Rising Eighth, Rising Ninth, and Rising Tenth Grade
- CIT Program
Chalutzim
Chalutzim Is Where Campers Step Into Leadership
As Camp Kef’s oldest campers, Chalutzim are no longer just participating in camp—they’re helping shape it. This program is designed for Eighth through Tenth graders who are ready for real responsibility, meaningful contribution, and continued connection to the joy of camp.
Chalutzim is both a Counselor-in-Training experience and a summer filled with fun, friendships, and growth.
Chalutzim is more than summers at camp: it’s preparation for the future. Campers leave with confidence, experience, and a strong sense of belonging at Camp Kef. They’ve learned how to lead, how to support others, and how to balance responsibility with joy. And most importantly, they leave ready to return - not just as campers, but as the next generation of Camp Kef counselors.
Majors: Staying Connected to the Fun
Even as responsibilities grow, Chalutzim continue to enjoy being campers. They participate in Majors, choosing weekly specialty activities that allow them to stay engaged in creative, athletic, and hands-on experiences.Majors provide balance—ensuring that leadership responsibilities are paired with time to relax, explore interests, and enjoy the fun side of camp alongside friends.
Majors span a wide range of interests across arts, athletics, and hands-on experiences, and change weekly to allow campers to explore something new throughout the summer. The extended format allows campers to stay engaged, push past the basics, and take pride in their progress. Campers can choose from activities such as sculpture, ceramics, drawing and painting, culinary arts, soccer, basketball, bowling, outdoor adventure, fashion design, and more to focus on throughout the week.
Leading by Doing
Chalutzim campers spend part of their day working with younger bunks, supporting counselors and helping guide daily activities. These moments allow them to build relationships with younger campers, practice leadership skills, and experience what it means to be a role model in a real camp setting.
Whether helping during activities, assisting with transitions, or simply being a positive presence, Chalutzim gain hands-on experience that prepares them to become future Camp Kef counselors.
Signature Leadership Moments
One of the proudest traditions of the Chalutzim program is planning and hosting the annual Camp Carnival for younger campers. From running games and making cotton candy to organizing logistics and leading with confidence, Chalutzim take full ownership of this beloved event.
Leadership Learning & Reflection
Chalutzim also participate in structured leadership learning, which includes group discussions, reflection, and skill-building activities. These sessions focus on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-awareness—skills that are valuable both at camp and beyond.
Through thoughtful conversations and guided activities, campers gain a deeper understanding of their leadership style and how their actions impact others.
Service, Responsibility, and Impact
A core part of the Chalutzim experience is learning how leadership extends beyond camp.
Chalutzim participate in service projects throughout the summer, including opportunities like working with organizations such as JRA to package food boxes for people in need. These experiences help campers understand the value of giving back, working as a team, and making a tangible impact in the community.
Campers also take on longer-term projects, such as planning fundraisers to support Camp Kef—learning how ideas turn into action through collaboration, planning, and follow-through.
Swimming, Trips, and Traditions
Chalutzim campers enjoy free swim once per day, giving them time to cool off and recharge while balancing their expanded responsibilities.
They also participate in at least one off-site field trip during the summer. In past years, this has included high-energy destinations like Dorney Park, offering a well-earned day of fun and celebration with friends.
Camp traditions—Jewish culture programming, special events, and shared moments—remain an important part of the Chalutzim experience, grounding leadership in community and connection.
Sample Schedule
Early Care (Optional)
7:30AM-8:30AM
Arrival
8:30AM-9AM
Line Up (Songs, Dances & Cheers)
9AM-9:15AM
Majors
9:15AM-10:15AM
Leadership Learning
10:15AM-11:30AM
Lunch
11:30AM-12PM
CIT Time With Bunks
12PM-1PM
CIT Activity
1PM-1:45PM
Free Swim & Change
1:45-3PM
Clean Up
3PM-3:30PM
Dismissal
3:30PM-4PM
Late Care (Optional)
4PM-6PM
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