HABO DROR

Summer Camp 2025 – Info coming soon!

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What is Habonim Dror?

Habonim Dror is a Socialist, Zionist, culturally Jewish Youth Movement. It has been at the forefront of Jewish education in the UK and internationally for over 90 years.

Habonim, “The Builders”, was created in 1929 in the East End of London, as a space for Jewish children to gain a strong grounding in Jewish culture and the importance of Israel as a focus for the Jewish world, with chaverimot going on to establish a number of kibbutzim in Israel.

Dror, meaning “Freedom”, was formed in 1915 by the secular pioneers of Russian Zionism, who were later on the frontline of the Jewish underground in Poland, participating in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

With the formation of the United Kibbutz Movement in 1980, the two youth movements united and Habonim Dror, “The Builders of Freedom”, was formed. Habonim Dror operates across the world from Argentina to South Africa and still holds true to the aims and values of educating and inspiring Jewish youth, whilst building a better future in the land of Israel, that have been at the core of the movement since its inception.

Our activities reflect these ambitions. From our machanot (camps) to our Israel Tour and Shnat (gap year) programmes, Habonim Dror is proud of its heritage and hopes to continue to inspire for another 90 years and beyond.

Habonim Dror runs annual residential summer camps for ages 9 – 16, as well as year-round regional events (yamei eizor) in cities across the UK.

What is Machaneh?

Machaneh (summer camp) is the highlight of the year for our chanichimot and madrichimot: a place where life-long memories and friends are made, endless hours of fun are had, and magical Habo nights are spent singing around the campfire.

Alongside all of this, on Machaneh we take our Chanichimot (participants) through an experiential educational process using innovative techniques and methods of informal education to give chanichimot (participants) their own space to learn and explore things in their own way. This Habo Dror approach includes: group discussions and sichot (conversations), skits and role-playing, interactive and immersive activities, games and many other stimulating and thought-provoking activities – all carefully created by our own madrichimot in the run up to Machaneh.

We run a unique Shabbat service with humanistic prayers and songs, which allows for chanichimot across all year groups to feel connected to Judaism, to each other and to the movement as a whole. At Habonim Dror we work hard to create a unique inclusive atmosphere that makes our Machaneh a home away from home for every child. We work especially hard to ensure any first-time campers are made to feel welcome and integrated into their groups by incorporating buddy systems and regular check-ins with madrichimot.

 

Madrichimot

Habonim Dror Madrichimot (leaders) are fully-trained and well-equipped to lead on Machaneh (camp). They go through a rigorous one year Hadracha (leadership) course, and continue with year-round training in Education, Welfare and an extensive array of leadership skills. The connection between madrichol (leader) and chanichol (participant) is at the heart of what we do; it is a unique connection that provides an inspiring older role model outside of the formal education system.

Habonim Dror seeks to educate young British Jews to become tomorrow’s strong and courageous leaders. The informal and dynamic youth movement environment empowers and provides an opportunity for self-realisation – ultimately moulding inspiring, confident and responsible leaders. Past Habonim Dror madrichimot have taken the incredible skills they learnt in Habonim Dror to become leaders in fields as diverse as entertainment, law, charities, business, education, and more.

Kvutsot

On arrival at Machaneh, Chanichimot will be split into smaller groups called Kvutsot. These groups will be mixed allowing Chanichimot to build relationships within their Kvutsah with people they knew before and the new friends they will make whilst there. The Kvutsah is central to the camp experience – it is where the closest relationships are formed and the best memories are made, and each kvutsah develops their own culture, songs, and stories.

Tiyul

Weather permitting, all chanichimot will spend time on Tiyul (hike), for varied duration vary by age (Efrochim and Ofarim tiyul is usually the shortest, whilst older chanichimot spend longer on Tiyul). In their Kvutsot the Chanichimot will hike during the day, alongside planned activities and time to relax and reflect with the rest of the Kvutsah. They will enjoy picnic lunches and camp-stove cooked food. Tiyul is the ideal time for kvutsah bonding, and for experiencing nature, and maybe even the occasional campfire and shiron (singing) session.

