The Boulder JCC is reimagining what it means to build Jewish community amongst teens. This past school year, we successfully ran two of our most popular teen programs, Jewish Culture Club for high school students and NaviG8 for 8th graders. Both were held one hundred percent outdoors and in person at the Boulder JCC. Students who attended impressed us with their dedication to show up even on the coldest and darkest evenings. Over 9 different schools were represented in our programs and over the past year, we watched new friendships blossom and old friendships strengthen. We know that it was the connections and friendships which were fostered that kept teens returning each week. This past Summer, Teen Program Coordinator, Tzuria Malpica, led the first Teen Farm Camp. This successful program ran for two weeks, yet all of the participants wished it was longer. We used their feedback to create a longer, more comprehensive program for Fall 2021 called Teen Farm Cohort. In addition, we are thrilled to continue to run NaviG8 and Jewish Culture Club onsite.

If you know teens who enjoy being outside, playing group games, and spending time with goats and chickens, then Teen Farm Cohort may be the perfect fit for them. This program is designed for teens who are interested in sustainability, farming, food preservation, and making a positive impact on the world. Students in the cohort will meet weekly to learn a variety of agricultural skills such as cheese making, soap making, herbal medicine, along with chicken and goat care.Tzuria Malpica brings her extensive knowledge in homesteading and craft based programs, and over 10 years of experience working with teens to this program. Registration for Fall Cohort, which will run from October through December, is now open. Spring Cohort Registration will open in January 2022 

Jewish Culture Club is a drop in style program for high school students in and around Boulder County. This afterschool program is open to any high school student, whether or not the student identifies as Jewish. In 2020/2021 we moved Jewish Culture Club out of High Schools and onto the JCC property due to covid restrictions. This change allowed us to continue, uninterrupted throughout the school year. Jewish Culture Club will continue to meet at the JCC for the 2021/22 school year. We will have pizza every week, participate in games, and celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year, as we converse and connect. Jewish Culture Club has a one time fee of $36 which allows students to attend as frequently as they want throughout the semester. Registration for Fall/ Winter Semester is now open. 

Last but not least, our program for 8th graders, NaviG8, provides a safe place for Jewish teens as they navigate the transition from 8th grade to high school. This program provides healthy social space for teens to learn soft skills, and connect with their Jewish peers. There is a one time sign up for the entire year, and NaviG8 meets every Tuesday after school starting in October. Registration for NaviG8 is now open.  To learn more about our program, please join us for our online information session, Tuesday, July 27th from 5 – 6 pm. Register for this Zoom meeting. 

If you would like to stay informed about our teen programs, or learn more about scholarships to attend programs, please contact Teen Program Coordinator, Tzuria Malpica at tzuria.malpica@boulderjcc.org.