JLGB hosts phenomenal Summer Camp for over 560 Jewish young people from around the world
Over 560 young people from Jewish communities around the world came together for an action-packed week of fun, adventure and learning. JLGB's ‘emoji’ Summer Camp was held in Essex from the 30 July to 6 August and was enjoyed by young Jews from across the UK, Russia, France, Israel and the Netherlands.
The theme of this year’s camp was ‘emoji’, and all of the activities were designed to encourage the young members to embrace their individuality and express themselves in a positive and healthy way. Formed into teams, young members developed skills through a variety of different activities, including coding, first aid, cookery, debate, music and arts and crafts, with one team being crowned winner at the final awards ceremony. Other activity sessions included: climbing, zip wire, high ropes and kit car racing.
Nightly productions entertained a packed house each evening, young members and leaders took to the stage to express their inner creativity through song, dance, and music in the first ever JLGB musical and on another night emoji campers were treated to a surprise performance from special guest, former X Factor contestant, Luena Martinez.
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.
A highlight of the week was the grand Open Day, on which we were delighted to welcome hundreds of parents and friends of JLGB, including our guest of honour, JLGB President, The Lord Levy. As well as enjoying a BBQ, guests watched as individual members and JLGB groups were presented with an array of awards in recognition of their achievements and exemplary contribution to the Jewish and wider community over the past year at their local weekly groups.
JLGB aims to have a Summer Camp of over 600 next year. Meanwhile, plans are now underway for a spectacular Maze themed Winter Camp 17/18, 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, Adam Shelley, 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 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.”
Describing her experience, Zoe Rosenberg said; “This was my first JLGB camp and I only knew my fellow JLGB Tour ’17 participants so I was worried about branching out and speaking to new people, but the leaders were really welcoming so I soon gained the confidence I needed to speak to new people and once I did, everyone was really nice! Camp Emoji was a fun, modern experience and everyone loved the theme, my favourite activity was 'the ghost who was haunting camp' evening entertainment! It was great to meet new people from different years and I really enjoyed seeing everyone from Tour again and meeting new people. Camp Emoji was loads of fun and everyone enjoyed it."
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.
See more pictures from the event here
For all press enquiries, please contact Ellie Pendred on ellie.pendred@jlgb.org
