Kicking Off Kayitz Kef 2025: Hebrew At Camp Takes Center Stage
Kayitz Kef (Hebrew at Camp) 2025 is officially underway! More than just a summer program, Kayitz Kef is the experiential implementation of everything the Hebrew Consortium envisions for Hebrew language engagement. The journey to a fun and immersive Hebrew summer camp experience began in early March, as 39 passionate shlichim (Israeli emissaries) journeyed from across Israel to gather for an intensive day of training, signaling the start of Kayitz Kef’s 2025 training season.
This wasn't just any training. This specialized Hebrew immersion seminar was a key part of the larger Jewish Agency seminar for hundreds of shlichim, ensuring that those leading the Hebrew charge at camp are equipped with the tools and confidence to make Hebrew come alive for campers.
Imagine this: shlichim from the north, south, cities, moshavim, and kibbutzim of Israel, all united by a shared mission: to bring their love for Israel, their energy, and the Hebrew language itself to North American summer camps.
39 Shlichim (Israeli Counselors) excited to prepare for their journey to bring Hebrew language and culture to Jewish summer camps.
Led by three veteran Hebrew coordinators, the 10-hour seminar was designed to be intense, hands-on, and buzzing with creativity. Participants didn’t just discuss language acquisition – they lived it! The training was full of interactive activities and methodologies crafted to make Hebrew a vibrant and natural part of camp life.
The impact of this focused training was evident. As one camp director noted, "The engagement was more intimate than the Shlichim Training overall. It felt like the feeling was more low-hanging fruit opportunities. Working with the 3 leaders from Kayitz Kef put some things in perspective for myself and the shlichot. Trying out and processing activities with other shlichim really gave a new perspective for me and Liam and Yarden. I can see after this short day as well that gears were turning and ideas were really starting to come alive."
A major highlight of the training was the active involvement of camp directors. Even those without a Hebrew background fully engaged in the sessions, demonstrating a deep commitment to weaving Hebrew immersion into the very fabric of their camp's culture. Their presence underscored a powerful truth: this is a collaborative effort. Shlichim, Hebrew coordinators, and camp leaders are all working hand-in-hand to create an authentic, engaging, and impactful experience for campers.
Camp Directors and Hebrew Coordinators get Photobombed by Shlichim
This initial training is just the beginning! Over the coming months, Kayitz Kef will train more than 180 shlichim from 38 camps, with further training sessions planned both in Israel and at the individual camps. Since 2013, Kayitz Kef has prepared nearly 900 Israeli counselors to deliver meaningful Hebrew experiences, and this summer’s group is ready to build on that strong foundation.
With enthusiasm running high and training well underway, Kayitz Kef 2025 has launched into an exciting start. Get ready for another incredible summer of language, learning, and strengthened connections to Israel and to each other!