Skip to content

Across the Bay Area, there are Dozens of Life-Changing Programs for Jewish Teens

Whether you’re looking for something to join throughout the school year, summer, winter break, local or abroad, we’ve got you covered.

North American and International Youth Movements

Find a youth movement that helps your teen connect with their Jewish identity.

BBYO (Pluralistic)

B'nai B'rith Youth Organization

Learn More

CTeen (Chasidic Movement)

Chabad Teen Network

Learn More

NCSY (Modern Orthodox Movement)

National Conference of Synagogue Youth

Learn More

NFTY (Reform Movement)

North American Federation of Temple Youth

Learn More

USY (Conservative Movement)

United Synagogue Youth

Learn More

Summer Camps (Overnight & Day Camps)

Is your teen looking to attend Jewish summer camp, become a counselor, or get involved in the camp community? Check out these options throughout Northern California.

APJCC

The APJCC offers a Jewish framework that is accessible to people across the various denominations of Judaism as well as those of other traditions. This retains the JCC’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and makes no assumptions about participants' backgrounds or beliefs.

Learn More

Camp Be'chol Lashon

Camp Be'chol Lashon is a multicultural Jewish leadership camp that provides opportunity for ethnically and racially diverse Jews to see themselves as important members of the Jewish people.

Learn More

Camp Mountain Chai

Through exploration, discovery, and fun, Camp Chai aims to inspire campers with a love for Jewish life.

Learn More

Camp Kee Tov

Camp Kee Tov continues its tradition of over 50 years of excellence in day-camping with a special ruach (Kee Tov spirit) all its own.

Learn More

Camp Kefli

Camp Kefli is a two-week day camp at Temple Isaiah that focuses on exploring the Bay Area, strengthening Jewish community and identity, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime.

Learn More

Camp Newman

URJ Camp Newman offers fun, immersive Jewish experiences that empower children and teens to better themselves, their communities, and the world.

Learn More

Camp Ramah

Located on the beautiful shores of Monterey Bay, Camp Ramah combines ocean exploration, adventure sports, and performing arts with cherished Jewish traditions.

Learn More

Camp Tawonga

Camp Tawonga uses nature and Judaism to enrich campers with strong values so that they can be their best selves.

Learn More

Eden Village West

At Eden Village West, campers learn about environmental sustainability, social justice, and spirituality all while building relationships with each other, and the farm they live on.

Learn More

JCC East Bay

JCC East Bay Camp offers an intimate, traditional camp experience where a kid can really be a kid all summer long. Through their K-8 age-specific camp activities, campers are able to discover new interests, test personal limits, and most importantly - HAVE FUN!

Learn More

JCC Maccabi Sports Camp

JCC Maccabi Sports Camp aims to build strong Jewish character and communities through sports.

Learn More

JCCSF

Located in San Francisco, the JCC summer camp provides a fun, creative and unique summer experience for kids K-8

Learn More

JCC Silicon Valley

Camp Shalom offers a variety of camp experiences for K-8 ages and interests. What unites all their campers is a shared sense of values. Each week the whole camp will focus on a different Jewish value through fun, hands-on experiences.

Learn More

JCC Sonoma County

JCC Sonoma County’s summer program, Camp Chai, is where K-8 campers create positive identities, friendships and memories with a focus on mindfulness, inclusion, and a progressive approach to living an ethical life.

Learn More

Osher Marin JCC

Marin JCC Camp - also known as Camp Kehillah - cultivates an inclusive K-10 community where campers are encouraged to be their most authentic selves. They engage Jewish life through values-based activities while developing social connections through the magic of play.

Learn More

Oshman Family JCC

Camps at the K-8 Oshman Family JCC introduce children to new experiences while creating friendships in a fun and safe environment.

Learn More

Peninsula JCC

Camp Keff provides an environment where K-12 campers, families, and staff members develop and maintain friendships, grow through creative and developmentally appropriate activities, increase self-confidence, and have a positive association with Jewish culture.

Learn More

Leadership & Tikkun Olam

Teens don’t have to wait until college to start making a difference. These programs are designed to help high school students become better leaders, learn community organizing, and hone their collaboration skills, all while practicing Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).

