The NFTY Adventure program is a unique and challenging four week summer experience created especially for teens who seek a meaningful and exciting journey to Israel filled with amazing memories and friendships which will last a lifetime.
From ancient Jerusalem to modern Tel Aviv, from the beautiful Galilee to the stunning Negev Desert, you will create and be part of an intense traveling Jewish community of teens from all over North America.
You’ll have opportunities to meet Israeli teens, ride a camel, snorkel in the Red Sea, mountain bike, join in a real archeological dig, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem, buy some sandals, eat a falafel, and have the most amazing time of your life. With a great summer of shared fun and friendship as a backdrop, you’ll return home with an intense personal connection to the land, history and people of Israel, proud of yourself and your people.
With NFTY’s renowned tour guide-educators leading the way, you’ll walk on the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, make a pilgrimage to the Kotel—The Western Wall—travel back 2000 years in time to explore the ancient tunnels around the foundation of the Temple Mount, and see the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book.
As the sun rises over the mountains of Jordan, you’ll ascend the summit of Masada at dawn. You’ll float in the Dead Sea, cover yourself with the famous black mud, and cool off in the refreshing waters of the Nahal Arugot Waterfall near Ein Gedi.
You’ll dig into your roots on an archeological expedition, unearth ancient pottery with your own hands, and crawl through the caves of the Maccabean Revolt by candlelight. Together with your Israeli peers, you’ll explore the Galilee and Golan, swim the headwaters of the Jordan River, wander through the alleyways of the mystical city of Safed, and “conquer” Crusader castles.
As you travel with your friends you'll spend three unforgettable days and nights hiking and exploring the Negev Desert. You’ll ride camels across sand dunes, sip tea in a Bedouin tent, snorkel the crystal clear blue waters of the Red Sea, relax on a sandy beach, and sleep under a peaceful blanket of stars.
Before you leave for Israel you’ll select a “Chavaya”—special interest—module and during your stay. You’ll spend four fun-filled days pursuing your own interests while also making new friends from other NFTY groups. Choose from Yam L’Yam (Sea to Sea), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World in Israel), Indiana Jones in Israel (Archeological Dig), and Gadna (Army Training), Start Up Nation (Hi-Tech Israel).
Before you depart for home, you’ll be amazed by the modern city of Tel Aviv, swim in the Mediterranean, shop on famous Dizengoff Street, and return to spiritual Jerusalem for one final visit as you prepare to conclude your spectacular summer of adventure, personal discovery, challenge and growth. When you do return home to family and friends, you’ll have wonderful memories of your once-in-a-lifetime journey of friendship and fun. More important, you’ll have newfound pride in yourself, your people and your land.