My Nonprofit Reviews
mollyjoblue
Review for URJ Kutz Camp, Warwick, NY, USA
I was a participant at the Kutz Camp for Reform Jewish teens for two summers in the Regional Board Leadership track. I am a 17 year old high school senior from Omaha, Nebraska and I am currently serving my second term as the North American Federation of Temple Youth Missouri Valley Region Social Action Vice President. From my time at Kutz, I have learned how to maintain a group of teen's attention, advocate for social action causes I believe in (and help others find causes they are passionate about and make effective change), write innovative educational programs, work with adult leadership, and practice online etiquette. While learning and playing at Kutz, I met the best and the brightest national youth leaders and the friendships and partnerships I have made at Kutz will extend far beyond my high school years. Alike, the skills that I have gained with pertain to my experiences in college and as a professional. Kutz could be improved with increased scholarship funds and recruitment. Unfortunately, both of these things are expensive. One thing Kutz has done to cut back on the costs of recruitment is working with the youth to recruit their peers. The Kutz Leadership Team has collaborated with high school Kutz alum to promote the leadership experience at NFTY Regional retreats and local chapter events.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My ability to work with adults comfortably. I can speak to Rabbis, other clergy, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism legislative assistants, Senators, teachers, professionals, and other adults with ease and confidence.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Like to spend more than 3 weeks at camp!
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The relationships with students from across the nation. Last year, I worked with a regional leader from CA, from Kutz, on the NFTY Action Theme. The theme suggests a topic for social action projects in NFTY (http://www.nfty.org/resources/actiontheme/).
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Phenomenal. All of the Kutz Staff is made of Kutz Alum. The counselors, clergy, and guest speakers inspired me to take NFTY to the next level. They reviewed my programs and provided constructive criticism for my ideas.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Provide scholarships for all NFTY leaders to attend and invite in brilliant guest speakers. In turn, NFTY would attract more quality members and the leadership capabilities and insight would reverberate amongst all Reform Jewish teens in North America.
Ways to make it better...
More people from the Missouri Valley region could attend Kutz. The travel and program costs inhibit teens from attending.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Appealing to participants- however, Kutz has done a phenomenal job putting itself out there. Three years ago, Kutz was considering shutting it's doors. Last summer there were 197 participants (100% increase from previous summers).
One thing I'd also say is that...
NFTYites are the future of the American Region Jewry. In a time when religion is faltering in America, the community we build for our teens is crucial. We must give our teens the skills to carry on our faith, and Kutz is the place to do that.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