Bay Area Friendship Circle

Bay Area Friendship Circle provides opportunities for middle and high schoolers to volunteer with children and teens with special needs. Volunteers will gain valuable leadership skills while providing friendship, support, and mentorship to extraordinary children.

Learn More

Club Z

Club Z creates a network of educated and articulate activists with a commitment to Zionism who advocate for Israel.

Learn More

Diller Teen Fellows

The Diller Teen Fellows program is an immersive leadership program inviting a select group of Jewish 11th graders from six continents and 32 communities to step up, lead their communities, and repair the world.

Learn More

Hamsa Fund

The Hamsa Fund provides East Bay high schoolers a unique opportunity to learn how to run their own philanthropic foundation. Teens will address community challenges while connecting with peers to discuss the relationship between social action and their Jewish identities.

Learn More

JCC Sonoma County Chaverim

JCC Sonoma County Chaverim hosts meetings that provide the opportunity to experience social interaction and engaging discussions dealing with relevant emerging young adult issues as well as ethical topics — all through a Jewish lens.

Learn More

JCCSF Teen Programs

JCCSF Teen Programs encourage continual learning and growth by offering educational support programs to teens.

Learn More

Jewish Student Union

The Jewish Student Union hosts 200 Jewish culture clubs on public high school campuses. The clubs provide Jewish teens with programs that strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to Israel.

Learn More

Jewish Teen Foundation

JTF offers 9th through 12th graders an opportunity to spend the school year gaining lifelong skills in philanthropy, social justice issues, communication, and teamwork.

Learn More

Jewish Youth Climate Movement

Dedicated to mitigating climate change by empowering teens, mobilizing communities and taking action. JYCM believes in using Jewish values as a motivation to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

Learn More

JFCS YouthFirst

JFCS’ YouthFirst helps teens develop the necessary life skills to move into young adulthood smoothly, successfully, and responsibly by providing Jewish service learning, leadership skills development, internships, and career exploration.

Learn More

JYCA

Jewish Youth for Community Action is a youth-led organization that empowers Jewish teens to take action for social justice through innovative leadership development, community organizing, and education.

Learn More

Keshet

Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life. Their teen and youth programs create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued.

Learn More

The Social Impact Initiative

The Social Impact Initiative is a free online course that teaches the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship and the importance of doing for others and the world.

Learn More

StandWithUs

SWU empowers and energizes students with leadership training and educational programs to fight worldwide anti-semitism.

Learn More

Outdoor Exploration & Sports

There are many opportunities for Jewish teens to explore nature and sports, and find meaningful connections through Jewish values.

Maccabi USA

Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports and promotes support for Israel, Zionism, and Jewish continuity through athletic, educational, and cultural experiences for participants of all ages.

Learn More

Urban Adamah

Urban Adamah is an educational farm and community center in Berkeley, California that integrates the practices of Jewish tradition, mindfulness, sustainable agriculture, and social action to build loving, just, and sustainable communities.

Learn More

Wilderness Torah

Wilderness Torah’s mission is to awaken and celebrate the earth-based traditions of Judaism to nourish the connections between self, community, earth and spirit.

Learn More

Travel: Domestic & International

Many Jewish teen programs involve travel components, whether flying to Washington, DC to learn about a cause they care about or traveling to Israel to volunteer with troubled Israeli youth. The options are endless.

Aryeh Adventures

This is an incredible trip through the western United States. The leaders of this trip run social education classes steeped in moral values to help our participants grow socially and emotionally. Like all Aryeh trips, Aryeh Am3rica is open to both mainstream and special education teens.

Learn More

Etgar 36

Journey across America and learn about history, politics and activism as you develop your voice and passion to create change. Explore the sights and culture that make each city unique.

Learn More

Onward Israel

Onward Israel offers exciting resume-building opportunities – internships, academic study and fellowships – providing a global, cross-cultural experience in Israel and direct contact with Israeli peers.

Learn More

Birthright Israel

Birthright Israel’s mission is to give every Jewish young adult around the world, especially the less connected, the opportunity to visit Israel on a free, educational trip.

Learn More

L'taken Seminars

L’taken Seminars provide opportunities for teens to discuss how the Reform Movement applies Jewish perspectives to issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, climate change, health care, and more.

