GENERAL FAQS
What is changing?
Starting with summer 2025, we are offering both Avodah and Yallah Israel to rising 11th graders and offering the paid Machon counselor-in-training program (“Machon”) option to rising 12th graders. This change will ensure that as many teens as possible have meaningful Jewish engagement opportunities through GUCI and the URJ.
Why are you making this change?
We know from historical success that both the Avodah and Yallah Israel programs work well at these ages. There are also benefits to offering these two programs at younger ages. Currently, rising 11th graders not interested in an Israel experience have no option to attend camp that summer. Teens who choose not to go to Israel and still want Jewish engagement over the summer are left without the ability to return to their “home away from home.” For some campers, this marks the end of their GUCI experience. It is important that we offer as many opportunities for engagement at GUCI and the URJ as possible for all ages.
How does this change affect summer staff?
In addition to offering the Machon counselor-in-training program to recent high school graduates, we are offering this option to rising 12th graders as well. This will make for a larger Machon class for summer 2025 and going forward, will only be for rising 12th.
We hope this change will enable more staff members to return on staff for numerous summers.
What does this mean for summer 2026?
For summer 2026, we will continue to offer both Avodah and Yallah Israel to rising 11th graders, while offering the paid Machon counselor-in-training program to rising 12th graders.
Is this GUCI de-prioritizing Israel?
Israel education, connection to Israel, and travel to Israel remain central pillars of the URJ and GUCI programs. We are not eliminating the possibility of rising 11th graders participating in a trip to Israel with other GUCI teens. Instead, rising 11th graders will now have the option to go to Israel or to apply for the Avodah program.
Are 12th graders ready to be counselors-in-training?
GUCI has already had proven success working with rising 12th graders as counselors. Prior to 1996, most first year counselors were rising 12th graders. We are confident that with our comprehensive training and ongoing training /education throughout the summer, our staff will be as strong and capable as ever. We take great pride in our amazing summer staff and that will not change.
What kind of support will you provide these younger staff members?
We provide all our staff with extensive training prior to the summer. Our counselors-in-training will also receive ongoing training and education throughout the summer.
For those who choose Israel instead of Avodah, can they still be on staff?
Participating in Avodah is not a prerequisite to being hired as a staff member at GUCI, and we do not give priority to either group. Every staff applicant is evaluated on their own merits.
faqs for 11th graders
What is happening to the 11th graders who already enrolled in Avodah?
We have a handful of current 11th graders who have gone through the Avodah application process, been accepted to the program, and have enrolled. For that group, they have the choice whether to participate in the Avodah program or be part of the paid Machon counselor-in-training program.
We have another handful of current 11th graders who have gone through the Avodah application process, been accepted to the program, but not yet enrolled. They also have the choice whether to participate in the Avodah program or be part of the paid Machon counselor-in training program. If they choose to do Avodah, they have until Sunday, November 24th to enroll in the program. If they do not enroll by this date, we will release their spots.
For any other 11th graders who have not yet applied or did not complete their application, they are welcome to apply to be part of the paid Machon counselor-in-training program.
Does this mean current 11th graders cannot apply for Avodah?
Yes, we are no longer accepting applications for Avodah 2025 from current 11th graders. If you are in 11th grade and have not applied (or completed an application) for Avodah 2025, you are invited to apply for our paid Machon counselor-in-training program.
I (or my child) have not yet applied for Avodah but are planning to and don’t want to be on staff. What are my options?
Currently, we are no longer accepting applications for Avodah 2025 from current 11th We invite you to apply to be part of the Machon counselor-in-training program. If that isn’t the right choice for you at this time, we hope to welcome you back to your home away from home in the future.
faqs for 10th graders
Does this mean current 10th graders can apply for Avodah?
Yes, we are opening Avodah 2025 to current 10th graders.
Applicants who submit a completed application and have both of their references in on or before Sunday, December 1st will receive an admission decision on or before Sunday, December 22nd. Decisions for applicants who submit a completed application after December 1st will be made on a rolling basis.
Because of limited space, we encourage applicants to apply early.
I (or my child) am interested in going to Israel and doing Avodah. What are my options?
Current 10th graders have the choice to participate in Avodah or going to Israel with Yallah Israel. We absolutely encourage our campers to travel to Israel! Teens can enroll in the URJ Yallah Israel trip where they will experience an amazing program with other GUCI campers along with participants from around the nation. For more information on the Yallah trip, click here.
Unfortunately, due to program date conflicts and the program obligations of Avodah, teens have to choose one program or the other. We know this is a tough decision and we are here to help discuss your options.
If I choose not to do Avodah this year, can I do it next year instead?
For summer 2026, Avodah will be open to rising 11th graders only. Rising 12th graders are encouraged to apply for the Machon counselor-in-training program.
Can I go on the Israel trip instead of doing Avodah?
Yes! Yallah Israel provided 50 URJ camp teens with an incredible 2024 summer and currently has almost 75 teens already enrolled for summer 2025, even though we know the war and post October 7th has created a new reality for us all. We are still hoping for as many URJ teens as possible to attend Yallah Israel/Europe this summer.
If I don’t participate in Avodah this summer, can I still be on staff in the future?
Absolutely! Participating in Avodah is not a prerequisite to being hired as a staff member at GUCI, and we do not give priority to either group. Every staff applicant is evaluated on their own merits.
Is there a chance that I (or my child) will not be accepted into Avodah?
Avodah is an admission-by-acceptance program with a maximum capacity of 44. No applicants are guaranteed admission to the program. To apply, you must complete the following:
Application and Essay
When filling out this application, applicants will be asked to upload their response to one (1) of the essays below. The ideas and feelings applicants express in their essay are an important part of the application process. We request that applicants limit their essay response to two typed pages, double-spaced.
Essay Options:
- Describe the skills, attributes, characteristics and any relevant experiences you have had to date that form the foundation of your current leadership and/or show potential for strong leadership in the future. Identify one thing you need to improve on to increase your potential for strong leadership.
- Describe a significant occasion or instance where you accomplished something you are very proud of. Why were you successful in that effort? What obstacles, if any, did you overcome? Also, describe an occasion or instance in your life when you failed to accomplish a significant project or task, or were dissatisfied with your results. Identify why you think things did not work out as you had planned or hoped, and what you might do differently if confronted with a similar project or situation.
References
Two (2) references are required to complete applications. References can access the form through the following link: urjguci.org/avodah2025referenceform
Once completed, the Reference Form will be submitted directly to camp. We recommend that applicants follow up with their references to ensure that they complete the form promptly. Applications are not complete until camp receives both references. Applicants are welcome to contact our office to confirm receipt of their references.
Any person who knows the applicant well and who can speak to their leadership potential, except family members, can serve as a reference. In the past, applicants have asked clergy, youth directors, teachers, camp staff, employers, mentors, etc.