CHW SUPPORTS SOCIAL SERVICES
Summer Camps Israel
Summer Camps Israel offers every child an unforgettable experience of growing up, independence, and human connection. It is a place where they meet themselves through others, step out of their bubble, and encounter new worlds. With diverse activities and personal attention, every summer is an opportunity for children to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Summer Camps Israel takes children and youth outside: outside into nature, outside the screen, outside the role of what is expected. Outside is where they find out who they really are.
Summer Camps Israel is not just a summer camp, not a school, not a youth movement. It is a space of self-discovery, especially in to discover friends, independence, confidence, emotional flexibility, and yourself. When youth return home, they take with them not only experiences — but something new within themselves.
CURRENT PROJECT:
Resilience Program
CHW is helping Summer Camps Israel to expand an innovative initiative that integrates professional emotional-social counselors into summer camps across Israel.
This need has become increasingly critical. Israeli youth are coping with ongoing exposure to war, uncertainty, and emotional stress, alongside challenges such as anxiety, social difficulties, bullying, and eating disorders. A structured emotional support system within camps provides a safe and containing environment, equips youth with coping tools, and strengthens both personal and community resilience. These professionals also provide us with another means of evaluating camp and integrating feedback for improvement.
After the pilot program demonstrated a significant positive impact – enhancing campers’ sense of safety, strengthening staff capacity, and improving the overall emotional climate, social workers will now be placed at every camp.
In 2026, the goal is to train and place 26 social workers, ensuring camp has a dedicated professional who will live at the camps and be available to both staff and campers 24/7.
The program includes:
- Professional training tailored specifically for the camp environment
- Pre-camp preparation and staff guidance
- Ongoing supervision throughout the summer
- Placement of counselors with 24/7 availability during camp, including evenings and nights – when many emotional challenges arise.
IMPACT:
5,000 campers will be supported at 26 summer camps across Israel.
Summer Camps Israel is supported through the CHW S.O.S – Starting Over Safely summer campaign.
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