During Tiyul, the Chanichimot will sleep in tents and carry their belongings in rucksacks. Tiyul is truly the most unique of all Habo Dror experiences, creating a unique group atmosphere away from the rest of the camp and creating lasting memories which the Chanichimot will be speaking about for many years to come. The bond of a Tiyul group is like no other!

WELCOME TO MEGASITE

Here, in the heart and soul of our summer camps, Chanichimot (participants) in Years 5-9 share the accommodation at the Habonim Dror Megasite. The site contains separate activity spaces for each shicvah (year group), a huge outdoor area for fine weather and a chadar ochel (dining hall) for meals and Habo Dror ruach (spirit). Sleeping accommodation is split between smaller and larger dormitories across multiple buildings.

What Happens at Megasite?

Megasite houses four of our summer camps for ages 9 – 14. This enables the chanichimot to be part of a huge Habo Machaneh experience whilst also engaging in separate activities with their peers tailored specifically for their particular age group.

FUN

Habo summer camps always involve large scale fun activities such as a Colour Wars, Murder Mystery, Mega Mifkad (gathering) and camp fires. Chanichimot also have fun whilst learning about Habonim Dror, Israel and their Jewish identity and values.

Informal Education

Informal education is at the forefront of everything we do. Our carefully planned tochnit (programme) engenders a Jewish identity that understands and appreciates our Jewish heritage and culture and the place of Israel within it. Each year we choose an overarching theme for our peulot (activities). The last few years have seen themes such as ‘rebellion’, ‘identity’ and ‘voices’.  The theme will always be tackled in different age-appropriate ways throughout camp. Our madrichimot undergo extensive leadership training and spent considerable time preparing the activities.

Efrochim - Yr 5&6 (P5&6)

Location: UK

Dates: 7 – 13th August 2024

School Year: Years 5 & 6 (P5 & P6)

Price: £1,099

Suggested Kuppah: £15

Our incredibly fun Efrochim summer camp provides the first opportunity for Chanichimot to experience a Habonim Dror, with a week-long residential camp. They’ll be meeting new friends from all over the country and being looked after by our brilliant team of leaders all week.

Having Fun

The Efrochim tochnit (programme) is the perfect introduction to Habo Dror. The Madrichimot ensure that the children are well looked after and that they get the most out of their first Machaneh experience, whilst also having their first taste of Habonim Dror’s creative and fun ways of learning. Within this week-long camp you can expect informal education, hiking and camping, lots of singing and dancing, chilling with friends, sports tournaments, learning about Habo values and celebrating Judaism and Zionism.

Lifelong Friendships

Coming together with chanichimot from across the country, the participants will be able to build new friendships that will follow them through their Habo experience, in our warm and inclusive atmosphere, that will last for many years to come.

Tiyul

During camp, the Chanichimot go off on a hike with their Madrichimot camping under canvas and experiencing nature with their kvutsah.

PLEASE NOTE SPACES ARE LIMITED

Ofarim - Yr 7 (P7)

Location: UK

Dates: 31 July -9th August 2024

School Year: Year 7 (P7)

Price: £1,549 

Suggested Kuppah: £20

During this ten-day residential camp, Chanichimot (participants) will experience the unique culture of a Habo Dror Machaneh, whilst being immersed in a fun and stimulating tochnit (educational programme) and meeting up with old friends and new.

Tiyul

The Chanichimot split into smaller Kvutsot for tiyul during camp, accompanied by their Madrichimot. Hiking through the stunning English countryside, being introduced to the famous Habo ruach (spirit) and singing around the campfire makes for a fun-filled and adventurous time bonding with the rest of the kvutsah.

