URJ Youth Programs Newsroom
The Union for Reform Judaism has provided young people with immersive Jewish experiences in North America and around the world for more than 75 years, including:
- Camping
- NFTY youth group programs
- Israel programs
- Mitzvah Corps social action and service travel programs
These programs enrich and transform lives by strengthening identity and knowledge, instilling Reform Jewish values, and cultivating lifelong friendships within vibrant and fun Jewish communities.
URJ Youth Programs are a core component of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Campaign for Youth Engagement (CYE). The CYE marshals the resources of the URJ, as well as congregations and institutions of the Reform Movement and beyond, to engage a majority of youth in Reform Jewish life in meaningful ways.
If you are a member of the press interested in learning more about URJ Youth Programs, please contact David Billotti, Director of Communications, at dbillotti@urj.org or 212.650.4079.
Press Releases | In The News
- March 9, 2018 – Reform Jewish Teens Lead Mobilization on Gun Violence Prevention; Focus on March 24th March for Our Lives in Washington and Around the Country
- November 3, 2017 – After Wildfire Severely Damages Camp’s Home, URJ Camp Newman Announces Summer 2018 Plans
- September 25, 2017 – URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) Welcomes New Director Solly Kane And Opens Registration For Summer 2018
- June 15, 2017 – Six Teen Leaders To Watch: Newly Elected NFTY Board Steers the North American Reform Jewish Youth Movement, Including New Racial Justice Campaign
- January 25, 2017 – Nearly 1,000 Jewish Teens From Across North America To Gather In Chicago At Convention Focused On Social Justice
- January 10, 2017 – Union for Reform Judaism Opens California Sci-Tech Camp, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy West, Building on Continued Expansion of Reform Movement’s Specialty Summer Camps
- January 5, 2017 – Union for Reform Judaism Receives Grant to Expand Youth Engagement with New Youth Professionals Training Program
- November 14, 2016 – URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy’s Greg Kellner Receives Prestigious Covenant Foundation Award Honoring Emerging Jewish Educators
- October 31, 2016 – The Union for Reform Judaism’s Camp Newman Dedicates $4 Million Koret Conference Center Serving Northern California Jewish Community
- September 27, 2016 – URJ to Launch New Specialty Jewish Summer Camp Dedicated to Creative Arts, URJ 6 Points Creative Arts Academy
- September 13, 2016 – URJ Youth Department Announces New Leadership Role: Michelle Shapiro Abraham Promoted to Director, Learning and Innovation
- February 8, 2016 – Union for Reform Judaism Establishes Presidential Fellowship on Millennial Engagement
- November 6, 2015 – Union for Reform Judaism Opens First Southern California Camp, URJ 6 Points Sports Academy, Building on Continued Expansion of URJ’s Specialty Summer Camps
- June 3, 2015 – URJ’s Michelle Shapiro Abraham Receives Prestigious Covenant Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewish Education
- May 19, 2015 – URJ Camp Newman Receives $4 Million Gift from Koret Foundation Enabling Next $10 Million Phase of Construction
- March 16, 2015 – Reform Movement Offers NYC Theater Arts Program for Jewish Teens
- February 24, 2015 – Five Reform Jewish Teens Win Award for Creative Excellence
- February 23, 2015 – Six Teen Leaders Elected to Lead North American Reform Jewish Youth Movement
- February 5, 2015 – 3,000 + Teens From Five Major Jewish Youth Movements to Join Together in Atlanta
- January 20, 2015 – More Than a Thousand Jewish Teens and Adults Invested in Their Future Gather at Historic Convention
- January 5, 2015 – Multi-Denominational Chicago Area Jewish Youth Received Pluralistic Leadership Training
- November 11, 2014 – Reform Movement Increases Youth Engagement in Pennsylvania
- October 30, 2014 – URJ Announces New Director for Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) in Indiana
- July 31, 2014 – URJ Service Corps Program Uses Camp Activities in Congregations to Engage Youth Year-Round
- May 22, 2014 – Camp Harlam Receives Largest Gift Ever
- April 10, 2014 – Union for Reform Judaism’s Pilot Programs Deepen Jewish Engagement in Chicago
- March 25, 2014 – WRJ Funds Grants to Encourage Female Enrollment at URJ Sci-Tech Academy
- March 20, 2014 – Six Jewish Teens to Watch: North American Reform Jewish Youth Movement Elects New Board
- February 27, 2014 – Reform Summer Camp Offers Incentive Program for Jewish Military Families on Active Duty
See highlights and stories from our programs