What if the key to a stronger Jewish future lies not in new ideas, but in scaling what already works? Federation explores how proven experiences—like camp, Israel trips, and Shabbat dinners—can drive lasting impact and connection in our community.
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Teens & Youth
Rooted in Identity. Built for Belonging.
Adolescence and early adulthood are critical inflection points—times when Jewish identity, peer connections, and personal agency deepen. Through immersive experiences, leadership development, and holistic support, we’re building a thriving Jewish teen community in Greater Washington.
How We Drive Impact
Jewish teens are building identity, friendship, and resilience that last a lifetime. We’re helping them thrive in Greater Washington by focusing on three key areas:
- Strengthening youth groups, schools, and camps that anchor Jewish teen life.
- Expanding access to camp and Israel travel that spark identity and belonging.
- Equipping teens to feel confident, connected, and ready to lead.
Israel Quest
Spark identity, belonging, and lifelong connection.
Traveling through Israel with peers gives teens a chance to build confidence, grow as leaders, and deepen their sense of Jewish peoplehood. Israel Quest makes these meaningful journeys possible by offering grants for eligible two-week-plus teen trips starting in 8th grade.
Youth Groups
A place to grow, lead, and find community.
From BBYO to USY and other local programs, Jewish youth groups give teens space to build friendships, explore leadership, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life. These communities create safe, energizing environments where teens can show up as themselves.
Jewish Camp
Joyful summers that last far beyond the season.
Jewish camp nurtures confidence, independence, and resilience—helping teens grow through adventure, friendship, and immersive Jewish experiences. Whether as campers or emerging staff leaders, teens build skills and relationships they carry into the year.
We support teens across every part of their Jewish journey, meeting them where they are, lowering barriers to access, and adapting to emerging needs. Our approach is:
- Relational: Rooted in deep collaboration with trusted partners and built on strong relationships with families.
- Community-Informed: Guided by ongoing feedback, listening sessions, and collaborative working groups that reflect the diverse needs of our region.
- Data-Driven: Shaped by analysis that helps us identify gaps, test new models, and scale what works.
- Growth-Oriented: Treats teen engagement as a dynamic portfolio—balancing proven strategies with new ideas to expand reach and deepen impact.
From sunrise tefillah to lifelong friendships, Jewish summer camp is transformative—and financial support like One Happy Camper makes it possible for families across Greater Washington to give their children this powerful experience.
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In a year of crisis and uncertainty, local heroes across Greater Washington rose to the challenge, providing vital services through Federation’s network of partners. Their impact shows that empathy and resolve are powerful tools in helping our Jewish community meet adversity with strength and care.
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Every gift to Federation helps someone feel connected, supported, and seen—from teens finding their place in Jewish life to families in crisis and communities strengthened by security and care.
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Dr. Aiman Tohid is leading Makom’s innovative clinic for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reshaping equitable care and provider training across the DC region.
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At Lessans Camp JCC, Ethan and Bennett Blicher thrive thanks to dedicated counselors and a culture of inclusion, supported by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Bender JCC.
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We are committed to strengthening Jewish teens’ identity, resilience, and leadership across Greater Washington. This year, we’re focusing on initiatives that reach teens directly: expanding healthy relationship workshops, sustaining peer-to-peer mental health training, and increasing camp scholarships so more families can send their teens. Together, we are helping Jewish teens in Greater Washington grow into confident leaders, connected friends, and resilient community members.
Explore Investments
- Supporting BBYO’s Youth Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Training, equipping teens with life-saving skills, $100,000
- Educating schools with Holocaust and Contemporary Antisemitism Programs, Facing History & Ourselves, $77,500
- Expanding JCADA’s Teen Workshops on Healthy Relationships to reach more teens, $70,000
- Advancing awareness through the K-12 Independent Schools Initiative, American Jewish Committee, $55,000
- Mobilizing teens to confront antisemitism through the MoCo Teens Against Antisemitism Fellowship, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, $52,250
- Building resilience through Combating Antisemitism Training, BBYO, $45,000
- Strengthening teen voices with Kumi Foundations, Moving Traditions, $40,000
- Providing One Happy Camper Incentive Grants so first-time campers can experience Jewish overnight camp, $210,000
- Increasing Need-Based Camp Scholarships to make camp possible for more families, $296,000
Your values. Your impact.
Your teen-centered giving:
- Facilitates immersive connections.
- Enhances wellbeing and resilience.
- Cultivates leadership and Jewish identity.
Each dollar helps ensure a future where every Greater Washington teen has the chance to grow, connect, and lead.