Camp programs and activities

The camp uses informal Jewish education methods, incorporating interactive elements and the key aspects of 21st-century education. We present Judaism in a diverse and flexible way, offering choices and fostering personal and group relationships to strengthen each camper’s sense of belonging to the community. Through a wide range of fun and engaging programs, children and young people learn about themselves, the community, and Judaism while playing, laughing, and learning with ease.

During the 12-day sessions, campers have the opportunity to participate in diverse and unique programs. Here are some of them:

Peula is a daily activity based on informal education. Led by madrichim, peulot aims to provide educational, entertaining, and community-building experiences. Each peula addresses the camp's daily theme.

Madrich Time is a session where campers spend time with their madrichim and groups. During this time, madrichim lead various activities, discussions, and group sessions aimed at team building, personal development, and a deeper understanding of Jewish identity and values.

Hora is a dance activity where campers and madrichim learn and practice Israeli dance steps and choreographies together. Hóra is a particularly important part of camp life, as the dance not only provides entertainment but also strengthens community bonds and connections to Jewish culture. The dances create a communal experience and contribute to the camp's positive mood.

Singing is a communal singing activity where campers learn and sing various songs in Hebrew. This is a very important and cherished program in camp life because singing enhances the sense of community and allows campers to connect with Jewish culture and traditions through music.

Bibliodrama is an interactive and experiential method for exploring and interpreting biblical stories and texts. Participants take on the roles of biblical characters, using improvisation and role-play to delve into the texts. This approach allows individuals to develop a deeper connection with the stories and gain new insights into biblical texts and their own lives.

Art is a creative activity for campers. These programs provide young people with the opportunity to express themselves artistically while discovering and exploring Jewish culture and traditions through art. The art program aims to develop campers' creative skills and encourage artistic self-expression.

At Sport campers can enjoy swimming, and participate in various sports programs like tennis, soccer, or volleyball. 

Each year, we strive to innovate and introduce fresh and exciting programs into the daily camp life.

Szarvas Camp 2024 – Educational Theme

This year’s educational theme is "Adama: Nature and Environment in Judaism." When we think about the relationship between adam (people) and adamah (the earth), we often think of environmental protection and climate change, but rarely do we consider it from a Jewish perspective. This summer, we will explore these topics together, from the Garden of Eden to an ideal future, as we delve into Judaism's approach to the environment. We’ll examine how the environment is much more than just nature and how it connects to social and psychological issues. We will learn about sustainability, caring for people and animals, the complex concepts of building and destruction, and human responsibility. We hope that after camp, everyone will leave with a deeper understanding and as more responsible individuals, equipped with at least one tangible step toward positive change.