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 – beginning 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 program 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.
This Birthright Israel Onward program is operated through the philanthropic support of leading North American Foundations through the Birthright Israel Foundation, the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, along with participating camps. The Camp Counselor Canada track is proudly funded in part by the Silber Family Centre for Jewish Camping at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. It is organized by Destination Israel. For more information about participating in a long-term Masa program after Birthright Israel Onward and the potential impact on future Masa grants, view our FAQ here.
Applications are now live, please reach out to your camp leadership for information on how to apply
Dates For Summer 2024
Track 1:
Track 2:
Participants MUST be available to participate for the entire length of the program.
Program Cost*: $500 USD
In addition, participants will be required to submit a $400 security deposit in advance via credit card. Deposits will be refunded at the end of the program pending good standing.
The program cost includes housing, educational programming, program staff, basic medical insurance, and ground transportation within the city of residence.
Participants are responsible for the cost of flights, food, and phone coverage.
To learn about this and other Birthright Israel Onward program details, please visit our FAQ.
*Participants are encouraged to purchase flights with a good refund policy or flight insurance. Birthright Israel Onward is not responsible for the cost of flights should the program be cancelled. Note, participants will be given their expected address approximately two weeks before the program begins, if not earlier.
*Scholarships to help offset the program cost may be available for those who need additional assistance and meet Onward’s eligibility criteria. For more information, contact Birthright Israel Onward or your local partner professional.
Accommodations: Apartment, hostel, or dorm-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 Birthright Israel Onward housing can vary from program to program, all housing units meet Birthright Israel Onward standards. To learn more about this and other Birthright Israel Onward housing details, please visit our housing FAQ.
Eligibility Criteria
This program is open to any returning counselor who has been hired to work at participating camps during Summer 2024. 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 between 18-30 years old and at least one year post high school
- Must 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, or participated in a Birthright Israel Onward program or any other mid-term or long-term educational program in Israel.
- Must meet Masa Israel Journey Eligibility criteria (click here to review), including not having received Masa funding towards participation on a previous program.
- Must be fluent in English
- Have had one previous short-term Israel experience
- Have a valid Passport for at least 6 months after the program end date
Please note: If you wish to participate in a 10-day Birthright Israel trip, consider doing so prior to an Onward program. You will not be able to participate on a Birthright Israel trip after participating on Onward.
Please click here to review the application process.
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
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!
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:
Contact: Alyssa Glucksman at AlyssaG@onwardisrael.org
