Young Judaea
Immerse. Inspire. Lead.
More Than Just a Camp Experience
Camp Tel Yehudah offers more than just a summer program – we provide a transformative journey for Jewish teens from around the world. Our second session is designed to engage, educate, and empower young leaders through immersive experiences that blend Jewish values, personal growth, and global connections.
Enjoy two and half weeks of the very best of the Tel Yehudah experience: rikud (dance), shira (singing), tzofiyut (Israeli scouting), ropes course, sports, arts, swimming, rafting, camping, crazy night activities, leadership development, Israel connections and much more. Make new friends from across the United States, Israel and the United Kingdom as TY becomes a truly global camp.
| Grade in Fall 2025 | Age Group | Tuition | With RootOne* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Kfir | $3,675 | $1,675 |
| 10 | Lavi | $3,675 | $1,675 |
| 11 and 12 | Arayot | $3,675 | $1,675 |
Make it a Full Summer at Tel Yehudah (First + Second Session) and save $1600. (Staying at TY between sessions is included.)
*Rising 10th and 11th graders from the United States are eligible to apply for a $2000 Rootone Voucher for Second Session. Learn More Here*
More information about Second Session:
About Merkaz
As Young Judaea’s national teen summer camp, Camp Tel Yehudah has served tens of thousands of Jewish teens for over 75 years. As we move into the future, Tel Yehudah is evolving into the Center for Jewish Teen Life, a hub for Jewish teen programs from multiple youth-serving organizations, strengthening the landscape of Jewish teen programming, and expanding the high-quality, immersive and exciting opportunities available to Jewish teens.
Merkaz: A Unique Jewish Teen Experience
Experience a summer like no other at Merkaz! From July 24 to August 11, 2025, we are bringing together Jewish teen programs from various organizations who will collaborate to create a unique and immersive Jewish experience for teenagers. Along with programs from other leading Jewish teen organizations, Tel Yehudah is launching new specialty programs. Choose one of these programs that interests you most and dive in.
At Merkaz, we bring together teens from diverse backgrounds – Israel, the United Kingdom, and Jewish communities across the United States. This unique international environment creates a powerful platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and personal development.
HaZamir: A Jewish Choral Experience
Experience all the joys of HaZamir’s immersive musical community and the best summer has to offer with Merkaz HaZamir. HaZamir, The International Jewish Teen Choir, is a musical youth movement rooted in the rich tradition of Jewish choral singing. In fun-filled masterclasses and workshops you will make music and memories together.
Program Highlights:
- Professional music instruction
- Collaborative choral performances
- Deep dive into Jewish music
- Performance opportunities
- Building lifelong musical connections
Ivrit with Kayitz Kef: An Immersive Hebrew Language and Cultural Experience
Transform your Hebrew language skills through an engaging, dynamic program that goes beyond traditional learning.
Program Highlights:
- Cultural immersion activities
- Engage with Israelis in Hebrew
- Conversational Hebrew practice
- Connection to Israeli culture
- Fun and interactive learning environment
Extreme Outdoors: An Outdoor Experience through a Jewish Values Lens
Challenge yourself physically and spiritually with our unique outdoor program that combines adventure with related Jewish learning and values.
Program Highlights:
- Wilderness skills training
- Team-building challenges
- Jewish values exploration
- Personal growth through outdoor experiences
Life Saving Skills: An Emergency Response and First Aid Experience
Develop critical life-saving skills that can make a real difference in emergency situations.
Eligibility: Must be 15+ years old and able to pass entry exam to receive lifeguarding certification. See more about lifeguard entry exam on the American Red Cross website under the “Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water)” tab.
Program Highlights:
- American Red Cross Lifeguard and First aid certification
- CPR techniques
- Emergency response strategies
- Confidence-building exercises
- Explore Jewish values deeply connected to protecting human life
Ha’Bayit: A Leadership and Diplomacy Experience Driven by your Israel story
Explore leadership, diplomacy, and your connection to Israel through an immersive and transformative program.
Program Highlights:
- Diplomatic skill development
- Understanding complex global issues
- Israel engagement
- Leadership training
- Personal storytelling and identity exploration
- Global Perspective: Connect with Jewish teens from around the world
- Intensive Programs: Focused, meaningful experiences
- Expert Mentorship: Learn from dedicated professionals
- Personal Growth: Develop skills that last a lifetime
- Jewish Identity: Strengthen your connection to Jewish heritage
- Unforgettable Memories: Create lasting friendships and experiences
Yes! If you are…
- Currently in 8th through 11th grade
- Looking to intensely explore your interests
- Looking to spend your summer with other Jewish teens
- Ready to build your own summer and choose how you spend parts of your day at camp
- Interested in living with Jewish teens from around the US and the world
- Room and board within our furnished cabins
- 3 healthy, nutritious and kosher meals a day
- $10 stipend for snacks and treats from our camp canteen
- 24/7 professional medical staff that can dispense first-aid and prescription medicines
- Dynamic and trained camp professionals
- Regular laundry-service
- 24/7 on-site security services
- Transportation to/from Newark International Liberty Airport on opening and closing day
Ready to Transform Your Summer?
Join us at Merkaz and embark on a journey of discovery, connection, and personal growth. This isn’t just a summer camp – it’s a life-changing experience.