Megasite

At Megasite, the Chanichimot are introduced to the camp’s creative tochnit and meet the rest of the Madrichimot and shichvot (year groups). Here they will have peulot ran for them in a fun and engaging way and learn all about the magic of Habonim Dror.

PLEASE NOTE SPACES ARE LIMITED

Nemerim - Yr 8 (S1)

Location: UK

Date: 31 July – 13th August 2024

School Year: Year 8 (S1)

Price: £1,749

Suggested Kuppah: £25

Tiyul

The Chanichimot split into smaller Kvutsot for tiyul during camp, accompanied by their Madrichimot. Hiking through the stunning English countryside, being introduced to the famous Habo ruach (spirit) and singing around the campfire makes for a fun-filled and adventurous time bonding with the rest of the kvutsah.

Megasite

On Megasite, the Chanichimot are introduced to the theme of camp as well as experiencing some of the fun peulot (activities), including the legendary Murder Mystery and Colour Wars.

PLEASE NOTE SPACES ARE LIMITED

Rishonim - Yr 9 (S2)

Location: UK

Date: 31st July -13th August 2024

School Year: Year 9 (S2)

Price: £1,749

Suggested Kuppah: £25

Tiyul

The Chanichimot split into smaller Kvutsot for tiyul for a portion of camp, accompanied by their Madrichimot. Hiking through the stunning English countryside, being introduced to the famous Habo ruach (spirit) and singing around the campfire makes for a fun-filled and adventurous time bonding with the rest of the kvutsah.

 

Megasite

Once they get to Megasite the Chanichimot delve deep into the tochnit which the Madrichimot have made for them. The peulot are always creative and engaging whilst still managing an educational twist.

PLEASE NOTE SPACES ARE LIMITED

Sayarim - Yr 10 (S3)

Location: Holland

Date: 31st July – 14th August 2024

School year: (Year 10 / S3)

Price: £1,877

Suggested Kuppah: £30

Described by a leading Jewish educator as “the premier Holocaust seminar for teens in Europe”, Sayarim offers Chanichimot the experience of a lifetime before next year’s Israel Tour. Sayarim is a renowned camp amongst all Habonimniks and always one of the most popular – a real highlight of chanichimots’ Habo journey.

As everyone involved with Habonim Dror knows, Sayarim is truly special. The shicvah (year group) is on a separate site to our other camps, and as such has a unique bonding experience and group atmosphere.

Learning about the Holocaust and Antisemitism

Chanichimot will begin their journey learning about the Holocaust and its place in Jewish history – in what promises to be an unforgettable and meaningful experience. The tochnit (educational programme) helps Chanichimot of all educational backgrounds to engage in discussions about the Holocaust and Antisemitism and how it affects us today. The content is creative, delivered in an informal way unlike school history lessons, allowing chanichimot to grapple with the dilemmas of commemorating the Holocaust today, whilst learning about Habonim Dror’s history in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Activities

As learning about the Holocaust can be very intense, we recognise the need to maintain a balance for the Chanichimot on Sayarim. Chanichimot always feedback that the intensity of the educational journey makes the traditional Habo fun even more magical. They have all the machaneh highlights they are used to such as Yom Habo, Yom Israel, Colour Wars and Murder Mystery. There are regular sports activities such as our beloved UCC tournament and there are plenty of opportunities to relax and bond with friends and leaders.

The great outdoors

Sayarim includes a portion of tiyul in the picturesque Dutch countryside with their newly formed kvutsah. In small groups, accompanied by fully trained Madrichimot, the Chanichimot will have a real Habo adventure – sleeping under canvas and hiking whilst singing their favourite Habo chants as loud as they possibly can.

Days out

Chanichimot will get to travel around Holland for a variety of excursions, including a trip to Amsterdam!

PLEASE NOTE SPACES ARE LIMITED

Tour - Yr 11 (S4)

Click here for information about Israel Tour

Participant Feedback

When asked “Would you like to come to Habo summer camp again”, 97% answered YES.

