BIG IDEA – International tech summer camps for ages 7-18 || July-August 2019

The BIG IDEA camp staff is so eager to meet you they just had to board a plane and fly to you!

This is a great opportunity to meet in person, ask questions and get excited about your summer in Israel!

Join An Info Session Near You

Who are the counselors?

How many workshops can I choose?

Can I stay in the same room with my friend?

And what is the meaning of no cellphones???

Let’s meet in person – ask questions, explore the workshops and get excited about our summer experience.

This unique web design activity is part of BIG IDEA Israeli Tech Camp, taking place for the 4th year at Tenafly NJ in partnership with the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and the Israel Center. Here you will find campers who use their summer to build robots, create computer games and even get to film and edit content for Youtube, while exploring Israeli innovation and meeting Israeli counselors.
“We know that teens and kids these days, and even parents are looking for extra value from their summer activity,” says Dotan Tamir, founder and CEO of BIG IDEA Educational Projects,“Of course they want the fun, sports and connection to Israel that JCC camps provide, but they are also looking to gain new skills during the summer and feeling creative – That is exactly what we do at BIG IDEA camps”.

Mixing Israel and Tech

3 years ago, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and the Israel Center in Tenafly have partnered with BIG IDEA to create this Israeli tech camp experience. Up until then, BIG IDEA has been organizing international summer camps in Israel and hi-tech gap year in Israel. “When the Israel Center came to us we were super excited,” says Tamir, “We knew they had a successful and exceptional camp, but they were looking for a way to bring in additional audience who didn’t fit in the existing program. We got to reach out and bring the Israeli community into the JCC who were thrilled to see an Israeli style program coming to their community. We also brought in many campers who were looking to get into computer and technology in a creative way.”

Since the program started, hundreds of campers have already participated in the program, some of them even come back year after year. The BIG IDEA campers are a part of the general camp community, but they get to gain skills of their interest, such as robotics, photography and many more. Aaron Atlas, director of youth and camping engagement at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, talks about his experience: “We are thrilled to partner with BIG IDEA. They bring a unique element that so beautifully complements our robust camping opportunities at the JCC.
Their high tech environment, the engaging workshops, and general enthusiasm that they bring is such an important contribution to camp!”

Spreading out to other communities

Last summer, BIG IDEA’s activity in the USA grew and 3 new location were added: BIG IDEA camp at the Chicago JCC, at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington DC and a special activity at Camp 12 Trails NY, taking over their Discovery track. Overseeing all the US programming is Roni Livnat, a long time director at BIG IDEA. “When we reach out to a new JCC we try to understand what their needs are.” Livnat explain the process of creating a partnership, “Some camps want to bring in more participants and some are looking to increase their Israel education program. We are creating a tailor-made camp for each of our partners focusing on what they want want to achieve for their camp.”

What are BIG IDEA’s biggest strengths when they partner with a camp?

“We bring in a lot of content focused on innovation, Israel and the start-up nation. Our tech workshops are great and they get the campers really involved, and the program keeps a wonderful balance between the tech workshops and outdoor fun.
One of our strongest points must be our staff, especially our Shlichim (Israeli counselors). They are enthusiastic, motivated and a great role model for the teens. They are experts in their fields but also have great attitude for kids. For example, one of my counselors who was working with me for 2 years at the summer camps in Israel, was participating in robotics teams since he was 13 years old. When he came to Camp Twelve trails last summer, he had a lot to show the campers there.”

What are the the campers’ experience when they are at camp?

“First of all, they gain a stronger connection to Israel – by bonding with the Israeli counselors, but also with plenty of activities about Israel as the nation of innovation. They get inspired to explore their interests and really practice creative thinking and problem solving – and all of that in a very joyful atmosphere. When we speak to parents after the summer, they tell us how their child really got to express themselves at camp, made strong friendships with other campers and that camp really empowered them.”

Making an impact from year one

Creating a new Israeli style summer camp is not an easy task, but once you set a partnership together, with a lot of hard and mutual work, you can watch it become a great success. In the summer of 2018, BIG IDEA has partnered with the Chicago JCC. This is a great opportunity to see the effect of camp after the first years.

When approaching a partnership, the JCC Chicago set up a few goals:

• Bring innovation to the camp programs.
• Offer a quality program and stand out from the competition.
• Reach new families in the community.
• Attract older campers who aren’t going to sleep-away camps.
• Enroll 400 camper weeks for the first year.
• Increase overall enrollment of JCC camps.

