The residential program offers a wide range of educational and social opportunities – leadership, mentoring, community involvement, work readiness, and cultural activities – that strengthen participants both emotionally and socially. These experiences build resilience, belonging, responsibility, and self-confidence, and give every child the chance to grow within a supportive, caring community.
Parent Days Throughout the Year
About the Activity
One of the most significant cornerstones of the village is our collaborative work and close relationship with the parents.
Its Significance
Beyond daily visits, we hold four major, centralized Parent Days throughout the year:
School Year Opening Day: Includes a family activity and a meeting between the management and the parents. Hanukkah Parent Day: Features an external interactive activity and festive dinners in the family units (Mishpachtonim). Annual Play Day: Dedicated to watching the annual theater production performed by the youth. End-of-Year Event: Features a workshop in each family unit and a farewell ceremony for departing parents and staff members.
Annual Theme
About the Activity
Each year, we select a central theme. Every family unit (Mishpachton) receives a booklet divided into chapters, and during dinners, the youth study it progressively, thereby acquiring valuable general knowledge.
Its Significance
At the conclusion of the learning process, a major, highly engaging quiz is held. The theme is also highlighted and integrated into tailored field trips throughout the year.
Village Council
About the activity:
The Village Council gives participants a voice in day-to-day life at the residential program. Each family home elects a representative, and the full council then elects a chairperson. The council meets every two weeks throughout the year to discuss important topics, and representatives also take part in nationwide gatherings.
What it builds:
This gives participants the opportunity to have a voice, influence decisions, and take an active role in village life.
The Village Race
About the Activity
The major event marking the start of the year, which has become a long-standing tradition. The National Service volunteers (Benot Sherut) prepare a competitive game between the family units (Mishpachtonim). Each unit is assigned a specific color and embarks on a contest based on running, critical thinking, sensory tastings, and creativity.
Its Significance
Achieving victory demands full collaboration across the entire group, serving our primary goal for the beginning of the year: fostering unit pride within each family unit and building strong group cohesion.
ZEDEK (Youth Leading Forward)
About the activity:
A nationwide youth movement that operates within the residential program and is based on peer leadership. Older residents in grades 9-12 mentor the younger age groups: every three older teens lead a group (“tribe”) of about 12 younger children. Each Village Shabbat includes a branch roll call, followed by an activity session.
What it builds:
This gives the teen mentors a chance to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and collaboration, while also strengthening initiative, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging within their group. Giving teens this kind of responsibility can have a powerful impact on their personal and social growth.
The Annual Play
About the Activity
Every year, we select a play to produce together with the youth. It is a flagship event that everyone eagerly anticipates, where approximately 40 participants take the stage to sing, dance, and act in front of an audience of around 300 spectators. This presents an empowering opportunity, allowing the youth to face a major stage and discover their talents before their parents.
Its Significance
Producing the play demands hard work, perseverance, and endless dedication through roughly a month and a half of rehearsals under the guidance of a professional director—and the results are truly impressive
Mentorship Program
About the activity:
The “Sweet Connections” Mentorship Program pairs older teens (grades 9-12) with younger children (grades 1-6) for one-on-one mentorship. The program runs from Hanukkah through Passover and includes weekly one-on-one meetups, along with about four larger group gatherings.
What it builds:
The goal is to create a warm “older sibling” bond that offers support and provides a positive role model.
Bar / Bat Mitzvah Program
About the Activity
Youth celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvah during the year receive a comprehensive series of programs designed to shape their special year. Beyond the festive event organized by their family unit (Mishpachton), they participate in a value-driven educational track.
Its Significance
The program features a trip to Jerusalem with their parents, a journey to the Western Wall for the laying of tefillin, a festive meal (Seudat Mitzvah), and a special gift from the village. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to travel to London alongside local Bar and Bat Mitzvah peers, fostering international connections and lasting bonds.
Survival Trek
About the Activity
Every senior family unit (Mishpachton) in the boarding school undergoes a challenging two-day survival trek in rugged outdoor conditions, guided by a professional instructor. Throughout the journey, the group faces various physical and mental challenges.
Its Significance
Disconnecting from digital media and other distractions enables an empowering experience, both individually and collectively, through which the youth discover their inner strengths and high capabilities.
A Secure Future
About the activity:
A unique program for participants in grades 11-12, designed to build work-readiness skills early on.
What it builds:
The program follows a step-by-step path to provide comprehensive preparation. It begins with a financial course delivered by Chaim BePlus (a nonprofit), continues with choosing a field of study, and concludes with a professional course tailored to each participant.
Driving Lessons
About the activity:
The program helps cover the cost of driving lessons.
What it builds:
The village encourages participants to build independence, including earning a driver’s license – an important foundation for adult life.
Kav LaChaim (“Line to Life”)
About the Activity
Every year, we invite the “Kav LaChaim” non-profit organization to host a Shabbat of kindness and giving at our village. Approximately 20 youth with disabilities arrive alongside their personal mentors. Senior village youth (grades 9 and above) choose to stay over the weekend to host the organization’s members. Our youth initiate and organize every detail of the Shabbat—from selecting the menu, setting the tables, and preparing desserts, to arranging and making the beds. Throughout Shabbat, each senior youth accompanies a participant with disabilities, attending to all their needs.
Its Significance
Remarkable bonds are formed between the participants with disabilities and the village youth, who are exposed to a diverse and enriching population.
The Hotam (“Impression”) Project
About the Activity
Designed for 12th-grade youth, this initiative aims to allow graduating students to leave their personal mark on the village just before completing their time at the boarding school.
Its Significance
The project is part of a broader process of reflection, group bonding, and expressing gratitude. The group selects a renovation project within the village, thereby leaving a lasting legacy accompanied by a commemorative plaque. For instance, in previous years, students constructed a new barbecue area, built a pergola at the village entrance, or created a dedicated “personal time” room.
The Happiness Room Project
“The Happiness Room” is a magical space filled with a variety of gifts for all ages, created to give our birthday children a personal, embracing, and family-like experience. Each month, all the youths celebrating their birthdays are invited to a festive ceremony with the village management, where they enjoy special treats, receive a personal blessing, and enter the room one by one to choose a special gift for themselves. This project was born out of our deep aspiration to give every boy and girl personal attention, a sense of being seen, belonging, and true joy on their special day.
Village Activities & Enrichment
In our village, over ten diverse extracurricular activities are offered, ranging from music, dance, and judo to cycling, navigation, and surfing. These activities are not merely leisure time for the children; they are an integral part of the village’s therapeutic and educational program, enriching their lives, enhancing their abilities, and equipping them with essential tools for life.
Month’s Outstanding Students Program
Each month, we hold a festive ceremony to present certificates of excellence, honoring two youths from each family unit who have demonstrated exceptional progress academically, socially, or behaviorally. During this moving ceremony, the directors of the junior and senior divisions personally present each outstanding student with a certificate, a gift, and a warm note of appreciation, reflecting the counseling staff’s deep recognition of their journey and dedication.
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