Learn More

Roots Israel

Spend four weeks in Israel on a service-learning adventure

Learn More

Diller Teen Fellows

Each year, more than 600 teens North America, South Africa, Australia, South America, Europe and Israel spend 12 months engrossed in the Diller Teen Fellows program, concluding with a trip to Israel.

Learn More

March of the Living

Join BBYO Passport on a life-changing, two-week journey to Poland and Israel that coincides with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day).

Learn More

Travel with BBYO

BBYO's travel program, BBYO Passport, has programs across five continents and combines elements of active touring, community service, and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Learn More

Travel with CTeen

CTeen Summer is proud to offer a fun and wholesome environment for teens to grow as people, as well as proud Jews.

Learn More

Travel with NCSY

NCSY provides short-term and long-term travel opportunities for both co-ed and gender-specific groups internationally, covering a variety of topics such as Jewish studies, search & rescue, and Israeli history.

Learn More

Travel with NFTY

NFTY has six incredible Israel trips with various focuses, including a deep Hebrew immersion, a trip through the lens of social justice, a trip through the lens of science and technology, and a sports Israel trip.

Learn More

Travel with Ramah

Ramah is the camping arm of Conservative Judaism. Ramah Israel programs foster lifelong connections to the land, history, people, and culture of Israel.

Learn More

Travel with USY

USY offers a multitude of travel experiences within the United States, Israel, and Europe, striving to create an environment in which participants can build community, and develop their Jewish identity.

Learn More

Resources For Jews of Color

Our Teen Initiative is committed to embracing and building a multi-racial and anti-racist Jewish community in the Bay Area. We recognize and celebrate the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of Jewish people. These organizations offer community, belonging, and connection for individuals and families who identify as Jews of Color.

Ammud.org

The JOC Torah Academy: Ammud provides Jewish education for Jews of Color (JOC) by Jews of Color.

Learn More

Be’chol Lashon

Be’chol Lashon (Hebrew for “in every language”) strengthens Jewish identity by raising awareness about the ethnic, racial and cultural diversity of Jewish identity and experience. Embracing the historical diversity of the Jewish people and, more importantly, the growing diversity of the community today is the most important step toward securing relevancy in an exciting American future.

Learn More

Jewish Multiracial Network

The Jewish Multiracial Network sets out to nurture and enhance Jewish diversity throughout the community at large, via capacity development, community development, community empowerment, and social capital.

Learn More

Jews in ALL Hues

Jewish in ALL Hues (JIAH) is an education and advocacy organization that supports multiple-heritage Jews and Jews of Color. Our goal is to build a future for the Jewish people where intersectional diversity and dignity are normative.

Learn More

Jews of Color Caucus

Unruly is an intersectional blog created and operated by members of the Jews of Color and Sephardi/Mizrahi (JOCSM) Caucus organized in partnership with Jewish Voice for Peace.

Learn More

Jews of Color Initiative

The Jews of Color Initiative is a national effort focused on building and advancing the professional, organizational and communal field for Jews of Color.

Learn More

Jewtina y Co

Originally created to be an exclusive platform for women, the name JEWTINA, denotes the intersection of Jewish and Latina identities.

Learn More

JIMENA

Jimena was created in 2002 by former Jewish refugees from the Middle East and North Africa who desired to share their personal stories and rich culture with college students, policy makers and Jewish communal and lay leaders throughout North America.

Learn More

JYCA - JAM

Jews Against Marginalization (JAM) is JYCA's newest cohort for Bay Area youth to chill, chat, and build community. This affinity group is a space for Jewish youth who identify as mixed race, POC, Sephardi, or Mizrahi to build community through fun, social, cultural experiences!

Learn More

Mitsui Collective

Mitsui Collective builds a resilient community around nature & wellness, embodied Jewish practice, and multiracial justice.

Learn More

Arts & Culture

If your teen is interested in the arts, don’t miss out on these unique Bay Area opportunities!

Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM)

Hosting a variety of teen programs, The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) has distinguished itself as a welcoming place where visitors can connect with one another through dialogue and shared experiences with the arts.

Learn More

Jewish Film Institute (JFI) Social Change Fellowship

A paid fellowship open to a cohort of twelve film fellows, ages 15 and 18. The fellows will work as a team alongside our Programmers, Marketing team and our Filmmakers in Residence to craft and promote a series of screenings and conversations around JFI’s social justice films.