When the summer ended, the results were great. The camp reached its goals, and close to a 100 campers were new to the JCC camps. Parents feedback were highly positive and they already started asking for a year round program. Camper surveys showed very high results, with campers showing high will to continue creating projects, even after camp has ended.
During the year, the new tech summer camp got a lot of attention by local media (Read full article here) and after the success of last summer, a new location is opening in Lincoln Park.

“We had a lot of work cut out for us,” Livnat smiles as she starts getting organized for next summer. “We want to spread the word and reach out to as many communities in North America. The sky’s the limit!

Read more about BIG IDEA tech summer camp at JCC Chicago

Additional BIG IDEA camps in the USA:

BIG IDEA @ the JCC – Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly, NJ
Camp includes Hebrew speaking track for Israeli Americans, and English speaking track for the general audience. Additional non-tech workshops such as Outdoor Survival.
Visit website >>

BIG IDEA @ Bender JCC – Bender JCC, Rockville, MD
Two week end-of-summer program. Catering to kids with special needs of different kinds.
Visit website >>

Camp Twelve Trails – YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
One week workshop setup in tents wit a variety of programs for K to 7th.
Explore the Discover track >>

Want to bring BIG IDEA Israeli tech camp to your campers? Contact us today to get a proposal: roni@bigidea.co.il

BIG IDEA’s wonderful counselor are our pride and joy! Not only our campers travel from all over the world to camp – our counselors come from Israel, USA, Australia and more!

In 3 weeks you’ll get to meet them personally, till then – continue reading to get to know our staff –

Hello!

My name is Roee, I’m 23 from Israel, and I’ll be leading the Film Production workshops. I love movies and I learned a lot by watching them and making my own movies with friends!

By the way, it’s about to be my 6th year in BIG IDEA summer camp! 4 of them as a counselor!

My name is Kathryn, but my friends call me Kate

I’m originally from the Philippines, but I live in Rome, Italy.

I’m 25 years old (just turned 25 yesterday!)

I’m leading the Photography Workshop and I gained my knowledge from University

I’m super excited to meet everyone and share my passion and knowledge in photography and of course to have fun while doing it!

Hey,

My name is Samuel, I’m from Melbourne, Australia and I’m 18 years old.

I’m leading unplugged, I coached soccer for a few years and have been a madrich on several camps!

I have never been to BIG IDEA before, so it’s all very exciting for me

I’m most excited to see the campers have fun in a camp environment, where they are far from their parents and enjoying the freedom to just be kids

Hey!

My name is Kineret, from Israel,

I’m 18.5 and I’ll be your wave surfing workshop counselor this summer.

I used to be a camper at BIG IDEA for 2 summers, and last summer I became a counselor!

This year I’m returning as a counselor once again.

I’m very excited to meet people from all over the world, practice my English as always, have fun with all the camper and the staff, but most of all I’m very excited to dance the ‘Ziben Ziben’
everyday!

I’m really excited to meet my friends from previous years, make some new friends, feel the vibe and get into the camp mood!

Hi!

My name is Elisheva and I’m 20 years old from Herzliya, Israel.

I’m leading the Judo (martial art) workshop this summer. I have been practicing Judo for the last 14 years, And I have been instructing it too since I got my qualification from Wingate institute.

This is my first year at BIG IDEA camp! I love the camp atmosphere and experience, and I’m excited to meet new people and help others love camp as much I do!

Shalom!

I’m Liat, I’m 23 years old from Israel, and I’ll be your counselor for graphic design beginners which is basically Photoshop. When I’m not at camp, I study art and I’m also a graphic designer.

We’re gonna have so much fun at camp! We’ll create photo manipulations, we can make fantasy look like reality and make it come to life, design personal photos, posters, movies & fan art, and basically any crazy idea you want to create with photoshop. It’s about to be my second summer camp as a counselor in BIG IDEA! So I’m very excited to meet all the returning campers and to get to know the new campers! Because it’s all about you guys – you make the summer what it is 🤗

Hi!

My name is Dana, I’m 18 from Israel!

I will lead many workshops at camp – Graphic design, gaming lab and photography. I learned a lot about these workshops at camp, as a camper, and I continued to learn outside camp in external courses.

As I said, I used to be a camper for 2 summers! Last summer I became a Junior Counselor at BIG IDEA, so this is about to be my 4th year at camp…

I excited to go back to camp, meet my old friends, make new friends and gain new experiences!

Hi!

My name is Hila, I’m 18 from Israel, and this is about to be my 6th summer in BIG IDEA!

I’ll be your counselor in the unplugged workshops and I have so many ideas for things to do with the campers.

I can’t wait to dance with you Bubble It and Macarena!
See you soon 🤟

Hey!

My name is Leah, I’m turning 19 soon and I’m from Australia!

