Teens and Young Adults, ages 14-21

Shutaf’s Teen Young Leadership Programoffers activities for teens year-round as well as during Camp Shutaf Passover and Summer Day Camps. At our camps, a group of participants work as junior counselors and specialist assistants, part of a mentored and paid work experience. A 3-day overnight camp is also available to Young Leadership participants during Passover Camp.

Evening Activities, 3x weekly

  • Community Dinners: Planned and prepared by Shutaf participants, this evening’s activities focus on meal planning, healthy food preparation, and social skills around the dinner table.
  • Vocational Readiness:  A Junior Counselor training course prepares teens for paid employment at Camp Shutaf.Teens learn a range of vocational skills while working with camper groups and as specialists’ assistants, including: self-empowerment, group building, problem-solving and behavior management.
  • Specialty Activities:  The year is divided into 4-6 week sessions with activities such as home fix-it, carpentry, crafts, dog training; sports, street smarts and personal safety.
  • Educational Units: Three specialty units are also offered, preceded by training sessions for staff and informational updates for parents. During facilitated group conversations, everyone’s needs are considered so that all can take part, gain knowledge, and feel heard.
  1. Sexuality, Dating, and Gender Awareness. Planned with experienced professionals, this unit is about imparting practical knowledge while facilitating open and honest discussions about safe and sexually aware adulthood.
  2. Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Safety. Originally developed with the Jerusalem Anti Drug Association, this important unit offers participants tools and information towards understanding the impact of drugs and alcohol and avoiding abuse.
  3. Self-Development and Personal Empowerment: Planned with a holistic mindset, this program is intended to assist young people with disabilities towards navigating their own safe and successful path to adulthood. Topics of discussion include self-acceptance, advocacy and determination, understanding and setting boundaries, recognizing abuse and asking for help.