5 years of dedication . . . 5 days of inspiration!

Camp TOV 2012

NOW OPEN! Camp TOV 2012 Registration

Session 1: August 6-10

Session 2: August 13-17

Check out our video from last summer and see how Camp TOV teens make a difference!

What is Camp TOV?

At Camp TOV, teens make a difference. This one-week program exposes them to a variety of issues facing our society -- poverty, hunger, environmental protection, care of the elderly and more. With an emphasis on Judaism and the importance of gemilut chassidim -- acts of loving kindness -- and tikkun olam -- repairing the world -- teens use their time and energy to volunteer in a fun, engaging and hands-on way. This interactive service program is sponsored by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation.

Throughout the school year you can still make a difference with our TOV Monthly Teen Volunteering (MTV) program.

Find us on Facebook at TOV Teen-Volunteering or follow us on Twitter @TOVTeens.

Who can attend?

Jewish teens entering grades 7 through 10, who live in the Chicago metropolitan area.

When is Camp TOV?

Camp TOV FIDF

There are two, one-week sessions in August to choose from. Each offers similar volunteer experiences.

Camp TOV 2012 dates:

First session: August 6-10
Second session: August 13-17

Campers are picked up each morning from centrally located spots in the city and suburbs based on where campers live. They get to that day's volunteer site no later than 9:30 am and leave by 2:30 pm. Then the bus brings them back to the drop-off locations.

What do they do?

Camp TOV GCFD They get involved. They learn compassion and understanding. They discover first-hand how they can make their world better. They take initiative. They work with others. They learn to serve. They learn to lead. They learn the importance of tikkun olam. They learn they have a role in their community, and why all of that is important to them and to others. They make new friends. Explore new places. And have an absolute blast doing it. See a sample itinerary (PDF) from a day last summer, and check out pictures from Camp TOV 2010!

Why do they do it?

For the fun of meeting and working with other teens from around Chicago.
To earn up to 12 volunteer hours in just one week!
Personal connection to real-world problems not far from home.
Volunteer hours for school.
Hands-on chance to learn about and connect to the Jewish community.
Sense of achievement.
The good feeling that comes from helping others.

What does it cost?

2012 pricing:

Get the worm: February 1 - March 2: $250
Early bird: March 3 - April 30: $270
Registration: May 1 - June 29: $290

The cost includes transportation, two daily kosher snacks, one meal, a water bottle, two Camp TOV T-shirts and all programming and curriculum. $18 of the program cost will be donated to JUF's 2012 Annual Campaign. Registration deadline is Friday, June 29. Space is limited.

Camp TOV is supported by a generous gift from a local family foundation.

What is the Meal Plan? (NEW this Summer!)

Camp TOV will include one lunch during the Monday of the week-long program. Then teens may either bring a brown-bag, kosher-style lunch to camp or sign-up during registration for the meal plan where we will provide a kosher lunch each day. The meal plan includes 4 kosher (CRC certified) lunches at a total cost of $25. You must register for the lunch program no later than July 2, 2012.

Kosher snacks will still be provided for all campers throughout the week of Camp TOV.

How can I sign up?

All Camp TOV registration will be done online. Registration is first come, first served and will not be final until payment has been received. No spots will be held.

What is the cancelation policy?

No refunds will be made after June 29. If you must cancel before June 29, your registration fee will be returned minus a $50 processing fee.

What do campers and parents have to say?

More than 90 Camp TOV campers volunteered their time and made their mark last summer. Check out the JUF News article and the Camp TOV video to see how your teen can join the fun and make a difference this year!

From Parents:

"The programs were interesting and relevant to the kids, and the team building added a fun element. I would definitely send my daughter back."
"I would highly recommend this camp. My daughter participated in another community-service camp this past summer for one week as well, and the activities did not hold my daughter's interest. Camp TOV showed the kids they can enjoy volunteering. Thank you for providing this experience."
"My son had a great time! We are hoping that he will be able to participate again."

From Campers:

"I did not think volunteering with the elderly would be fun, but it turned out to be my favorite part of the week."
"I'm thankful for all that I have, and Camp TOV showed me that volunteering is the best way to give back to others who aren't as fortunate."
"We made a difference in someone's life. Just putting a smile on someone's face made my day."

Questions?

Already registered? Get all the forms you'll need (PDF).
Need more information? Fill out the information request form.
Still have questions? See the frequently asked questions.
Contact information: email TOVTeen@juf.org or call 312-444-2867