Teen Opportunities Overview

Jump to: MAKOM – Youth Groups – Retreats – Trips

Click this image for a guide to the opportunities available to your teen!

Not sure where to start? Click here for FAQ

MAKOM and MAKOM HIGH
^{(formerly known as HUB)
Where 7th-12th Graders find Community and Connection}

MAKOM (formerly known as HUB) is our 7th through 12th grade learning program, that engages students to deepen their Jewish knowledge, leadership skills, spirituality and social connection to their peers. Students can choose from a variety of options including our Madrichim Leadership Institute, Youth Group Events and special trips all over the country (if Covid allows).

Click to View Our HUB Brochure to get a taste of MAKOM

MAKOM CALENDAR COMING SOON

For more information on MAKOM, contact Teen Engagement Coordinator Andrew Fromer

Youth Groups
^{Connecting, Bonding and Leadership Development}

LoMPTY (Light of My People Temple Youth)
for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Graders

SoMPTY (Spark of My People Temple Youth)
For 7th and 8th Graders

GoMPTY (Glimmer of My People Temple Youth)
For 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders

Youth Group participation play such a crucial role in the development of Jewish teens. Through social outings and social action projects throughout the year, our teens have created lifelong friendships and gained hands-on experience in standing out as leaders among their peers, especially through our LoMPTY Teen Board which runs the majority of programming for their fellow teens, in addition to programs at retreats for those younger than them.

For questions and interest in our Youth Groups,
please contact our Teen Engagement Coordinator Andrew Fromer.

Retreats
^{A weekend away at “camp”}

Please note that as of now, we do plan on holding retreats this year but please bear in mind that Covid could create schedule changes.

Always one of the highlights of the year! A weekend away, out of cell service in the beautiful hills of Simi Valley at Camp Alonim. Like a weekend at summer camp filled with fun/dynamic programming, sports, campfires, music and more!

7th-12th Grade Teen Retreat: December 2 – 4, 2022

4th-6th Grade Retreat: February 10 – 12, 2023

For more information on our retreats, please contact Rabbi Julia Weisz

Trips
^{You’re home wherever you go!}

One of the most impactful ways for a Jewish teen to connect with their community is by leaving…not the community, of course, but their hometown! By venturing out into the world with a group of their fellow Or Ami teens, clergy and staff, our kids will feel at home no matter where they go, as they bonding, go through profound experiences, and see places for the first time side by side. Whether it’s just down the road at Disneyland or across the world in Israel, we would love to inspire the fun of travel in your teen! Examples of some trips…

7th & 8th Grader Disneyland – Gather at Or Ami bright and early, hit the bust to be the first one’s through the gate for a full day at Disneyland!

January 27-30, 2023 – 10th, 11th and 12th Graders head to the annual L’Taken Social Justice Seminar in Washington DC. An incredible experience as our teens get to lobby members of Congress on the issues that matter most to them. An impactful and unforgettable weekend.

8th and 9th Graders venture over to Arizona, stopping in Phoenix, Tucson and Nogales to explore Jewish life in our neighboring state as well as the Jewish perspectives on issues of immigration and refugee justice at the US Southern Border. In the past, Congregation Or Ami has organized this trip in partnership with Tzedek America. Participants gained new perspectives by meeting with non-profits, immigration lawyers and refugees, celebrated Shabbat with the Jewish community of Phoenix and visited local tourism sites along the journey.

For more information on our trips, please contact Rabbi Julia Weisz

FAQ

Are the same trips offered every year?
Do I have to register for MAKOM to attend all the trips and events?
When does it start?
What is a LoMPTY Lite Nite?

Throughout the year, our 9th-12th graders meet on various weekends for social outings; events like bowling, broomball and Shabbat on the beach. We understand that it can be hard for schedules to sometimes align for everyone. Our teen leaders on the LoMPTY Board decided that since a lot of the 9th-12th graders are at Or Ami on Wednesday nights to be Madrichim teaching assistants, why don’t they just turn that night into a “social outing?” So once a month, any 9th-12th graders are invited to join their friends at Or Ami for an hour-long LoMPTY event, free of charge. It is a way to bring the fun energy of going out to a LoMPTY event, into the temple for an hour.
Which program is right for my kid?

We think all of them! However, we understand it can be a lot to schedule. Each one offers a little something different:

Madrichim: Teens get to work as teaching assistants in exchange for community service hours. They help teachers in the classrooms, work one-on-one with students studying Hebrew, help prep and cleanup dinnertime. This is great for those in need of community service hours and/or have an interest in working with elementary school kids.

MITs (Madrichim in Training): 8th graders begin the process of becoming Madrichim, learning the basics of working in a classroom so that when they become Madrichim in 9th Grade, they do so with a great knowledge base.

MAKOM: Teens meet up for chill time, socially catching up and a little something extra for the mind. Through special guest speakers and teachers, our teens will get to view different subjects through a Jewish lens and expand their minds. This is great for those that like to explore the concepts behind subjects like Science, Creative Writing, Sports.

LoMPTY and SoMPTY: Teens meet up for social gatherings like bowling, broomball, and Shabbat on the Beach. These are our versions of Temple Youth Group with the added bonus of leadership training…LoMPTY is led completely by the teens on our LoMPTY Board. Meeting once a month, they learn how to work together to engage and excite their fellow teens about being a part of a Jewish community.
What if I still have questions?

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