For teens in Baltimore, there’s endless opportunities to get involved and 4Front wants to help!
We’re here to connect you to fun, interesting, and interactive opportunities that allow you explore new interests and learn new things.
Check out our list of upcoming programs and events for teens, curated by 4Front and our local and national partners!
Apps Open: March 14 – April 25, 2022 | Diller Teen Fellows & Peer Leadership Fellows 2022-2023
Applications are now open for two of 4Front’s Signature Programs, the Peer Leadership Fellows Internship and Diller Teen Fellows. These year-long immersive experiences will give teens the opportunity to grow as leaders, explore their Jewish identity, and make a positive impact in the community. Programs are open to rising 10th and 11th graders for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Learn more about these program opportunities at one of our upcoming info sessions: Monday, March 28 or Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30pm on Zoom- RSVP Here
April 8th, 2022 – April 10th, 2022 | Jewish Teens Grades 7-12 | Cost: $54 | Registration Deadline: March 11
Join LGBTQ and ally Jewish teens in grades 7-12 from all over the East Coast as we celebrate Shabbat together for a weekend! Join our one of a kind Shabbat retreats for LGBTQ and ally Jewish teens, ages 13 – 18, to learn, grow, and celebrate who you are in a warm and vibrant community.
And check Keshet’s site for other opportunities to connect and build community with other Jewish LGBTQ teens through weekly meetups and hangouts
Teen Service Council & BBYO: J-ServeSunday, April 24 | 2-4pm | Owings Mills JCC | Grades: 7-12 | Cost: FREE | Service Hours: 2
Join together for BBYO’s annual teen day of service! In partnership with BBYO Baltimore Council, 4Front, and JCC Maccabi, teens will come together to give back and have fun! Projects will support the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, helping teens build connections between Baltimore and Odessa, Ukraine and support Ukrainian refugees coming to our local area.
Tryouts: March 2022 | Games: July 31 – August 5, 2022 in San Diego, CA
The JCC Maccabi Games® are back!! This once in a lifetime Olympic-style sports and social event for Jewish teens from across the U.S. will be held in San Diego from July 31 – August 5, 2022. If you are a Jewish athlete who will be ages 13-16 (by July 31, 2022) you are encouraged to tryout this March. Please note space will be limited this year.
For more information, join our virtual info session on Thursday, March 3 at 7pm on Zoom
Prior to tryouts or if you are interested in the program, please complete this brief intake form.
Summer 2022 | Owings Mills, JCC | Grades 9 & 10
The Counselor in Training (CIT) program at J Camps offers teens entering 9th and 10th grade an opportunity to learn a variety of leadership and real-life skills during the summer. CITs learn through team building, interactive workshops, as well as participating in all the fun that camp has to offer. CITs put the skills they learn to practice while working with different age groups throughout their summer at camp. The CIT program offers a fun and safe way for teens to earn up to 80 hours of community service each session that they participate. Each session CIT’s will enjoy one amazing off-site overnight.
Session 1: June 20-July 8
Session 2: July 11-August 12
Want a job that puts your swimming talents to work while also helping you to develop leadership and teamwork skills? Sign up for an upcoming Lifeguard class at the J and then apply to join the J team. You’ll find flexible schedules, access to our fitness facilities and competitive salaries!
Sunday, February 27 | 2-4pm | Owings Mills JCC | Grades: 7-12 | Cost: $18 | Service Hours: 3
Join us for our annual muffin baking party, in partnership with Har Sinai Oheb Shalom Congregation! National Muffin Day is a baking extravaganza that brings awareness and funding to issues surrounding homelessness in America and the great organizations tackling it. Join 4Front’s baking party and learn directly from individuals who have experienced homelessness firsthand.
Date: Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021 | Time: 6:30pm | Live & Virtual
Dr. Deborah Lipstadt will join Jewish teens from across the United States for a special conversation about the challenges antisemitism presents to the Jewish community today, and the role that each of us can play in being voices for change and Jewish joy.Dr. Deborah E. Lipstadt is the White House nominee to serve as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. She is the Dorot Professor of Holocaust Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, and she has published and taught about the Holocaust and antisemitism for close to 40 years. Dr. Lipstadt’s book, Antisemitism: Here and Now was published in 2019 and awarded the National Jewish Book Award. She is frequently called upon by the Congress of the United States to testify and consult on contemporary antisemitism. Hosted by Jewish Education Project
Navigating the Social Media Storm: Anti-Israel & AntiSemitismDate: Wednesday, Nov 17 | Time: 7:00-8:30pm | Location: Zoom | Cost: FREE
Join this panel conversation with influencers who are at the forefront of combating hate online. Featuring Julia Jassey, founder of Jewish on Campus, Jess Green, founder of Challaback Girls, and Becca Hurowitz, CEO of Vibe Israel USA.
Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Questions? Contact Jeffrey Blavatt at jblavatt@associated.org or 410-369-9208.
Date: Sunday, Nov 14 | Grade: 9-12 | Cost: $18 | Service Hours: 3
Join Jewish Volunteer Connection’s Season of Service for a volunteer project with CHAI to help those in need through their Senior Home Repair Program, while learning about housing challenges in Baltimore.
Deadline: Friday, Nov 5 | Eligibility: Self-identifying Jewish girls, young women, and nonbinary teens between the ages of 13 – 19.
Hadassah Magazine, a division of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., and jGirls Magazine are co-sponsoring a teen essay contest (the “Contest”) to engage and encourage self-identifying Jewish girls and women between the ages of 13 and 19 to make their voices heard in powerful ways. The following rules (the “Official Rules”) govern the Contest. The winner of the contest will be featured in Hadassah Magazine‘s January / February issue (circulation 250,000!), on the Hadassah Magazine website, and on our site.
Deadline: Nov 4 | Start Date: Nov 7
Sign up for Rocket League Duos esports league! An individual competition for Jewish teens ages 13-16, this league will honor flexible schedules where everyone plays on their own time and allow for Jewish teens from around the globe to connect through a digital platform. Sign up on an individual basis and compete on your own schedule. The top three finishers will win $500 in gift cards and $500 discount to the 2022 JCC Maccabi Games.
Sun, Oct 24 | 1:00-2:30pm | Owings Mills JCC
Join BBYO for kickball, spike ball, gaga, snacks and hangout time with old friends and new! Open to all Jewish teens in the Baltimore area!
Date: Sunday, October 17, 2021 – 10am-1:00pm | Grade: 9-12 | Cost: $18 | Service Hours: 3
Gain a deeper understanding of food insecurity and complete a hands-on service project with Living Classrooms to support their work feeding families in Baltimore.
Friday, Sept. 10 | 4-5:30pm | Meadowood Park
Join CJE and our community in a Kabbalat Shabbat to welcome our new shinshinim, Gali, Gilad, Guy, Hadar, Liron and Tamar! Light refreshments will be served. White shirts are encouraged. Please bring a blanket.
Wednesday, August 18 | 7:00pm | Zoom
Join us on zoom to learn more about what’s in store for our 2021-2022 Signature Programs. Hear from 4Front staff about our programmatic opportunities for Jewish high-school-aged teens this year in our seasonal format and find the right fit for you! This session will be recorded for families who cannot join live.
June – August 2021 | Teen tickets $10 | Owings Mills JCC Drive-In Theater
4Front and the Gordon Outdoors are teaming up to bring you summer movie nights! Come join us at our special, teen-only drop off section for select shows this summer. A discounted $10 teen ticket will get you access to our teen section, free snacks & swag, and a space to hang out with your friends and 4Front team before the show! We’ll sit together on provided lawn chairs outside, but bring whatever else you want to get comfortable.
Movies:
Saturday, July 31: Clueless
Thursday, August 19: Grease
Purchase tickets at: https://www.jcc.org/gordon-center/outdoor-movies
For the teen discount, select JCC Member and use the discount code 4Front10
*tickets are for drop-off teen seating only, not for vehicle entry
Wednesday, August 25 | 7-9pm | Owings Mills JCC Outdoor Pool | Cost: $5
We’ve missed you! So come hang out with 4Front and your friends at our summer teen-only swim nights! Take advantage of warm summer evenings by hanging out with your friends in a fun and safe way. Space is limited, advanced registration required.
Saturday, Aug. 7 & 14 | 9am – 1pm | Foundry Row | $30
LifeBridge Health is offering sports physicals to local high school athletes prior to the start of the school year. Sports Physicals are often required for athletes to return to play for the upcoming seasons.
Email srhodes2@lifebridgehealth.org to schedule appointments.
Virtual College Road Trip 2021!Throughout June 2021
High school students and their families can explore college and Jewish life on campus on a Virtual College Road Trip, the second annual monthlong series. Each day from June 1 – June 30, the Virtual College Road Trip will offer student-led college tours, virtual information sessions with university admissions and Hillel professionals who will share insights on Jewish and general campus life, new engaging webinars on college preparedness, and other resources. For a comprehensive list of the 40 plus participating campuses across the country, visit roadtriptocollege.org.