“Being a part of Habo has genuinely changed my life. From the unforgettable activities to the lifelong friendships made, I feel so lucky to be able to have experienced the magic of this wonderful movement”

“It is an enriching experience with new friends and fun every day”

“Going on Habo is always such a joy because you know you are going to meet the most amazing people and make unforgettable memories. I’m always excited to go back because the leaders work so hard to plan exciting peulot and make sure that you have the best time!

“You will love Tiyul”

“You will have a great time and make new friends whilst forming your own opinions and becoming more educated on interesting topics.”

“Everyone was really nice and the activities were so much fun. The madrichim were really approachable and kind.”

“It was a good mixture of fun and education.”

“Every time I’m on Habo I adore every minute of it. I get to spend time with friends from different cities and learn about our Jewish culture. The leaders on Habo have been such great mentors to me. I have learnt so much from them and that is why I can’t wait to lead and share the knowledge I have learnt from my leaders on to younger years who hopefully will feel inspired too.”

“I could just be myself.”

 

Parent Feedback

“Massive thank you to all the Madrichim for making camp such a blast for my son. He does not know where to start. So much fun and so much to tell. We really appreciate all your hard work and dedication in making those Habo lasting memories. Hope you get some well-earned rest. See you next year!”

 “Massive thank you for all the behind the scene organising that went into another successful year of Habo camp. My son and daughter just had the best time on Nemerim and Rishonim. We are incredibly lucky that Habo provides the opportunity for our kids to have an incredible experience, creating special memories (and friendships) that’ll last them a lifetime.”

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and all the leaders for the organisation and structure of Sayarim. My two had a fantastic time and have not yet stopped talking about it. The Madrichim clearly worked so hard to make this a memorable experience for the Chanichim.”

“I just wanted to thank everyone who was involved in summer camp. My son had a wonderful time and he has so many stories to tell and amazing memories that will stay with him.”

“A huge thank you to all the fantastic leaders for looking after our children and making Holland a place full of amazing memories for them.”

“A special thank you to the welfare officer whose incredible support and thoughtfulness enabled my son to overcome his initial home sickness…please can you pass on my thanks from a very grateful mum for looking after “her baby” so well!”

“Thank you so much for the wonderful time my 10-year-old had on Efrochim camp I know how much hard work is involved so thank you to you all. Here’s to next year!”

FAQs

What does a typical day on camp look like?

There is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ on a Habo summer camp! However, each day will consist of a number of informal and educational peulot (activities) as well as kef (fun) peulot. Each day includes some ‘free time’ where chanichimot can relax with their friends with madrichimot nearby to hang out with too. A number of special traditional activities which have become synonymous with Machaneh will also be run for chanichimot over the course of their camp, including Colour Wars, Mifkad (gathering), chuggim (a choice of activities), camp fires and the legendary Murder Mystery. We also incorporate special days such as our ‘Yom Habo’ which usually takes on a fun theme e.g Harry Potter and activities revolved around that, and also ‘Yom Israel’ which is a day where we learn about and celebrate Israel.

What happens if my child is unwell/in case of emergency?

Fully qualified first aiders are present for the duration of camp. There is also a Movement Welfare Officer on Megasite. All madrichimot are trained in basic first-aid issues, with Roshimot (heads of camp) having received welfare training pertaining to issues such as physical and/or mental health, and age-specific needs. Please be assured our madrichimot are prepared for problems that may arise during camp. It is important to us that your child is in the safest hands possible on a Habonim Dror Machaneh.

Can I contact my child while they are away on camp?

