JLGB hosts phenomenal Summer Camp for 500 young Jewish Imagineers from around the world
500 young people from Jewish communities around the world came together for an action-packed week of fun, adventure and learning. JLGB's IMAGINE Summer Camp was held in Essex from the 31st July to 7th August and was enjoyed by young Jews from across the UK, France, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and for the first time, the Netherlands.
The theme of this year’s camp was ‘imagine’, and all of the activities were designed to encourage the young ‘imagineers’ to dream and believe that anything was possible. Formed into ‘tribes’, their skills were developed through a variety of different activities, including coding, first aid, cookery, debate, music, arts and crafts, with one tribe being crowned winner at the final awards ceremony. Other activity sessions during the day included swimming, climbing, zip wire, high ropes and kit car racing.
Six different charities from all parts of society including One Family, Save a Child’s Heart and the Anthony Nolan Trust, ran sessions on camp to inform and inspire the young imagineers with the aim that one will be chosen as the JLGB charity of the year in September.
It was a truly international empowered week where Jewish young people from across the world learned about and explored each other’s different cultural identities, and connected as one global family through their shared Jewish identity.
Nightly epic productions entertained a packed house each evening which saw the likes of Mad Monkey Improv and internet sensation Dave in Charge perform, and where during a tense quiz night one lucky winner is now in possession of a year’s supply of sweets. There was also a musical themed evening where the young people performed on stage showing off their brilliant singing, dancing and musical talents.
JLGB aims to have a Summer Camp of over 600 next year. Meanwhile, plans are now underway for a spectacular ‘Shine’ Winter Camp 16/17, which will take place over Chanukah and New Year’s Eve from the 27th December to the 1st January. For more information please visit www.jlgb.org/wintercamp.
Reflecting on the week, JLGB CEO, Neil Martin OBE, said “I’m delighted that this was the biggest JLGB Summer Camp in over 20 years. What a privilege it is to see young people create and deliver social action projects, form strong international bonds to strengthen their identities and thrive in an environment of fun and adventure throughout the week. I am also immensely proud of the team of young JLGB volunteer leaders who ran all the groups and activities and do their bit as outstanding coaches, mentors and inspirational leaders for our youngsters to aspire to become. JLGB are extremely grateful for all of their hard work and dedication that ensured that this year’s camp was not only bigger but better than ever.”
For more photos from the week, click here.
For more information on JLGB Camps and all our weekly activities across the UK, email getinvolved@jlgb.org or call JLGB HQ on 020 8989 8990.
For all Press Enquiries, please contact Ellie Pendred on ellie.pendred@jlgb.org
