Leadership Development

Herzl Camp has a proud tradition of building future leaders for the Jewish community. Our curriculum incorporates leadership development beginning in the middle school years. Building on Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Avodah (work or community service), and Tzedakah (responsibility or charity), we instill in our campers a love of community and a passion for service. Our campers are responsible for planning and leading Shabbat services, learning and Havdallah. They contribute to camp and to the surrounding community through special service projects as well as daily responsibilities. They learn about Tzedakah through our Teen Philanthropy program.

As our campers’ age, our programs have more leadership development focus. B’yachad, our 6-week program for high school sophomores focuses on developing their leadership skills. This unique program provides these teens with the skills and the practice to be the future of the Jewish community. The curriculum highlights Avodah (work), Community Service, and Leadership. B’yachad campers create and build special projects around camp and participate in community service projects in camp and in the small towns surrounding camp, including a community service-focused overnight trip. The program culminates in B’yachad Town Hall, where campers give Herzl their advice and ideas for creating a better camp experience for future campers.

If a camper chooses to continue on into our Ozo (staff-in-training) program, they expand their role as camp leaders. Learn more here.