For more than 75 years, the Union for Reform Judaism has provided young people with immersive Jewish experiences in North America and around the world, instilling a sense of joy, compassion, and pride in being Jewish while nurturing our youth’s innate desire to make a difference in the world. The URJ’s youth programs – summer camps, Israel programs, Mitzvah Corps social justice travel programs, and NFTY: The Reform Youth Movement – engage more than 20,000 youth, teens, and young adults each year.
Central to our strategy is collaboration with Reform congregations, other Jewish organizations, and individuals who are committed to youth engagement. Together with our congregations, we offer a continuum of influence that starts during childhood, continues through the college years, and sees expression in Jewish engagement and identification during adulthood. Our goal is not a transactional, “one-off” experience but the creation of committed, transformational, ongoing relationships that ultimately leads to an increase in the number of young Jews choosing to be Jewish, living Jewish lives, and impacting the world in positive ways.
See the URJ’s commitment to health and safety – URJ Youth Policies and Procedures
Search our comprehensive Youth Program Directory, or learn more below.
Youth Programs
![campers jumping into the lake at URJ Camp George](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/images/rj-feature-campgeorge.png?itok=vHvspSpW)
Jewish Summer Camp
![Two Mitzvah Corps participants working in a field and smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/block_feature/public/images/nic_-_smiles_and_bricks.jpg?itok=mpnrbwgV)
Tikkun Olam-Focused Youth Travel Programs
Teens can choose from hands-on social justice experiences and social action trainings in domestic and international locations.
![NFTY Teens hugging](/sites/default/files/styles/block_feature/public/images/img_2242.jpg?itok=HsHo2fR_)
Youth Group Programs
For 75 years, NFTY has offered thousands of young people the opportunity to explore and live Reform Judaism.
![Heller High students celebrate havdallah in Israel](/sites/default/files/styles/block_feature/public/images/rj-feature-hellerhigh.png?itok=6ne7Cnaq)
Israel Programs
Our programs have transformed the lives of more than 30,000 young people, instilling a strong connection and love for the Jewish homeland.
![counselor and URJ camper using crutches](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/images/img_4684.jpg?itok=4MMxVZd6)
Inclusion & Disability Youth Programs
What's New
![Photo of a group of diverse people at the Teen Jews of Color Fellowship](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/2024-07/Teen%20Jews%20of%20Color%20Fellowship.png?itok=ff0rhsfg)
Teen Jews of Color Fellowship Empowers Young Leaders
![Photo of the six inductees into the URJ 6 Points Sports Academy Hall of Fame](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/2024-07/URJ%206%20Points%20Sports%20Academy%20A%20Hall%20of%20Fame.png?itok=I8mAiFfm)
Celebrating the Pioneers of URJ 6 Points Sports Academy: A Hall of Fame Induction
![Photo of a group of teens in NFTY standing and waving their arms](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_image_small/public/2024-05/nfty.png?itok=V0LZFT3K)