June 1-13, 2021 | Hosted by: The Gordon Center
The Queer Jewish Arts Festival is a new series of programs celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and experiences through film, theater, music, literature and dance. This festival will highlight local and national queer Jewish artists who are making art with Jewish content. The events will amplify intersectional identity and creative expression. The festival will take place June 1-13th.
#PRIDE MONTH – LGBTQ+ Youth Sports Field DaySaturday, June 12, 2021 | 1-3pm | Ages 5-18 | UA House at Fayette | Hosted by: Unmached Athletes
Unmatched Athlete invites you to join us for our free, pre-launch FIELD DAY! LGBTQ+ youth, allies, family and friends are welcome to attend. We will be holding a KanJam tournament and soccer drills.
RSVP required for head count. $10 suggested donation (give with your ticket, in-person, or go to our GoFundMe page!)
Our Kanjam Tournament will be with teams of 2! Each team needs to have at least one youth between the ages of 11-18. Ideally, one or both team members should identify as LGBTQ+ youth. Adults are also welcome to participate. The teams who sign-up the earliest will be the first to be considered.
June 13-17, 2021 | Virtual | Hosted by: Keshet
Join us for five nights of Keshet Teen Pride Fest: a teen-powered, week-long celebration featuring interactive workshops, an open mic night, and more! This event is open to LGBTQ and Ally Jewish Youth ages 13-18 (grades 8-12).
June 2, 2021 | 8:00pm | Hosted by: Keshet
Congratulations to all the 2021 high school seniors! It is no small feat to have finished high school during this wild year and we all deserve to be celebrated for our achievements. Join Keshet in a chill, fun, welcoming tea party space for all LGBTQ Jews to talk about your accomplishments, your journeys, and your future plans! They will also be playing games and celebrating our identities as queer and trans Jews.
Laughing Matters: Jewish Teens Tackle Mental HealthMay 23 | 8:00pm ET | Hosted by: HereNow and The Blue Dove Foundation
A night of comedy and laughter about celebrating mental health and resilience through comedy. Join teens making their comedy debut and professional stand-up comedians for a night of laughter!
Workshop: Between Me, You, and UsMAY 18, 20 & 25 | 5:00-6:00pm ET | Hosted by: Moving Traditions
Between Me, You, and Us is a workshop series designed by teens, for teens, to promote understanding of and discussion around important topics relevant to exploring personal identity, communicating desires and boundaries, and building healthy relationships. The series consists of three sessions. In the first session, teens are able to gain a broader understanding of their identities by exploring their own sexuality and gender identity through various other activities. It is important to us that the teens are able to better understand their own identities in order to then explore themselves with other people. In the second session, teens are invited to begin talking about their own desires with each other and recognize their personal boundaries. In the third and final session, teens will evaluate their own attitudes and understandings of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Having a safe space for teenagers to explore these personal and meaningful topics is incredibly important as such spaces are not always readily available within the standard high school experience, and this is especially true now in a time when so many teens are navigating physical and social isolation at the same time as they try to figure out who they are are. While these three sessions are connected and we invite teens to participate in all three, participants can also pop in to any session independently. The three sessions will be held on May 18th, May 20th and May 25th each from 5-6pm.
April 12, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Partners: JCC and 4Front
On some college campuses the conversation around Israel is highly contentious and divisive. This series is to help you create engaged meaningful conversations around Israel and being Jewish on campus.
Sunday, May 2nd | Grades 9-12 | Time & Location TBA
Join 4Front’s fourth and final TSC pop-up of the year as we learn about food insecurity in our community.
Sunday, March 14th, 12:00-2:00pm | Grades 9-12 | Location: Your Kitchen | Cost: $25 | Community Service Hours: 3 Hours
Join us for our annual muffin baking party! National Muffin Day is a baking extravaganza that brings awareness and funding to issues surrounding homelessness in America and the great organizations tackling it. Join 4Front’s virtual baking party and learn directly from individuals who have experienced homelessness firsthand.
6 Sessions: Sundays, March 7 – May 26 | Grades: 9-12 | Cost: $350 ($250 for program fees, $100 towards communal fundraising goal) | Community Service Hours: 10 Hours
Want to make a difference in the community? Put your money where your mouth is! Make an impact with thoughtful, strategic, and inspired giving to causes you care about. This year, FUN(d) will feature six sessions spread throughout the three months and will focus our fundraising and allocation efforts toward community Covid-19 relief, giving participants the ability to respond to real time community needs. The program will have a hybrid curriculum of virtual meetings and in person gatherings, as covid-19 restrictions allow. Experience what it means to be a philanthropist and why it is so important to give back to the community.
