Jerusalem features an extensive selection of summer camps tailored for children, tweens, and teens. Given the abundance of strong choices, identifying the right fit for your child calls for thoughtful planning.

Local families and visitors spending the summer in the capital can apply these practical suggestions to help their children enjoy a rewarding season.

Language: Camps throughout Jerusalem offer bilingual, trilingual, or English-only settings. Recent immigrants or tourists may opt for full Hebrew immersion or select programs where staff and participants communicate primarily in English.

Type of Camp: The local options span many interests, including art, sports, technology, music, drama, nature, photography, and baking. Begin by determining whether a day camp or overnight program aligns better with your child's preferences and comfort level.

BONUS TIP - Summer provides an excellent chance for children to gain independence within a supervised setting. Recent years have brought several North American-style overnight camps to Israel, featuring no cell phones, genuine peer connections, and dynamic activities that enhance confidence and personal growth.

Transportation: Families without a vehicle should verify which programs include shuttle service or are located within easy walking distance of their accommodation.

Learning new skills: The break offers children time to acquire practical abilities in a relaxed atmosphere without academic pressure.

Hours: Camps operate on varying schedules. Extended afternoon sessions are available at many locations and can greatly assist working parents with scheduling needs.

BONUS TIP - For teenagers, confirm that the program provides age-appropriate hours matching their typical summer routines.

Camps by age: While options for school-age children are plentiful, suitable programs exist for toddlers and teens as well, with dedicated choices available across Jerusalem and nearby areas.

Values: Each camp emphasizes particular principles such as leadership, connection to Israel, Zionism, pluralism, or friendship-building. Align selections with your family's priorities.

Finally, consider group size: some families prefer large camps with multiple activity tracks, while others favor smaller settings that allow more individual focus.

Here are some standout recommendations.

Baking

Teen Baking Academy at Jerusalem Cake Design

This academy, led by Tammy Y at her Baka studio, guides participants in grades 7-11 (ages 12-17) through professional baking methods. Weekly sessions introduce new techniques, from basic recipes to elaborate cake creations, with campers completing hands-on projects and taking home finished items.

When: Is It Cake Week 1, June 21-25; Is It Cake Week 2, June 28-30. Week 1, July 1 and 3; Week 2, July 5-9; Week 3, July 12-16; Week 4, July 19-24; Week 5, July 26-30; Week 6, August 2-6

Price: Is it Cake week, NIS 1,700; Mini-Is it Cake week, NIS 1,100; 5-day weeks, NIS 1,350; 2-day workshops, NIS 650

Details: cakes@funinjerusalem.com

Drama

JELLY Theater

JELLY offers an immersive theater workshop in Baka for ages 11 to 15. Participants develop acting abilities and explore set design plus costume work while forming a supportive group environment. The program runs at cost and includes 10 complimentary tickets to the final performance.

When: July 27-August 13, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Price: NIS 2,300 plus NIS 100 non-refundable deposit

Details: jelly@funinjerusalem.com

Games and Tech

Jerusalem HackerCamp

Run by LearningWorks, this bilingual program combines technology, design, and engineering challenges. Activities include astronomy sessions, bike rides, field trips, board games, and LEGO projects. It suits children seeking collaborative innovation and maker-style experiences.

When: July 5-August 20, Sun.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Price: NIS 2,000-NIS 7,200 (depending on weeks)

Details: lw@funinjerusalem.com

Music

Lenagen Bekef

This central Jerusalem music school provides summer programs for all skill levels. Experienced players can join bands to record and perform, while beginners receive accelerated guitar instruction to build confidence and social connections.

When: Every two weeks, throughout July and August

Price: NIS 2,400 per program

Details: lenagen@funinjerusalem.com

Shir Music

Shir Piano Camp delivers intensive weekly sessions for girls ages 8-17 in small groups of four. Campers advance sight-reading, chord playing, and performance skills under experienced guidance, leaving with greater fluency and enthusiasm.

When: Sun. to Thurs., 8:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Sessions run weekly throughout July and August (with a shortened 3-day option during session 2).

Price: Weekly 4-day sessions: NIS 1,295; session 2 (3-day option): NIS 1,015

Details: shirpiano@funinjerusalem.com

Nature

King David Horseback Riding Camp

At Moshav Yad Hashmona, this equestrian program run by the Lipschitz family offers trail riding, horse care, archery, and cowboy activities in small groups. Transportation from Jerusalem and Mevaseret is available.

When: July 6-August 28 (2-week sessions). Sun.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Price: Contact Anthony or Arik for pricing

Details: kdstables@funinjerusalem.com

Photography

Traveling Teen Photography Camp

Led by Nili Auerbach, this program takes teens to varied Jerusalem locations for hands-on shooting practice. Participants learn composition and lighting while building a digital portfolio in bilingual groups open to locals and visitors.

When: Session 1, July 5-9; session 2, July 12-16; session 3, July 19-24, Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. No camp on Tisha B'Av; instead on Friday, July 24

Price: NIS 1,298 per person, per session, including VAT

Details: photos@funinjerusalem.com

Sleepaway

Camp Dror

This Orthodox Jewish overnight camp serves boys and girls entering grades 5-10 from Israel and abroad, combining activities, Zionism, and Torah study on separate campuses. Limited spots remain for boys, with a waiting list for girls. A shorter Dror b'Ktana option exists for younger boys.

When: Camp Dror, July 9-30; Dror b'Ktana, July 26-30

Price: Regular registration: NIS 9,250. Sibling discount: NIS 8,900. Dror b'Ktana NIS 1,800

Details: campdror@funinjerusalem.com

Caliber 3 Summer Boot Camp

Designed for Jewish teen boys ages 14 to 18, this program blends IDF-style training, Torah values, and Israeli adventures under experienced instructors. Activities include Krav Maga, navigation, survival skills, hikes, and Shabbat programming in a supervised Modern Orthodox setting.