NFTY SO Spring Kallah

NFTY SO Spring Kallah

Friday, March 31- Sunday, April 2

Get ready for a fun-packed, teen-powered weekend at Jacobs Camp!

Come join Jewish teens from across the Deep South and beyond! We’re going back to the 1960s together. Spring Kallah will include exciting and engaging programs, community building with both existing and new friends, environmental justice-themed topics and meaningful t’filah experiences all at Jacobs Camp! We cannot wait to see you there.

Weekend Schedule

FRIDAY 3/31
5:00-5:30 Drop off/Arrivals
5:30 Mixer
6:00 T’filah
7:00 Dinner
7:45 Song Session
8:15 Program 1
9:00 Snack
9:30 Free Time
10:30 Lila Tov
SATURDAY 4/1
8:45 Breakfast
9:30 T’filah
11:00 Break
11:15 Program 2
12:15 Lunch
1:15 Rest hour
2:30 GA
3:00 Snack/canteen
3:30 Program 3
4:45 Prep for Dinner
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Havdalah/Song Circle
7:30 Big Fun!
9:30 Free Time
11:00 Lilah Tov

 

SUNDAY 4/2
8:00 Wake Up
8:30 Breakfast and Closing
9:30

L’hitraot –

9:30  bus departure

9:45 parent pick up

Travel Information, Scholarship and FAQs

Arrival

  • All participants should arrive to Jacobs Camp between 5-5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31

Departure

  • All participants must leave camp no later than 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 2.

Other Travel Notes:

  • Busses will leave from JCDS in Metairie (departure time at 1:00 p.m.) and Temple Israel in Memphis.
  • Teens are now permitted to drive themselves to and from NFTY events per new URJ policies. Parents must sign a release form. The release form is linked here.
  • Please note that travel to and from Jacobs Camp is not included in the registration fee.

Scholarship:

  • Families are expected to first seek scholarship from their local communities, including synagogues and federations. Your synagogue’s Youth Professional(s) or Executive Director should be able to help you.

Other FAQs:

What is NFTY? What is Spring Kallah?

  • All 8th-12th graders are welcome to attend this teen-powered weekend. Spring Kallah  is full of exciting programs, meaningful tefillah experiences, and NFTY/camp activities, all led and planned by teens. All are welcome, whether you are a first-timer or returning NFTYite. 
  • NFTY is a movement that builds strong, welcoming, inspired communities through teen-powered engagement. Together, we pursue tikkun olam (repairing the world), personal growth, youth empowerment, and deep connections, all rooted in Reform Judaism. What makes NFTY different than other youth organizations are our 13 Principles . When you register, the teen and parent both agree to these ideals. NFTY events maintain high expectations of being a caring and safe community. To this end, each participant and parent will sign off on the NFTY Brit K’hilah, our code of conduct.

Who plans the weekend?

  • Our NFTY Southern Regional Board consisting of 6 teens from across the Southern region have been working hard to plan the retreat. Jacobs Camp is proud to host a fun 1960s-themed weekend with topics from community building to environmental justice.

What should teens pack?

  • We will provide a packing list in our pre-event email sent a week before Spring Kallah. In general, clothing should be casual. In March/April, the weather at camp can be chilly, so plan to pack some warmer clothing than you would for a summer session!

What does health and safety look like for the weekend?

  • The health and safety of our teens is our number one priority. We will have a nurse on site throughout the weekend in case teens need anything. Additionally, we will be collecting medication for the weekend. We will send out more detailed information prior to the event.  
  • We will have security on site for the weekend. Additionally, we have a strong relationship with our local law enforcement in case of any emergency.  
  • We expect all participants, staff, and adults to have completed the full COVID vaccination schedule that they are age-eligible for (CDC defines this as being “up to date”). URJ Vaccine Statement can be found here.
  • Participants are encouraged but not required to take a Rapid Antigen COVID test before the weekend begins. We will not be collecting results.

Are all meals provided for the weekend? 

  • Yes, all meals are included and meet dietary needs. Please specify dietary needs on the registration form.