Weekly Newsletter Guest Statement
Georgie Davis
Federal Co-Mazkira Netzer
This July, Netzer Australia had an extremely successful Winter Camp season, bringing ruach (spirit), chinuch (education) and community to the school holidays!
With a total of 240 chanichim (participants) on camp, the 2025 Winter Camp season has been our biggest to date! Chanichim from grades 3-12 from around Australiav(NSW, VIC, WA and SA) came to one of our three camps – VIC Winter Camp, NSW Junior Winter Camp and NSW Senior Winter Camp. For 37 of these chanichim, it was also their very first time on camp!
On camp, Netzer’s educational programming focuses on the themes of Progressive Judaism, Reform Zionism, and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Camp is a safe space for chanichim to learn more about their Jewish identity surrounded by their Jewish peers.
During the week, chanichim participate in fun and educational programs in their own year levels. Over Shabbat, everyone on camp comes together to celebrate, participate in the Shabbat activities and beautiful services (Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday Night, Shacharit on Saturday Morning, and Havdalah on Saturday evening).
Netzer offers chanichim in year 11 the opportunity to lead on Winter Camp as madatzim (junior leaders). This year, we were proud to support 23 madatzim in their hadracha (leadership) journey as they grow up in the movement.
Sydney Camp was called Machane Kessem (Camp Magic) and was a truly magical experience! Chanichim spent lots of time connecting with one another, enjoying nature, and even went kayaking!
We are also very grateful to have had Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein, Rabbi Rafael Kaiserblueth, and Rabbi Nicole Roberts from Emanuel and NSTE visit over the camp season, educating on many topics including magic and Judaism. Chanichim also listened to an engaging and informative panel discussing various perspectives on issues and ideas within Israeli society.
Melbourne Camp was called Machane Teva (Camp Nature) and chanichim had a great time surrounded by the incredible scenery.
The chanichim had so much fun participating in outdoor activities at the campsite, including a flying fox and giant swing, beginning the week on an exciting note!
Shabbat was a magical experience with beautiful services, Israeli dancing and a lovelyShabbat Dinner. On Saturday afternoon, chanichim also participated inactivities ran by the madrichim (leaders) focussed on issues about which they are passionate, and an activity ran by Noa (Past Netzer Federal Mazkira) which the chanichim loved!
This camp season was a testament to the incredible community that Netzer provides.It was extremely special for our chanichim to be surrounded by such a warm and accepting Jewish environment in which they could experience Jewish joy!
We cannot wait for our upcoming Summer Camps in January 2026 (Federal Senior Camp: 5-12 January, Sydney Junior Camp: 16-20 January, Melbourne Junior Camp: 20-25 January).
To hear more about camp, feel free to contact us at federal@netzer.org.au
