Teens

Remember what it was like growing up at the J?

The teen and tween years are all about being with friends. The J helps extend social circles beyond school to foster meaningful new relationships. It’s where something fun – and someone fun – is waiting for your child every time they walk into the JCC.

Jewish Student Connection

The Jewish Student Connection provides programming opportunities throughout Chicagoland.

These inclusive high school clubs help teens find a deeper connection to Jewish values and their community. By becoming a part of the JSC experience, teens can participate in monthly club experiences as well as the following opportunities:

Summer programming to continue engagement year-round and connect JSC teens across participating schools
Scholarships to enable access to life-enriching Jewish programs such as the Maccabi Games, Diller, Write On and others
New and strengthened partnerships, including opportunities for JSC teens to give back through volunteer efforts

Learn More

Project Teen Seed613

Project Teen-Seed613

Applications for Cohort 4 Now Open!

Project Teen-Seed613 empowers Jewish teen girls to work together to identify challenges in the community and create solutions, whether big or small, that will make a meaningful difference. Fellows will practice innovative problem solving, critical thinking and human-centered design project design, discuss pressing social issues, learn business skills such as marketing, fundraising and budgeting tactics, and create community among peers.

Fellows work in small groups on their impact projects, and are partnered with a mentor – entrepreneurs, activists, and successful professionals – to guide them through the development of their project. Through innovative curriculum, supportive staff, and collaboration, Fellows will explore all aspects relating to business and entrepreneurial success throughout the program.

Fellows will participate in workshops related to issues such as breaking through the gender bias, risk-taking, and overcoming fears and self-doubt. Project Teen-Seed613 Fellows will complete the program having applied their skills learned to develop a socially responsible venture that will positively impact the community, and will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to the community at the program’s Launch Night in May.

Fellows will meet one to two times per month to work within the cohort, with their mentor, and with their small group on their impact projects. Time will also be spent on their projects outside of group sessions.

If you have any questions, contact Julie Minor at jminor@jccchicago.org or 847.763.3639.

Application for Cohort 4

Deadline: August 16, 2019

Dates for Cohort 4

2019-20 Dates

All seminars on Sundays, times are TBD and will be based off of the cohort’s schedule. They will take place in Northbrook, Evanston, and C

2019

November 3
November 24
December 8

2020

January 12
January 26
February 9
March 1
March 15
March 29
April 19
May 19 – Launch Night

Chi Town Connection

Opportunity for Youth Leaders

Teens in 8th – 11th grades can join Chi Town Connection (CTC), a year-round youth group connected to JCC Camp Chi, known nationally as one of the leading overnight camps in the country. CTC offers tons of fun and camaraderie among young people as well as unique opportunities for hands-on leadership experiences.

Teens in CTC participate in social and recreational events, community service activities and leadership opportunities, including the leadership advisory board where teens plan, promote and implement events, participate in outreach work, and help influence the growth of both JCC Camp Chi and Chi Town Connection.

CTC is open to all.

For more information about upcoming events, call Kyle Kolling, Camp Chi Program Coordinator, at 847.763.3637.

Programs for Girls

Club J

6th-8th grade
Jewish girls can use the great facilities at Bernard Horwich JCC in Rogers Park for fun nights with friends. in 6th, 7th or 8th grade girls get together for Club J – a special club designed just for Jewish tweens. They can work out, play games, go swimming or just hang out and talk. Here’s a great chance to make new friends and get together with old friends at the “J”!