JTConnect’s Summer of Service (SOS) program is a weeklong (June 19 – 23) social action camp for teens (incoming 7th-10th grade) in West Hartford and the surrounding towns during the week of June 19 n- 23, from 9 a.m.. to 4 p.m.

SOS gives teens the chance to explore needs in our local community, develop key leadership skills and build relationships, and develop a well rounded understanding of the organizations they volunteer with each day and the communities they serve. 

Each morning when 40+ teens arrive for our Summer of Service (SOS) program, they enjoy a healthy breakfast together, and then they participate in a robust morning program that includes intentional community building, meaningful intention setting about being of service (lead by local clergy), and staff facilitated activities that explore the need and causes students care about most. Throughout the week teens develop their own potential for creating real change in the world through social action. 

Once the morning program is completed, teens board a bus and embark on their volunteer opportunity for the day which has been planned in partnership with local nonprofit organizations. This past Summer 2022, the SOS program volunteered with the following Greater Hartford area nonprofit organizations: My Sister’s Place, The Midwest Food Bank -New England, Loaves & Fishes, Dignity Grows and Jewish Family Services.

Each year we expand our scope by partnering with organizations we have not yet served, and also ensuring we return to volunteer with partners we have supported in the past. After each day of service together, teens enjoy a spirited afternoon of fun and recreation together – creating a unique hybrid social action camp experience. Examples of such activities are, a high ropes course, bubble soccer, and kayaking in the Connecticut River. This wonderful hands-on program wouldn’t be possible without our local synagogue partners and clergy, and generous donors who ensured scholarships are available to students who needed them.

SOS is open to all incoming 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th graders. The cost: $350; Early Bird – $300 if registered by May. Financial Aid is available. No teen is turned away because of financial need.

9:00am Drop-Off and 4:00pm Pick-Up at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford. We will be travelling by bus to and from site locations.Staffed by JTConnect Staff. For more information, visit jtconnect.org/SOS or contact Debra at debra@jtconnect.org