I began scouts in Australia when I was 10, so it seems natural that I’ll be leading the unplugged workshop

I have been on many summer camps before, but never on a tech camp like BIG IDEA. I’m excited to meet new people and gain more experiences!

Hi !

My name is Keren and I am 20 years old! I was born in Israel, and when I turned 9 i moved to America where I have lived since. I will be leading the Youtube Basics workshop . At camp the campers will make their own youtube account and an exciting new Youtube Video! This is my 1st year at BIG IDEA but I have been a camp counselor for 4 summers! I am most excited to meet all the campers so that we can start this awesome summer! 🤩

My name is Maayan Shain, I’m 19 years old from Rishon Lezion!

I’m leading the Hip Hop workshop. I’ve been dancing many dance styles for 12 years now, but my favorite is Hip Hop.

It’s my first time at BIG IDEA and I’m really excited to meet all the kids already, and enjoy our time together

Hey,

So I’m Arielle, I’m 22 y.o from Paris! I’ll be leading web design and graphic design workshops, since I study engineering.

It’s going to be my 4th summer at BIG IDEA camp in Israel and the thing I’m waiting for the most is the BIG Day!

Want to join summer staff? Click here for summer camp jobs in Israel

What Are The Dorms Like?

There are between 3 to 5 campers in each room and every dorm also has a staff room available for any need. Big and comfy, private shower and toilet and also an AC in the room – this is not your typical summer camp bunks!

Click here for more info about the 1-week camp experience

Where Do The Workshops Take Place?

BIG IDEA has advanced computer labs where you can create and design using the best equipment. Choose from 16 different workshops which is the one that will help you break new grounds and gain new skills.

To Neve Hadassah Workshops >>

Where Do We Go When It Gets Too Warm? (Hint: pool)

When it is hot, like summers tend to be in Israel, we go to the magnificent swimming pool of Neve Hadassah village. Once a day you can get yourself cool and refreshed at the Unplugged time – daily sports and outdoor activities at camp.

What is the Dinning Hall like?

Frequently asked questions>>

And don’t forget to check out the view!

Let your child grow at BIG IDEA camp:

The place to meet new friends, gain new skills and have a long lasting experience.

Call us

This Mishlachat (Delegation) are on their way to be counselors at BIG IDEA camp in JCC Chicago. They will lead technology workshops and spread a lot of Israeli spirit in BIG IDEA camp. Together with a local team, they are going to lead the campers in 13 new and innovative tech workshops. How exciting!

Meet the Israelis coming this summer to camp:

Meet Ofir,

22 years old from Kiryat Bialik

My Workshops:

DJ and Gaming lab

What Am I Bringing With Me To Camp?

I am bringing a lot of passion to Israel and I am looking forward to making strong connections with the Chicago Jewish community.

What Are You Most Excited For?

By the end of summer, I want to see that each camper in my DJ workshop will become a music producer.

Meet Lya,

From Benei Aysh

My Workshops:

3D Modeling, Lego Robotics and Fashion Design

What Am I Bringing With Me To Camp?

Joy, happiness, enthusiasm. My Israeli culture – I’m hoping you’ll accept me with my Yemen flair!

What Are You Most Excited For?

I can’t wait to meet all the campers! It’s my first time in USA, I can’t wait to be in the camp, It’s going to be a new adventure for me, hopefully the best one I had so far in life.

I’m very excited to see all the amazing projects the campers will create at camp.

Meet Michael

21 years old from Petah Tikva

My Workshops:

Cyber security, Mobile app dev, Coding

What Are You Most Excited For?

The kids, we’re going to do a lot of Israeli activities with my campers – Israeli games, Israeli songs, Israeli holidays. In cyber security workshop we’re gonna learn about networks, cyber defence and attacks. I’m so excited to stay with an american family.

Meet Shay,

From Petah Tikva.

My Workshops:

Programming, web design and mobile app development.

What Am I Bringing With Me To Camp?

A lot of enthusiasm and good spirit! I think that it’s an important character a great counselor must have.

What Are You Most Excited For?

I really look forward to getting to know the campers! I can’t wait for the first time one of my campers will suddenly realize their passion for the workshop, and wear a big smile on their face. This will make me so happy!

Meet Shaham,

25 years old from Mazkeret Batya.

Shaham is the workshop coordinator at camp, which means he’s in charge of all the workshops!

What Am I Bringing With Me To Camp?

The camp spirit! Cheers, dancing, good vibes and high energy.

I’m also bringing with me 4 years of experience in technological education with BIG IDEA summer camps. I believe that BIG IDEA camps can affect children’s learning skills, increase their motivation to discover, develop creativity and therefore – their future.

What Are You Most Excited For?

