deepening its impact. Additionally, the program will extend its expertise beyond the network, offering consulting services to camps eager to explore the power of Hebrew immersion.