February – May, 2021 | Virtual | Hosted by: Enter- The Jewish Peoplehood Alliance
One2One: An online, individualized mifgash for Israeli and Diaspora teens! Seeking Jewish teens for a one-of-a-kind program! We invite you to meet an Israeli high school student for a series of curated one on one video encounters. If you are a high-school student, and have always wanted to meet an Israeli teen who shares the same interests, now is your chance! You are invited to join One2One and create a new connection.
Each pairing will have 5 encounters over 2-3 months, beginning in February. Encounters are half hour, structured, video-based mifgashim, plus one prep meeting and exit interview. Encounters would be scheduled for Sundays. Choose a special interest track, including sport, history, art & music, or science & technology.
Interested? Email Diana Solomon at dsolomon@4frontbaltimore.org
4 Sessions: Wednesdays- Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24 | Grades: 9-12 | Virtual | Cost: $200 | Community Service Hours: 5 hours
Are you ready to make REAL change? In partnership with the Baltimore Jewish Council, STAC’s winter pop-up series will give you the opportunity to impact our state as you learn about and get involved in Maryland’s legislation process. This 4-week series is designed to expose you to the systems of government at the Federal and State levels, a variety of public policy and social justice issues, and the Jewish values that inform our community’s advocacy around these issues. During the series you’ll select a bill to lobby for or against in the State House and we’ll give you the tools to write effective, persuasive, and passionate testimony to share with state decision-makers.
Tuesday, February 2 | 8:00-9:00pm | Virtual | Hosted by: CTeen
This virtual workshop will train teens to recognize signs of one struggling with suicide and help them know what to do. The workshop will be facilitated by Mrs. Leigh Loffe, certified safeTALK trainer and mental health advocate. This is a free workshop offered by CTeen Baltimore and CTeen Gilbert.
Questions? Contact Chana Solomon at chana@jointhecircle.com
Sunday, January 17 | 1:00-3:00pm | Virtual
In partnership with JVC’s MLK Day of Service, our winter Teen Service Council pop-up will give teens the opportunity to experience a truly unique and enlightening service-learning activity by participating in the Factuality, The Game– a crash course on structural inequality in America. Thanks to our partners, this is a free program for teens grades 9-12. In Partnership With: Jewish Volunteer Connection, Elijah Cummings Youth Program, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Achshav (a program of Beth El and Chizuk Amuno Congregations), Oheb Shalom Har Sinai Congregation, and Beth Israel Congregation
Tuesday, December 15| 4:00-6:00pm | Owings Mills JCC- Sapolsky Circle 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave Owings Mills, MD 21117
New Details: Join us at the Owings Mills JCC in Sapolsky Circle for a drive-by Hannukah celebration & service project! Stop by to say hello, grab some hot cocoa and sufganiyot, and help us put together donation bags for individuals experiencing homelessness at Beans and Bread. Open to teens grades 6-12, stop by any time between 4:00-6:00pm. No RSVP needed. Please wear a mask.
Sunday, November 15, 2020 | 1:00pm | ZOOM
Hosted by: The Macks Center for Jewish Education
The Macks Center for Jewish Education invites you to learn, engage, and experience the Ethiopian Jewish Culture through the eyes of Haim, an Israeli teenager of Ethiopian descent. Hosted by the Baltimore Shinshinim, Israeli high school graduates who volunteer as informal educators in our community and schools, Haim will share his family story and traditions. A special Ethiopian gift will be delivered to those who registered by November 9th and live in Baltimore City or Baltimore County.
We welcome participants of all abilities. If you need any special accommodations, please contact shaikafox@cjebaltimore.org.
Sunday, October 25, 2020 | 1-5pm | Virtual | 4Front Signature Program
Join like-minded Jewish teens from around the country for this one-day event to learn how to become a young social changemaker and use innovative thinking to turn problems into opportunities.
Facilitated by entrepreneur and VC investor Henrik Scheel of Startup Experience, teens will go through the entire entrepreneurial process to create innovative solutions to our world’s most pressing issues. Develop your entrepreneurial mindset, boost your creative capacity, and work with teens from around the country, while learning how to use business to make a positive impact in our world!