Summer Camps Provide Refuge for 16,000 Israeli Kids During Turmoil

In a summer marked by ongoing conflict, over 16,000 Israeli children and teenagers found refuge and a sense of normalcy through participation in summer camps organized by the Summer Camps Israel Forum. As war continues to cast a shadow over many communities, these camps have provided a much-needed respite, offering the youth a chance to disconnect from the harsh realities of daily life.

This year’s camps held particular significance, with many participants hailing from conflict-affected regions in Israel’s south and north. Thanks to a substantial investment of over 22 million shekels, these children—many from evacuated communities and families of active-duty reservists—were able to join in the camps, finding solace and camaraderie during a challenging time.

Operating under difficult conditions, the camps became an essential outlet for children seeking a break from the turmoil. Amidst the chaos, these camps offered something invaluable: a slice of a "normal" summer experience. Shawna Goodman-Sone, the founder of the Summer Camps Israel Forum, highlighted the importance of these programs. “This break of a few days, disconnecting them from the harsh reality, allows them to open up, change the atmosphere a bit, reconnect with friends they haven’t seen, and reconnect with themselves,” she shared.

The camps were more than just a distraction; they were a beacon of solidarity and social unity. Programs integrated at-risk youth with children with special needs and brought together religious and secular youth through joint volunteering activities. Additionally, community service camps involved teenagers from various backgrounds—Muslims, Jews, and Christians—while a sports camp focused on female empowerment connected Bedouin and Jewish teenage girls through sports.

These camps provided participants with a rich array of experiences, from engaging activities and volunteering opportunities to making new friends across different communities. With camps lasting about 10 days and including overnight stays, the children were given the chance to create lifelong memories and temporarily escape the digital world’s pressures.

For many, these camps were transformative. Yahli Ifargan, a 14-year-old from Shlomi, expressed the profound impact of his experience: “It’s really hard to be away from home, especially during such a time. The longing for home is immense. The summer camp was one of my most significant experiences, especially during this period. The camp gave me a moment to disconnect from my surroundings and focus on myself and my fun.”

Parents, too, recognized the importance of these camps for their children’s development. Yael Nitzan, mother of Yiftach from Netiv HaAsara, praised the empowering experience her son had: “The camp was very important for Yiftach to see that his capabilities are much greater than he thought. It was an exceptionally empowering experience. Yiftach is already talking about next year!”

As the conflict persists, the Summer Camps Israel Forum remains committed to providing these essential experiences, not only during the summer but throughout the year. In the face of adversity, these camps continue to offer Israeli children and teenagers opportunities to connect, grow, and find moments of joy.

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