Navigate Jerusalem’s huge summer camp scene with these insider tips

• Values: Every camp is built on its own unique DNA of core values that they aim to instill in campers all summer. Think about what matters most to your family, and choose a camp that matches your vision – whether that’s leadership, a deep love for the Land of Israel and the Jewish people, Zionism, pluralism, tolerance, or a pure focus on creating lifelong friendships.

• Finally, decide on the social landscape: do you want a mega-camp packed with endless social tracks and programming options, or a smaller, close-knit group where every camper gets personalized attention?

Here are some of our absolute favorites!

Teen Baking Academy, hosted by Tammy Y, owner of Jerusalem Cake Design, is a popular camp that transforms next-generation bakers (grades 7-11, ages 12-17) into kitchen pros right from her boutique studio in Baka.

Each week features a fresh lineup of structured units in which teens learn, taste, and play with professional techniques. From mastering quick, simple bakes to tackling complex, show-stopping cake designs, campers will dive into hands-on projects, level up their culinary skills, and bring home an array of delicious, picture-perfect treats!

JELLY (the Jerusalem English Language Library for Youth) is bringing the ultimate immersive theater workshop back to Baka for teens who have the acting bug or just love to create. Tailored for kids aged 11 to 15, this high-energy camp builds a joyous “theater family” while taking young actors on a deep dive into the world of the performing arts.

Campers won’t just experience the absolute thrill of being on stage and developing sharp acting skills; they’ll also master the behind-the-scenes crafts that bring a show to life – including set design and costume creation.

Best of all, JELLY runs this unforgettable workshop completely at cost, and your registration comes with 10 free tickets to the grand finale play.

The Jerusalem HackerCamp, run by LearningWorks, is a bilingual (Hebrew and English) thinking paradise. While many people simply call it “the robotics camp,” that barely scratches the surface of what goes on. This is an epic fusion of cutting-edge technology, design, and hands-on engineering where campers are challenged to break boundaries, think critically, and innovate collaboratively.

Ariel, Shaiel, and their expert team pack the summer with an insane lineup of activities: stargazing astronomy nights, (optional) morning bike rides, radio fox-hunts in Gan Sacher, awesome field trips when available, board game nights, LEGO City Week, sleepovers – and more. If your child is ready to become an independent thinker and dive into the ultimate maker experience, this is their galaxy.

Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Lenagen Bekef Music School is turning up the volume this summer with high-energy programs designed for children and teenagers of all levels.

Already play an instrument? Dive straight into “Bands in the Summer,” where you’ll join a band, record your tracks professionally, and perform live – all in just two weeks.

Absolute beginner? No problem – Lenagen Bekef’s “Crash Course in Guitar” will give you a fast-paced, practical start, and get you playing the songs you love. It’s a great way to swap phone scrolling for soul-feeding music, build self-confidence, make new friends, and do something meaningful with your summer break.

Shir Piano Camp helps girls ages 8-17 make months of musical progress in just one exciting week. Through daily immersion in music and personalized coaching in an exclusive group of only four campers, students build confidence, fluency, strong sight-reading skills, and a genuine love of playing.

Beyond traditional piano lessons, campers learn practical skills such as playing chords, accompanying songs, and performing customized repertoire, from popular favorites to Jewish songs. Beginners can learn to play confidently with both hands, while more experienced students often advance an entire level in one week.

Instead of losing momentum over the summer, campers leave inspired, accomplished, and excited about their growth. Led by Naomi Markovic, with 17 years of piano teaching experience and over 10 years of camp leadership, Shir Piano Camp is the perfect blend of serious musical progress and summer fun.

Nestled in the breathtaking scenery of Moshav Yad Hashmona in the Jerusalem Hills, King David Stables is a certified slice of horse heaven waiting for your kids. This isn’t just a camp; it’s an unforgettable, educational equestrian experience run by the legendary Lipschitz family, who have been bringing their signature warm, welcoming atmosphere to the stables for nearly 40 years.

Led by elite bilingual instructors, campers will form a genuine bond with the horses and skyrocket their self-confidence while mastering horseback riding across beautiful mountain trails. The excitement doesn’t stop in the saddle, either; kids will dive into a thrilling lineup of archery, lassoing, horse care, polo, paintball, and classic cowboy games.

All activities are run in small, attentive groups with plenty of on-site shade. Convenient transportation is provided directly from Jerusalem and Mevaseret.

This is a summer photography experience for teens who want to level up how they see the world. Each day, the group will head to a different corner of Jerusalem – buzzing markets, hidden courtyards, ancient alleys, quiet pockets of green – and turn it into their playground for shooting.

Led by veteran photographer and educator Nili Auerbach, teens learn how to use light, composition, color, and framing to create strong, intentional images – not just snapshots. Whether they’re working with a digital camera or a smartphone, the focus is the same: train the eye, build confidence, and start thinking like a photographer.

