'Taylor Swift' Brings Wonder to Summer Camp
Over 500 young people from Jewish communities from around the world came together for another action-packed week of fun activities, adventure and learning. JLGB’s Summer Camp was held in Colchester, Essex from the 29th July until 5th August. The camp was enjoyed by young Jews from across the UK, Russia, France, Germany, Israel and the Netherlands.
The theme of this year’s camp was ‘Wanderlust’ and the activities were designed to allow the young members to travel on an adventure around the world taking part in rock climbing, zip wire, archery, kit car racing, high ropes and so much more along the way. Formed into teams, participants developed skills through a variety of different activities including coding, first aid, cookery, debate, music and arts and crafts. Each day they competed to win points for their teams, with the ultimate Wanderlust champions being announced at the closing awards ceremony.
Evening productions were packed every night with a whole host of special guest stars, including the return of former X Factor contestant Luena Martinez, who performed with the newly crowned winner of ‘All Together Now’ Michael Rice. Both were on the judging panel for the camp Talent Contest alongside JLGB President The Lord Levy and Board of Deputies President and JLGB representative Marie van der Zyl. Other evenings were full of wanderlust with Taylor Swift impersonator Katy Ellis, a group of magicians by the name of Heartburn Entertainment who travelled down all the way from Newcastle and Amy Winehouse tribute act Laura J. Butler.
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.
JLGB aims to have a Summer Camp of over 600 next year. Meanwhile, plans are now underway for a spectacular ‘The Games’ themed Winter Camp 18/19, which will take place over New Year’s Eve from the 27 December to 1 January. For more information, please visit www.jlgb.org/wintercamp.
Reflecting on the week, Camp Director Shirley Lane said:
“At this years' Summer Camp the participants amazed me with their enthusiasm and verve for life, their willingness to make friends and help each other along the way. They are indeed the future of JLGB. Although camp was about having fun; we all learned many things along the way, visiting other cultures and also learning how we can all make the world a better place if we work together. I am so proud of our young leaders who dedicate so much of their time to the organisation and am thankful to them all for helping me to run this incredible Summer Camp.”
Describing his experience, participant Louis, aged 15 said:
“Camp has given me so many great friends from around the world, memories and experiences and I really recommend new people to get involved and stuck in because with JLGB, the more you put in, the more you get out.”
Dina, 11 from Liverpool said:
“JLGB Summer Camp has been a great opportunity to meet new friends and see all my friends from across the country who I haven't seen for a while. Through the skills clubs on camp you can get a really good idea of what you want to do when you're older.”
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.
To see more pictures on the Facebook page click here.
For all press enquiries, please contact Ellie Pendred on ellie.pendred@jlgb.org