Learn More

Immersive Jewish Studies

Dive into Jewish texts with these stimulating and thought-provoking Jewish learning opportunities.

Bronfman Fellowship

Inspired by a diverse faculty of rabbis and educators, fellows explore the rich tapestry of Jewish texts and ideas, using them to spark conversations, engage with stimulating existential questions, and achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and one another.

Learn More

Great Jewish Books Summer Program

In the Great Jewish Books Summer Program, students read, discuss, argue about, and fall in love with modern Jewish literature.

Learn More

Tikvah Scholars

The program brings together hundreds of Jewish teens from around the world each summer, who come to study the greatest texts in the Jewish and Western canon, and who want to explore how Judaism informs — and challenges – Western thought, philosophy, and politics.

Learn More

Gap Years

Is your teen thinking about taking a year off between high school and college? If so, check out this list of popular Jewish and Israel gap year programs.

BINA

BINA Gap Year is a life-changing, 10-month experience that combines communal living with Israelis, experiential learning, hands-on volunteering, travel, and leadership training – in Tel Aviv!

Learn More

Kivunim

KIVUNIM students forge a lifelong relationship with the land, people and State of Israel through the immersive experience of living there, based in the city of Jerusalem, for a full academic year.

Learn More

Masa in Israel

Masa programs span destinations on five continents and combine elements of active touring, community service, and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Learn More

Nativ

Nativ, USCJ’s gap year program for Jewish high school graduates, is dedicated to creating and inspiring the Conservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Nativ, which means “path” in Hebrew, provides a unique opportunity to explore new directions on the journey to becoming a Jewish adult.

Learn More

Rothberg at Hebrew University

Rothberg at Hebrew U provides an opportunity to make new friends from around the world while experiencing Israel’s rich and vibrant culture through field trips, social activities, and courses, including Hebrew, Israel, and Middle East studies.

Learn More

Tivnu

Tivnu is a Jewish gap year in the Pacific Northwest focused on exploring the connection between Jewish life and social justice.

Learn More

Travel with Aardvark Israel

Aardvark Israel’s mission is to bring together in Israel a diverse group of students from all over the world for meaningful, life-changing gap year experiences that strengthen their Jewish identity, deepen their commitment to Israel, and foster their personal growth.

Learn More

Young Judaea Year Course

Young Judaea Year Course in Israel is a nine-month gap year program for high school graduates to learn about Israeli society, history, culture, and geography while also earning college credit.

Learn More

Synagogue Youth Group Chapters

Individual synagogues have congregation-specific youth movements that are affiliated with larger national youth groups. The map below offers information on temples you can reach out to that provide Jewish learning programs and classes for teens separate from the youth groups.

No Records Found

Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.

Google Map Not Loaded

Sorry, unable to load Google Maps API.

Congregation Beth Am - BATY

Affiliated with NFTY

Los Altos Hills

Learn More

Congregation Beth Ami - SCUSY

Affiliated with USY

Sonoma

Learn More

Congregation Beth El - BESTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Berkeley

Learn More

Congregation Beth Emek - EDJY

Affiliated with NFTY

Pleasanton

Learn More

Congregation Beth Jacob - FRUSY

Affiliated with USY

Foster City & Redwood City

Learn More

Congregation Beth Shalom (Napa)

Affiliated with NFTY

Napa

Learn More

Congregation Beth Shalom (San Francisco) - SFUSY

Affiliated with USY

San Francisco

Learn More

Congregation B'nai Tikvah - BTTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Walnut Creek

Learn More

Congregation Kol Emeth - PAUSY

Affiliated with USY

Palo Alto

Learn More

Congregation Emanu-El

Affiliated with NFTY

San Francisco

Learn More

Congregation Kol Shofar - MUSY

Affiliated with USY

Marin

Learn More

Congregation Rodef Sholom - Jewish Teen Collective of Marin

Affiliated with NFTY

San Rafael

Learn More

Congregation Shir Ami

Affiliated with NFTY

Castro Valley

Learn More

Congregation Shir Hadash - SALTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Los Gatos

Learn More

Congregation Shomrei Torah - SHoRTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Santa Rosa

