Involvement with the Jewish community can be a powerful experience. It provides connections to new friends who share your interests, programs and activities that are fun and rewarding, plus a chance to fulfill community service hours.

Camping
According to recent studies, a Jewish camping experience can have a meaningful impact on participation in Jewish life as an adult. Learn about camping opportunities in the Federation's Camp Resource Guide.

The Jewish Federation provides grants for first-time campers at select California Jewish summer camps. Click here for information about summer 2008 grants.

Israel Experiences
Taglit-birthright israel
Taglit-birthright Israel is an international organization dedicated to bringing young people on a free, first-time peer-experience educational trip to Israel. The Jewish Federation provides significant support to this long-term effort to strengthen Jewish community and solidarity with Israel. The Federation also supports an active alumni association. For more information, contact Brian Fox at (323) 761-8341 or BFox@JewishLA.org or visit www.birthrightisrael.com or www.socal.birthrightisrael.com.

Click here for information about financial aid for Israel experiences.

Community Service and Leadership
Diller Teen Program
The Diller Teen Fellows program is an elite, action-oriented, teen-led leadership program with an international scope.

KOREH L.A. Teen Literacy Corps (TLC)
TLC is a community-wide volunteer reading partner program that trains teens to spend one hour a week as a reading partner to a local elementary school student.

Sherut L’Olam Teen Leadership Corps
This leadership program is designed to train high school teens in the most critical social justice and environmental issues facing our world today, and enable them to teach and model what they have learned in a highly effective and professional manner.

Sulam: The Center for Jewish Service Learning
Sulam: The Center for Jewish Service Learning was established to help Jewish teens to deepen their connection to their Jewish tradition through service to others.

Youth Groups
Joining a youth group is a great way to connect with other like-minded teens. Various synagogues, organizations and movements have active youth groups. Find one that is right for you!