Camp Counselor Internship
Designed specifically for camp counselors, this program offers an intensive internship and Jewish identity formation program in Israel.
This program runs for five weeks – it begins in May when many college students complete their academic year and ends in mid June before the beginning of staff week for Jewish camps. Participants will combine their internship with Israel engagement activities such as tour days, shabbatons, and more. At the end of the program, participants will return to camp as veteran counselors with a deeper connection to Israeli culture. The goal of this program is to allow participants to complete an international internship, and return to work as a counselor in the place they hold so dear. Additionally, camps will have the opportunity to welcome back accomplished counselors as leaders of their staff to provide consistency and longevity.
The Camp Counselor Internship takes place in Tel Aviv and provides a comprehensive work experience, enabling each participant to experience another side of life in Israel while building their skills and resume.
*Please visit our Covid-19 Response for the most up to date information regarding vaccination requirements and entry into Israel.*
This Onward Israel program is operated through a partnership between the Beacon and Shapira Foundations and other leading philanthropists, the Birthright Israel Foundation, and participating camps. This program is organized by Authentic Israel.
Applications for this program have closed. Click here to apply for another program.
Dates
Track 1: Monday, May 8th- Sunday, June 11th
Track 2: Monday, May 15th – Sunday June 18th
Participants MUST be available to participate for the entire length of the program.
If for public health or security related reasons the program cannot take place in Israel, Onward Israel will make efforts to conduct the program remotely. Click here to review our FAQ, including information on remote programs regarding internships, programming and more.
Program Cost
$500
The program cost includes housing, educational program, program staff, medical insurance, partial laundry provisions, and ground transportation within the city of residence. In addition, participants will be required to submit a $250 security deposit in cash upon arrival in Israel. Deposits will be refunded at the end of the program pending good standing.
All participants are responsible for the cost and arrangement of their own flights and spending money upon arrival in Israel (including for food). Participants should not purchase flights until approximately one month before the program begins and are encouraged to purchase flights with a good refund policy or flight insurance. Onward Israel is not responsible for the cost of flights should the program be cancelled or shifted to be remote. Note, participants will be told approximately a month or two before the program begins their expected arrival and departure times.
Applicants participating in Birthright Israel trips ahead of an Onward Israel program must join their group on the first day of their Onward Israel program. Applicants will be responsible for their own accommodations if there is a gap between Birthright Israel and Onward Israel programs.
The actual cost of the Onward Israel program is much higher, and is subsidized up to 70% by Onward Israel, private donors, and local Jewish communities and institutions.
Scholarships to help offset the program cost may be available to for those who need additional assistance and meet Onward Israel’s eligibility criteria. For more information, contact Onward Israel or your local partner professional.
For More Information
Contact: Alyssa Glucksman at AlyssaG@onwardisrael.org
Eligibility Criteria
This program is open to any returning counselor who has been hired to work at participating camps during Summer 2023. If you are unsure if your camp is participating, please email Alyssa Glucksman. Your Camp employment is a work contract between you and your camp with job responsibilities outlined and negotiated with the Camp Director.
– Must be at least 19 years old
– Be Jewish (please refer to our FAQ for more information)
– Applicants must NOT have spent 3 or more consecutive months in Israel after high school (this includes semester abroad, gap year, or any other MASA or Onward Israel program)
– Must meet Masa Israel Journey Eligibility criteria (click here to review), including not having received Masa funding towards participation on a previous program. Note, Alumni of Onward Israel and Masa Israel Journey programs are typically not eligible to participate on a second Onward Israel program. In a small number of cases it might be possible for alumni of both initiatives and those who do not meet Masa Israel Journey criteria to participate (individuals can check with Onward Israel staff on a case by case basis), but program subsidies will be significantly lower and therefore the program fee will be higher.
– Must be fluent in English
– Completed at least one year of college (sophomore year and beyond will be given preference)
– Have had one previous short-term Israel experience
– Valid passport (passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the program end date)
– Previous participation in Birthright Israel is encouraged but not required
*Onward Israel alumni are not eligible for Birthright Israel trips. If you wish to participate in a 7- or 10-day Birthright Israel trip, consider participating in a Birthright Israel trip prior to an Onward Israel program.
Please click here to review the application process. Note, there could be slight difference between programs.
Accommodations
Hostel style housing in Tel Aviv. The number of participants to an apartment or room is dependent on the size of the accommodations and number of participants on the program. Though Onward Israel housing can vary from program to program, it generally meets basic Onward Israel standards. To learn more about this and other Onward Israel housing details, please visit our housing FAQ.
Sample Internships
-Social Media and outreach internship with local NGO or non-profit
-Business Development internship with social media start-up
-Event coordination and promotion intern for management company
-Public Relations internship with a museum
Applicants interested in internships in the fields of Engineering, STEM, Green Energy, Computer Science, Finance, Law and Medicine please click here for some important information regarding placements:
Not sure what type of internship you are looking for or unsure if you can find it in Israel? Our internship coordinator works one-on-one with each participant!