I’m always excited to meet the new campers on their first day of camp, I want to make sure they are having the time of their lives. I’m also very excited about the nature surrounding the area and I’m looking forward to exploring it!

BIG IDEA camp in JCC Chcago is the ultimate summer experience for creative tweens and teens. We empower campers to explore, learn, engage and achieve and our Israeli camp Shlichim will guide our campers in this path.

Check out BIG IDEA tech camp in Chicago

The Summer Shlichim coming to the Kaplen JCC On The Palisades were hand-picked out of a long list of applicants and were trained in Israel by the BIG IDEA team.

We are SUPER excited to see them in action this summer.

Meet the Shlichim

Meet Yam,

20 years old from Herzliya

My Workshops: Lego Robotics and DJ music production.

What am I bringing with me to camp? I am going to bring a lot of cool Israeli music and will try to recreate it with the campers. I am also looking forward to all the dance sessions!

Most excited for: I was a counselor last summer at BIG IDEA camp in Israel and had a lot of fun. I’m excited to have this incredible experience with American kids at the Kaplen JCC.

Meet Rotem,

She’s 20 years old from Rishon Leziyyon

My Workshops:

3D Jewelry Design and Fashion Design

What Am I Bringing With Me To Camp?

I’m going to bring myself – my Israeli characters, the young vibe – things I share with many other Israelis. We might even find out we have a lot in common…

What Are You Most Excited For?

I’m really excited to meet new friends, the campers, new Shlichim. I’m looking forward to learn new things and pass my own knowledge.

Meet Sa’ar,

22 years old from Herzliya.

My Workshops:

Graphic Design, Web Design and Animation

What am I bringing with me to camp?

Kids at summer camps have so much imagination – I am looking forward to inspiring them to open their minds and to create amazing designs.

What Are You Most Excited For?

To see the campers grow and learn new skills of graphic and web designers.

Meet Sima,

She’s 20 year old from Haifa, originally from Canada.

My Workshops: Electronics lab

What am I bringing with me to camp? I worked a lot with electronics during my military service, so I am very passionate about that. I want to bring to BIG IDEA camp in Tenafly, excitement about technology and being creative.

Most excited for: I’m excited because it is my first time as a day-camp counselor in USA, I’ve only been to sleepaway camps in Israel before. I am looking forward to bring the story of Israeli technology and innovations to the campers.

Meet Nicole,

She’s 22 years old from Petah Tikva.

My Workshops: Animation and Photography

What am I bringing with me to camp?

I want to inspire my campers with new ideas, and also encourage mutual help.

Most excited for:

I’m excited to meet all the people in Tenafly Jewish community and hope to leave my mark with the campers and host families.

Hope you got excited for the summer and to meet the Israeli counselors at BIG IDEA tech day camp in the JCC. If you want to host an Israeli counselor this summer – Please contact Melissa at: mpeters@jccotp.org or Yael at: yroubach@jccotp.org

Check out BIG IDEA tech day camp in Tenafly

Summer camps in Israel are playing a crucial role in developing the child’s independence and strengthening his or her Jewish identity. BIG IDEA Jewish tech summer camps have been empowering and connecting kids and teens to Israel for the past 11 years.

We are pleased to partner with Anieres Elite Academy to provide scholarships that enable 12-14 years old Jewish teens to have the meaningful experience of BIG IDEA summer camps in Israel.

Scholarship funds are available to help cover the costs of the Jewish sleep-away camp in Israel:

• $2,000 scholarships for participants from the USA, Latin America and South Africa.
• $1,500 scholarships for participants from Europe.

Anieres program will provide 10 scholarships based on the families’ needs & the child’s excellence in school. Parents will be required to cover additional camp costs and flight expenses.

This summer you can create, grow and make new friends in Israel. Join BIG IDEA tech camp today – Click here>>

How to Apply?

10 needs-based scholarships available for candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Students entering 7 and 8 grades
• High grades in school
• Achieving score 5 or higher in the Top-C test

Getting a grant to join this Jewish overnight summer camp in Israel is easy:

1. Click here to fill out the application on Naale Elite Academy website.
2. The scholarship application requires you to answer a series of personal questions, to complete two short math/logic focused exams, and to write a short essay.
3. Family tax income form is required to determine need-based compatibility.
4. Submit your application before May 20th, 2018.

Creating opportunities to experience Israel

Anieres Elite Academy is dedicated to nurturing the minds of the brightest students from around the world. Naale was established in 1992 with a goal of providing Jewish high school students worldwide the opportunity to live and study in Israel for high school. Naale is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Jewish teens to achieve academic excellence as well as personal and interpersonal skills that will support them throughout their life.
Read more about Naale Elite Academy>>