Who is this program For?

This program is for high-school age boys that want to be inspired and have an amazing experience while touring Eretz Yisroel and making relationships that last a lifetime.

Who we are?

Camp S’dei Chemed Int’l, has been operating tour groups in Israel since 1969. Many of our present campers have fathers and grandfathers who attended S’dei Chemed. S’dei Chemed is known for its unique ruach, where every tour is filled with unbelievable camp spirit and camaraderie. Kumzitz, dancing, activities, and general excitement is how we operate. With our stellar reputation and decades of experience in organized, safe, and exciting programming, you are guaranteed an amazing summer in Israel, and a lifetime of amazing memories. 

Location:

As in the past our program will be located in Yeshivas Imrei Bina, located in Har Nof, Yerushalayim. This gives us the benefit of a short drive into the center of the city while keeping away from all the hecticness and traffic. We use this location as a base for the entire summer but we also include many overnight trips in which case we sleep elsewhere. This gives us the advantage of having a place to call home while at the same time we can explore places that are more remote. 

Why Just High-School?

In the past, the S’dei Chemed program was open to younger boys as well. We have decided to separate the programs into a more age appropriate division. Our “Off The Beaten Path” program is for high school age boys only. If you are interested in sending a younger boy to a different program, please reach out to us.

TOURING: What is “ISRAEL OFF THE BEATEN PATH”?

The program is more intense and will include longer hikes, repelling, camping outdoors, water sports and more. We will still be visiting many famous landmarks but we will tour them differently. While this program is appropriate for first time visitors, for those that have visited Israel many times, this program will take touring to a whole new level.

Safety & Security

Camp takes all security measures necessary. We don’t enter any neighborhoods that would be considered unsafe. When we visit Chevron and Beit-Lechem we take bulletproof buses and extra security. All campers are instructed to carry a hydration pack filled with water on all trips. Lifejackets are mandatory while swimming in all lakes and oceans. We have a certified first aid responder with us on all trips. We purchase special medical insurance for each camper so we can access any emergency services quickly. 

Supervision

Our campers are under our supervision at all times. Boys are never allowed to be on their own and will be expelled immediately if they break this rule. There are specific times that we may give boys “free time” to explore a specified area. This usually means the boys form small groups and are looked after by our staff. There is also an “off day” and “off Shabbat” for campers to spend time with friends and relatives. On those days, parents decide how their children will spend their time. Camp provides an activity for those who don’t have anything to do.

We have a zero tolerance policy on drugs, alcohol or tobacco products and any camper in violation of this will be expelled from camp immediately. 

Learning

Learning is a big part of our Israel experience, from formal learning to hands-on lessons while on our trips exploring the expanse of Israel. There are learning groups every morning before our trips begin and we have an evening night seder on days that we get back early. Learning groups are catered toward the varying levels and interests of our campers. From Chavrusa led by our dynamic Madrichim and shiurim given by our experienced Rabbeim, we have something for everyone.  Exciting guest speakers are a common occurrence in camp and our tour guides are informative and engaging  in a way that the boys always enjoy. 

Meals

Three healthy and delicious meals prepared by experience American cooks will be provided by camp each day, in adherence with all thetop הכשרים. Information will be given to the campers about proper הכשרים and הלכות pertinent to snacks they wish to purchase on their own. Campers that have specific diets should make sure to reach out to us before camp so that we can arrange whatever they need.

Flight

Camp price includes round trip ticket from NYC. Campers who opt to fly separately from the group flight are responsible for making sure to meet up with the camp. If you would like to fly with the camp flight but want to extend your trip, please indicate as such on the application and our agent will reach out to you to discuss further details.

Camp Bank

Although camp pays for all trips and entrance fees, there are times where your child may want to spend personal money. Purchasing presents and souvenirs for family back home are some of the usual expenses. Camp provides three full meals every day but they may choose to buy additional snacks and drinks as well.

In order to ensure the security and safety of your money, we provide a simple banking system. This system has been set up for the sole purpose of keeping your money safe from being lost or stolen. Unused money will be returned at the end of the summer. Parents can send us the money before camp and it will be entered into your camp bank account. The camp bank is open one time at the beginning of each week. It is important for you to try to anticipate your monetary needs in advance. Using an ATM card is not the best option as it’s likely that you won’t be around a machine when you need it most. Campers must sign a withdrawal sheet each time they take money from the camp bank. Camp suggests $250 spending money.

PLEASE NOTE: All monies withdrawn are given in Israeli shekel at the bank exchange rate at the start of the summer.

Expensive electronics or any other valuables.

We strongly advise against campers bringing any unnecessary valuables with them in camp. Anything that is stolen will affect your child’s summer in a negative way and should not be brought along. This includes cash, and electronics. Anything valuable should never be left unguarded. There are times where camp will make a “valuables bag” so that campers can deposit their wallets and other items for safekeeping for the duration of a trip. Again, this is the best we can do, but this is not a bank vault and it can be accessed by others, and this bag is not insured by camp. All passports are collected upon arrival in camp  and are  placed in a safe for the duration of the summer.

For questions about spending money, please see the information above about the camp banking system.

Shabbos

Shabbos in S’dei Chemed is a full day of inspiration and bonding. We will experience a shabbos where we daven friday night at the kotel, a Shabbos in the old city of Tzfat and a Shabbos on a Moshav.

Sports

While our camp is focused on touring we do make time for some sports along the way. There are camp night activities that may include sports and there are individual days where we spend time at some of Israel’s beautiful parks and play sports while enjoying these modern oases. 

Phones.

Campers are required to have phones with them at all times. This is for security purposes and campers are to keep this phone on them at all times. Campers can bring phones from home or rent a phone in Israel through camp. Camp restricts times when phones can be used as we want our campers to enjoy time spent interacting with friends and enjoying our incredible itinerary.