A Spring 2022 Update from NFTY

Spring Kallot Across North America

We held our fourth Spring Kallah of 2022 at URJ OSRUI with NFTY-CAR, NFTY-NO, and NFTY-MV. More than 200 teens gathered in Oconomowoc, WI for a weekend of fun, friendship, and learning led by their peers. In the last two weeks, NFTY teens also gathered at URJ Camp Kalsman, Jacobs Camp, and GUCI. Check out our calendar for all upcoming events.

New Commitment to NFTY from the URJ North American Board

Teens and alumni leaders of NFTY joined the URJ North American Board meeting on April 3^rd and asked the board to commit to five actions including bringing teens into all working groups dealing with teen programming, increasing the NFTY Budget, and personally supporting NFTY and teen leadership across the URJ. The board overwhelmingly affirmed these commitments.

"We know this is only a first step and that the plans for NFTY and teen leadership are still at early stages. You are the leaders in this work, and I have asked the Board to practice a bit of tzimzum and let you lead the way. Our own experiences from years past and our opinions about the directions NFTY might take should not shape this work. It is your voice and your leadership that will be creating a true youth movement that inspires teens for meaningful impact in their lives, in our broader Reform Jewish Movement, and indeed, in our world."
- Jen Kaufman, URJ Board Chair to the teen and alumni leaders

New Budget for NFTY/Teen Leadership in 2022-23 Brings New Staffing and Volunteer Structure

Over the coming months we will be working on setting up this exciting structure:

Four full-time North American staff members, in addition to support from other areas of the URJ
Part-time regional mentors for every region
Three part-time organizers supporting teen leaders' growth and vision for the future
A network of volunteers supporting NFTY teens in their region
Expanding support for synagogues that host regional NFTY experiences
Continuation of retreats at URJ camps
Expanded training for teen leaders , focused on movement building
Expanded fundraising and long-term development

Be a part of NFTY's future! Sign up on this list to make sure that you continue to receive the most up to date information, including invitations to house meetings, community conversations, trainings, and other teen and adult opportunities!

Mazel tov to our new North American Board!

Read more about our evolving approach to leadership in NFTY.

Search

Youth Engagement

a young girl and male counselor doing pottery at camp

Embracing Jewish Identity, Learning to Lead: The Lifelong Benefits of Working at Summer Camp

February 5, 2024

The recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses has sparked concerns among students, parents, and communities. As the challenges faced by Jewish students navigating higher education persist, there is a growing need for safe spaces that celebrate Jewish identity and foster a sense of belonging.

Youth Engagement

an image of a group of teens jumping in the dessert

Empowering Tomorrow: The Enduring Impact of Youth & Teens in Reform Judaism's 150-Year Journey

January 5, 2024

Over the past 150 years, the impact of our youth has been nothing short of remarkable. As we reflect on the past, we can't help but take pride in the transformative influence of programs like URJ camps, NFTY, Heller High School in Israel, Yallah! Israel powered by NFTY, and L'Taken Social Justice Seminars.

Summer Youth Experiences

an image of a camper swinging from a bungee cord at Camp Dream Street at Henry S. Jacobs Camp

At Camp Dream Street, ‘Nothing is Impossible’ for Kids with Disabilities

August 3, 2023

NFTY founded Dream Street in 1975 with the belief that all kids should have the chance to have fun, make friends, try new experiences, and bring all of their identities to summer camp. Each summer, Dream Street accepts about 60 campers who have disabilities and/or mobility impairments like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, limb differences, and spinal cord injuries.