Poland and Israel Trip for Teens

After three years of providing a quality summer experience in the American Southwest, CTeen has announced a brand new program: an immersive trip through Poland and Israel. Dubbed CTeen Heritage Quest, this three-week program will take teens from around the world on a journey to discover their heritage. The trip will begin in Poland, a place that was once home to one of the largest and most significant Jewish communities in the world. Teens will have the chance to learn about Jewish life before the war and see the devastating effects of WWII. Under the guidance of an insightful and dynamic team of staff, teens will emerge with an authentic Jewish approach to tragedy, loss, and rebuilding.

After spending several days discovering Jewish life of old, the group will continue on to Israel, for an in-depth experience in the Jewish homeland. Alongside expert tour guides, teens will explore ancient Jewish sites and be exposed to flourishing Jewish communities. As they trek through the Holy Land, teens will visit major landmarks, enjoy thrilling activities, and volunteer at various organizations. Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, vice chairman of CTeen, shared, “The Heritage Quest will offer teens a glimpse into Jewish life, both past and present, and give them the tools they need to be stronger Jews in today’s world.”

Another advancement for CTeen’s summer programming came last week when the American Camp Association® (ACA) announced that CTeen Xtreme, CTeen’s travel and extreme sports camp, has received ACA-Accredited® Camp status. ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. Its nationally-recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp’s operation. By joining the ranks of ACA Accreditation, CTeen Xtreme hopes to continue to provide meaningful and inspiring camp experiences for teens across the country.

Camp Director Rabbi Nachman Rivkin shared, “Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. When sending their children away on a travel program, they also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an expert, independent organization. ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to safe and quality camp programming.”

CTeen Xtreme also recently joined the Foundation for Jewish Camp, giving them the opportunity to offer more funding and scholarships, for their teen campers. With the help of One Happy Camper, a program funded by the Foundation for Jewish Camp, teens now have another option to help them fund their camp experience.