Subsidized Israel travel for teens that sparks identity, belonging, and lifelong connection to Jewish peoplehood.
Teens & Youth
Rooted in Identity. Built for Belonging.
Adolescence and early adulthood are critical inflection points—times when Jewish identity, peer connections, and personal agency deepen. Through immersive experiences, leadership development, and holistic support, we’re building a thriving Jewish teen community in Greater Washington.
How We Drive Impact
Jewish teens are building identity, friendship, and resilience that last a lifetime. We’re helping them thrive in Greater Washington by focusing on three key areas:
- Strengthening youth groups, schools, and camps that anchor Jewish teen life.
- Expanding access to camp and Israel travel that spark identity and belonging.
- Equipping teens to feel confident, connected, and ready to lead.
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From BBYO to USY and beyond, Jewish youth groups give teens a place to build friendships, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.
Summer camp transforms Jewish life—nurturing joy, confidence, and resilience in immersive Jewish environments.
We support teens across every part of their Jewish journey, meeting them where they are, lowering barriers to access, and adapting to emerging needs. Our approach is:
- Relational: Rooted in deep collaboration with trusted partners and built on strong relationships with families.
- Community-Informed: Guided by ongoing feedback, listening sessions, and collaborative working groups that reflect the diverse needs of our region.
- Data-Driven: Shaped by analysis that helps us identify gaps, test new models, and scale what works.
- Growth-Oriented: Treats teen engagement as a dynamic portfolio—balancing proven strategies with new ideas to expand reach and deepen impact.
At Lessans Camp JCC, Ethan and Bennett Blicher thrive thanks to dedicated counselors and a culture of inclusion, supported by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Bender JCC.
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Federation’s Teens and Youth Working Group visited Capital Camps to see firsthand how Jewish summer camp shapes identity, nurtures mental health, and builds lifelong community—made possible through shared investment, financial aid, and strong partnerships.
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Donors from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington witnessed inclusion in action at Lessans Camp JCC, where accessibility, thoughtful programming, and a spirit of belonging create transformative summer experiences for every camper.
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The Impact in Action series invites donors to witness their generosity at work through immersive events—from a joyful, inclusive Jewish summer camp visit to connecting with Hillel Israel and preparing meals for vulnerable populations. These hands-on experiences highlight how philanthropy builds community, inclusion, and lasting Jewish identity.
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With teen mental health challenges on the rise, BBYO’s Center for Adolescent Wellness is equipping youth, parents, and educators across Greater Washington with life-saving tools—and transforming how our community supports its teens.
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We are committed to strengthening Jewish teens’ identity, resilience, and leadership across Greater Washington. This year, we’re focusing on initiatives that reach teens directly: expanding healthy relationship workshops, sustaining peer-to-peer mental health training, and increasing camp scholarships so more families can send their teens. Together, we are helping Jewish teens in Greater Washington grow into confident leaders, connected friends, and resilient community members.
Explore Investments
- Supporting BBYO’s Youth Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Training, equipping teens with life-saving skills, $100,000
- Expanding JCADA’s Teen Workshops on Healthy Relationships to reach more teens, $70,000
- Providing One Happy Camper Incentive Grants so first-time campers can experience Jewish overnight camp, $210,000
- Increasing Need-Based Camp Scholarships to make camp possible for more families, $296,000
Your values. Your impact.
Your teen-centered giving:
- Facilitates immersive connections.
- Enhances wellbeing and resilience.
- Cultivates leadership and Jewish identity.
Each dollar helps ensure a future where every Greater Washington teen has the chance to grow, connect, and lead.