Learn More

NCSY East Bay

Affiliated with NCSY

East Bay

Learn More

NCSY Peninsula/South Bay

Affiliated with NCSY

Peninsula/South Bay

Learn More

NCSY San Francisco & Marin

Affiliated with NCSY

San Francisco & Marin

Learn More

Peninsula Temple Beth El - SMRTY

Affiliated with NFTY

San Mateo

Learn More

Peninsula Temple Sholom - PARTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Burlingame

Learn More

Temple Isaiah - LAFTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Lafayette

Learn More

Temple Israel

Affiliated with NFTY

Alameda

Learn More

Temple Sinai - SiTY

Affiliated with NFTY

Oakland

Learn More

Jewish Day Schools

Whether your child came from a public school, another private school, or homeschooling, the Bay Area is filled with independent schools that excel at both secular and Jewish studies.

Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day School

At Bais Menachem, K-8 students develop a deep love of learning in both secular and Judaic studies. Located in San Francisco.

Learn More

Brandeis Marin

Brandeis Marin is an independent, co-educational Jewish day school that serves K-8 students and their families in San Rafael, California. Their community reflects the diversity of the Marin Jewish communal fabric as well as the varied religious, cultural and socio-economic tapestry of the world around us.

Learn More

Brandeis San Francisco

The Brandeis School of San Francisco believes that true learning happens only when knowledge is connected to purpose. Their challenging K–8 academic environment is focused on relevance and rooted in Jewish values, traditions, and culture.

Learn More

Contra Costa Jewish Day School

Contra Costa Jewish Day School (CCJDS) in Lafeyette is a K-8 independent school serving students and their families from all parts of the East Bay. CCJDS offers an outstanding academic program and their graduates go on to excel at competitive high schools and colleges.

Learn More

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School

Hausner is an independent K-8 Jewish day school located in Palo Alto. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and project-based learning, providing a dynamic environment that encourages each child to flourish.

Learn More

Jewish Community High School

Located in San Francisco, JCHS is a 9-12 high school that empowers students to embrace their unique Jewish identities, express empathy, delight in lifelong learning, and improve the world.

Learn More

Kehillah Jewish High School

Located in Palo Alto, Kehillah Jewish High School is distinguished by an exceptional academic program and a supportive environment that pairs rich traditions with the best of the Silicon Valley mindset.

Learn More

Meira Academy

Meira Academy is a private Orthodox Jewish high school for girls located in Palo Alto, California. Meira Academy empowers young Jewish Women through an education devoted to academic excellence in both Judaic Studies and General Studies.

Learn More

Oakland Hebrew Day School

Oakland Hebrew Day School is a Modern Orthodox K-8 Jewish day school serving families from the diverse Bay Area Jewish community. Their immersive curriculum, which takes an integrative approach to Judaic and general studies, prepares students for achievement in secondary school and beyond.

Learn More

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

The Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School, where joyful and engaged learning is evident everywhere. The program emphasizes complex problem solving while engaging the ethical implications of real-world problems and their solutions for K-8 students.

Learn More

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School

South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, a K-8 Jewish day school serving the areas of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Los Altos and San Jose. Founded nearly 40 years ago, SPHDS was the first school south of San Francisco to offer a program of excellence in both Jewish and General Studies.

Learn More

Yavneh Day School

Yavneh is a progressive, independent, Jewish K-8 day school in Los Gatos. Their collaborative culture and student-centered approach to education create learning environments that are relevant to students’ interests while supporting the development of the skills and attributes needed to meet their own goals.

Learn More

Community Engagement

These offerings combine elements from other featured programs (arts, social justice, travel), to craft an all-encompassing experience for teens!

Berkeley-Oakland Midrasha

Through classes, social programs, and Shabbat retreats, students find a sense of personal Jewish understanding, a community of friends that will last a lifetime, and a nourishing safe space in the midst of their crazy schedules.

Learn More

Contra Costa Midrasha (CCM)

Contra Costa Midrasha creates a community of teens (grades 8-12) through its weekly and monthly programs. CCM aims to build each teen’s personal identity and interconnectivity through programs that are fun, inspiring and empowering.

Learn More

Hi there! Is there a program you would like us to consider adding to our site? If so, please complete the online form below. Thank you!