By the end of each session, teens will develop a full digital portfolio of work. It’s hands-on, fast-moving, and creative – with space for different levels and styles. Bilingual groups (English and Hebrew). Open to local and visiting teens.

Camp Dror is a premier Orthodox Jewish sleepaway camp that brings together hundreds of boys and girls, entering 5-10 grades, from Israel and all over the globe for an unforgettable summer that blends high-energy fun, passionate Zionism, and inspiring Torah learning.

Operating on separate, top-tier campuses for boys and girls, the camp boasts fully furnished, air-conditioned rooms, premium sports fields, and a spacious mehadrin kosher dining hall. The action never stops with an epic lineup of activities, including mountain hiking, kayaking, swimming, competitive sports, creative arts and crafts, and impactful hesed community projects.

Campers are guaranteed to build lifelong friendships and next-level independence. There are a final few places for the boys’ camp. You can join a waiting list for the girls’ camp.

This year, they’re also offering Dror b’Ktana for boys entering grade 4, to get a taste of what camp is like, but b’Ktana – just four nights – is a full program, including a trip!

Under the expert leadership of Col. Sharon Gat, campers train alongside real Caliber 3 combat instructors and experienced counselors. They will tackle a thrilling, action-packed lineup featuring Krav Maga, tactical drills, field navigation, survival skills, first aid, epic hikes, daily minyan, and special Shabbat programming – all within a safe, fully supervised Modern Orthodox environment.

With instruction in English and three delicious kosher meals provided daily, this is way more than a camp – it’s a summer of total growth. Registration is officially closed, but a few last-minute spots have just opened up, so act fast to secure your child’s spot.

All Star Israel is a warm, high-energy American-style camp, where kids have an unbelievably fun-filled, friend-filled summer, learning new skills, building self-confidence, forming deep friendships, and developing a real sense of teamwork and unity.

Girls and boys entering kindergarten through Grade 10 enjoy tons of exciting activities: sports, swimming, games, Slip’n’Slide, electives, creative crafts, and special events like Color War and the world-famous All Star Israel “Bean Day”! Campers entering Grades 9-10 join the CIT program, gaining hands-on counselor and leadership experience, responsibility, and real-world skills while enjoying the fun and spirit of camp.

For over two decades, All Star Israel has been giving every child a chance to grow, a place to belong, and a summer to remember – where campers gain confidence, discover new abilities, build friendships, and feel like true All Stars.

Get ready for an action-packed summer at Liga Camp! Located in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood, this popular American-style sports camp combines top-quality athletic training with a warm, religious atmosphere.

Boys and girls enjoy professional instruction from outstanding bilingual (English/Hebrew) counselors across a wide range of activities, including basketball, soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, tennis, hockey, swimming, martial arts, arts and crafts, cooking, and exciting trips.

Campers choose a specialty track to develop their skills in basketball, soccer, teen/CIT, art, or dance. Liga Camp offers an unforgettable summer experience for every child.

When: Session 1, July 15-21 (grades 7-9). Session 2, July 26-August 13 (pre-kindergarten to grade 7), featuring basketball, soccer, art, and dance programs.

If you are looking for world-class basketball options for committed players, Tamir Goodman’s exclusive camp for boys aged 9 to 16 is an absolute slam dunk. This is a next-level, high-energy experience where your kids will train directly with leading industry professionals, master advanced court skills, and learn from some of Israel’s top coaches – alongside elite special guests, NBA coaches, and a pro player.

The program goes way beyond basic drills, offering individualized strength and conditioning programs to maximize athletic potential, combined with powerful charity opportunities to build character off the court. It is a high-octane, game-changing experience of a lifetime!

The Jerusalem International YMCA has been creating unforgettable summers for children from diverse backgrounds for decades. If you are looking for a unique summer adventure that combines core values, educational and fun programming, and unforgettable multicultural connections, then the YMCA Summer Camp is for you.

Your children will go on a magical “Time Travel” journey through some of the most fascinating periods in history. This one-of-a-kind trilingual and multicultural experience, offered in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, provides a warm, energetic environment built on friendship, respect, inclusion, and fun.

NIS 3,200

Run by the Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem, FCGI-Camp Klara is an extraordinary summer haven dedicated to youth with special needs. The Friendship Circle’s beautiful mission is to deliver unstoppable support, genuine friendship, and true social inclusion for kids and their families.

At the same time, it gives local teenagers a high-energy, deeply rewarding opportunity for an enriching and meaningful volunteering experience like no other. Summer camp stands as their ultimate flagship program, featuring a spectacular junior camp for young boys and girls alongside their FCBC overnight camp for adult boys. It is a genuinely life-changing experience to be a part of this beautiful, welcoming circle of friendship.