Page 4 - Issue 29
P. 4
Youth movements lobbied for increase
in residential camp numbers
By Rosa Doherty, Jewish Chronicle, June 15, 2021
Relief as government raises maximum to 30
Jewish youth movements lobbied for the increase in
numbers allowed to attend residential camps from June
21, the JC has learned.
On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced
the rise from six to 30, thanking Tory MP Sir Graham
Brady, who had raised the issue on behalf of Jewish
youth movements.
Led by Habonim Dror and its national director Harrison
Engler, they had been lobbying the government over
the regulations for a number of weeks. There was
concern that thousands of young people would miss out
on the opportunity to attend camps over the summer as
lockdown restrictions eased.
A letter sent by Habonim and supported by a number of
other youth movements had implored the government
to consider “the positive impact of residential activities
on young people’s mental health and wellbeing”.
The youth groups argued: “Children and young people
benefit greatly from the independence, resilience-
building and sense of community they learn at
residential camps. For our community, they are crucial
in building a sense of Jewish identity, allowing young
