Sample Schedule

Start the day with a spiritual practice.

Examples include yoga, Jewish guided meditation, early morning nature hikes, Tallit-making workshops, and traditional prayer services. The options change depending on the interests of participants, and there are always several options to choose from.

A daily ritual known as Service of the Heart. This daily ritual is a start to our day as a community.

Join in a meal prepared by the BCI kitchen.

Community Service

Avodah (literally meaning “work”) projects emphasize the Jewish value of service and the kibbutz ideal of working the land together as a community. Avodah is one of the ways BCIers can give back through various projects and work that help develop the land and support the community. Some typical Avodah projects include tending to our aquaponics garden, caring for the animals in the pasture, or working on construction projects and greening projects.

An opportunity to rest, hang out, or hike in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Jewish learning

A place for participants to immerse themselves in Jewish experiences, texts, and wisdom and reflect on the significance of Jewish values and community in their lives. Jewish learning at BCI is joyous, cultivates questions, and addresses important and relevant themes. Examples of Jewish themes explored at BCI include God, spirituality, ecology, social justice, ethics, prayer, Jewish history, theology, and philosophy.

Enjoy a meal prepared by the BCI kitchen. 

Time for yourself.

Creative workshop options

Let our artists-in-residence guide you through a creative process designed to help you find and develop your artistic voice. Workshop options in previous summers have included music, theater, dance, photography, visual arts, and creative writing. We encourage you to create an original project to present to the BCI community at the end of the summer.

It’s up to you.

Rest. Swim. Hike. Play basketball. Play volleyball. Learn to read Hebrew. Climb the adventure course. Take an optional class. Or just hang out.

Service of the Heart

Avodat Halev, or “service of the heart,” is a session of mindfulness to close out our day. Engage in guided meditation, prayer, and reflection.

Enjoy a meal prepared by the BCI kitchen.

Israeli Dance / Singing

You may come to BCI knowing no Hebrew and with two left feet, but you’ll leave humming Hebrew standards and dancing to classic and modern Israeli choreography.

Hear from a guest scholar, artist, or performer. Hang by the campfire, have a small-group discussion, camp overnight, or enjoy a social event with the BCI community.