In order to encourage chanichimot to be fully engaged, not only in our activities but also in their own social activities, Habonim Dror Summer Machanot operate a strict no-mobile phone policy. This also ensures the safety and security of all those involved as it would be impossible for us to monitor their social media activity. It minimises the potential for homesickness, as well as eliminating the risk of phones being lost / damaged. It also minimises the divide between children of different economic backgrounds and pushes the chanichimot to have deeper in-person relationships with one another. Each chanichol will be encouraged to make at least one phone call home during camp, and if they wish to call home in addition to this, they are very welcome to do so – they just need to ask their madrichimot. Please understand that some children also opt not to call home – take this as a good sign! Our team of movement workers are contactable 24 hours a day in case of an emergency and we ask parents to support us in enforcing the no-phones policy in order to ensure all chanichimot are in the same position.

Who will be looking after / running activities for my children?

Each camp has its very own tzevet (leadership team) of between 10 and 15 madrichimot (leaders). The madrichimot on each tzevet have a mixture of ages between 17-20 and will represent a balance of genders. Every madrichol has been DBS checked and is safeguarding aware.

Each tzevet will be led by two Roshimot (heads of camp) who are aged 21+ and responsible for organising their tzevet and ensuring their Machaneh is running smoothly and efficiently. Roshimot will also ensure that any welfare issues that arise over the course of Machaneh are dealt with swiftly and appropriately – so that every camper is a happy camper.

Each camp will also have designated rakazimot (organisers) who are responsible for overseeing the logistical needs of the camp, as well as making sure the camp’s kitchens and store rooms stay fully stocked. There will also be movement workers (full-time employees of Habonim Dror) on Megasite for the duration of Machaneh, who are fully contactable should any emergencies arise over the duration of camp.

What are the meals like?

We provide a vegetarian and pescatarian menu. Our choice not to provide meat is based on our values of tikkun olam (reparing the world) and our concerns regarding the impact meat has on climate change. There will always be ample quantities of prepared food for each meal aswell as options for those who are fussier so the children should never go hungry. If your child has particular foods they will not eat, please mention this in the application form and if there are specific requirements please call the office to discuss. We have a strictly NO NUTS policy so please ensure you child does not bring anything that may contain nuts. If found, they will be confiscated.

Will I get updates from the madrichimot?

We send a couple of email updates each week to parents, and each camp will post some photos on our Facebook page (Habonim Dror) and on our instagram (@habodroruk) every few days. We aim to get as many photographs as possible, but the priority for the madrichimot will always be the care of your children, so whilst they will aim to document the camp as well as possible, it might not always be the case that your child will appear in the photos on Facebook. We ask you to be assured that no news is good news and your kids are probably having too much fun to stop and smile for a photo!

Deposit

A deposit is required upon application for Summer Camp, unless other arrangements have been agreed with Habonim Dror. The deposit may vary depending on which camp you apply for. Please note that the deposit for camp is non-refundable.

Early Bird offer

Discounted Early Bird Prices are available for registrations and deposits received up and including to the early bird date indicated next to the camp. The Full Price applies after this date.

Our Early Bird Price Deadline is the 20th February 2024. 

(Please note, Habonim is committed making our events accessible. Financial assistance may be available if needed. For more information, please contact hersch@habodror.org.uk in confidence to discuss.)

Confirmation

We will review your application and assess it against our selection, safeguarding and welfare criteria. Acceptance and a place on camp are subject to written formal confirmation and payment of the balance in full (or as per agreed alternative arrangements.)

Sibling discount

10% discount can be given on your youngest child’s place if you have more than one child attending summer camps.

Balance

Any outstanding balance must be paid in full by the date we set at launch. Habonim Dror reserves the right to impose a surcharge in the event of circumstances beyond the control of Habonim Dror. Any cancellations after this date still require the full amount to be paid as written in our terms and conditions.

Travel

All camp prices as stated throughout this brochure constitute a fully inclusive camp package – including insurance and arranged travel from Leeds, Manchester and London. If you wish to travel from a location not included in this list, we ask you to let us know as early as possible so that we can discuss the options.

Kuppah

Kuppah is a unique group kitty system which stems from Habo Dror’s core belief in equality.

On Machaneh we try to create a unique environment that is different from the outside world. Under the guidance of the madrichimot, the chanichimot will make shared decisions on how they choose to spend their kuppah on any extras for their kvutsah.

This helps build group bonding, mutual respect and trust within the Kvutsot and means your children will not need any additional money. This helps to lessen the differences between the childrens’ economic backgrounds which can often affect them socially. We strive for all children to feel equal to their peers in a Habo environment.

Financial Assistance

We are proud of our socialist ethos and believe that wherever possible no child should be deprived of a Habonim Dror experience due to financial difficulties.

If you require financial assistance, procedurally, you will have to complete a full online application for your child. There is a specific Yes/No question in the online application where you can indicate your interest in applying for financial assistance, this will automatically reduce the deposit amount. We will then be in touch shortly afterwards with a seperate application form.

Be assured that your enquiry and any discussions will be treated in confidence and with sensitivity. We understand that these exceptional COVID-times have affected many families and recognise that families who might otherwise never have thought of applying may be facing greater financial difficulty at this time.

Please note that applications for financial assistance are subject to a degree of means-testing and the provision of supporting documentation depending on the request and circumstances, and that bursary funds are limited.

If you are in a position to do so, please consider a donation to our bursary fund to enable us to continue this important aspect of our machanot and events.

For more information please contact Hersch Kikoler on 020 8209 2111 or email hersch@habodror.org.uk.

Cancellations and Refund Policy

For full details on our cancellation policy, please read the full terms and conditions here.

General Info

Insurance

Full details of our insurance policy are available upon request. Should you feel that our policy is not satisfactory we advise you to take out your own cover.

Security

We take security into careful consideration, working in conjunction with the Community Security Trust (CST). For more information, please contact us.

Cultural Judaism

Habonim Dror is a culturally Jewish youth movement. We are not affiliated to any synagogue but are committed to exploring Shabbat in a creative and meaningful way such as through music, humanistic prayers and relating the Parasha of the week to something meaningful and relevant in today’s society.

Food

Habonim Dror UK operates a vegetarian / pescetarian food policy on all residential activities. We strive to ensure that all meals constitute a balanced diet.

Allergies

Habonim operates a strict NO NUTS policy on all camps; however, we cannot guarantee that all products used have been produced in nut-free environments. Please ensure you include all dietary requirements and food allergies on the medical form provided. In exceptional circumstances a member of the movement work team will contact you to discuss your child’s requirements where necessary. However, if you have particular concerns or want additional information, please contact us directly. Please help us keep a nut-free environment by refraining from sending your child with food containing nuts. If food that contains nuts if found then we will have to confiscate it.

Group Dynamics and Behaviour

Friend requests, individual behaviour and group dynamics will each be considerations in managing participation during the programme itself. Habonim Dror reserves the right to reject an Application based on prior behavioural issues, or to send a Participant home from the programme for what we deem unacceptable behaviour.

We aim for Habo to be a very inclusive environment for people to grow closer to their old friends and discover new friendships too. We have structures designed for making friends and growing closer to the madrichimot. For example a regular activity on camp is where chanichimot are put in small groups with a madrichol and given questions to ask one another or asked to share how their day is going so that the chanichimot can become closer as a group and create meaningful friendships.

The Madrichim (leaders)

Our Madrichim (leaders) are all fully-trained and well-equipped to lead on Machaneh. Habo Dror has a rigorous hadracha (leadership) course which begins on Israel Tour. Our Madrichim receive year-round training in education, welfare and a wide range of leadership skills.
Habo Dror seeks to educate the next generation of British Jews into becoming tomorrow’s strong and courageous leaders. The informal and dynamic youth movement environment allows for their empowerment, self-realisation and ultimately, the moulding of inspiring and responsible leaders.

“The Madrichim clearly worked so hard to make this a memorable experience for the Chanichim.”

“My madrichim were really approachable and kind.”