Kutz's NFTY Mitzvah Corps is a program specifically for Jewish children with autistic behavior and special needs.
Every summer, we invite small groups of children to come to camp and enjoy an atmosphere filled with Jewish values, songs, worship and love. During their 7 and 5 day stays, the children interact with a trained staff of professionals and counselors. High school age participants of the Kutz leadership program act as mentors, who spend a few hours each day with these children, providing a warm smile and a helping hand at meals, during their programs, in the pool and at bedtime.
The Kutz high school campers gain a heightened sense of mitzvah and an insight into the meaning of diversity through the NFTY Mitzvah Corps program. The goals of the camping experience, after all, are to validate differences and build community from our diversity. Within the living camp environment, we find the greatest resonance between special-needs minority identity and Jewish minority identity, with their unique yet overlapping rewards and challenges.
The success of the NFTY Mitzvah Corps program is due to intensive planning and staffing. Mitzvah Corps campers receive 24 hour in-residence, comprehensive medical supervision, as well as individually tailored, constant interaction with staff specialists and NFTY campers.
If you are interested in serving as a Mentor, please check off the Second Session Social Action option on your Camp Application. 
If you are the caregiver or know a child with autistic behaviors or is developmentally disabled, please contact the URJ Kutz Camp office directly at 845.987.6300 or email kutzcamp@urj.org.
2007 Mitzvah Corps Dates
Session 1
7 day program |
July 19th - August 5th |
Session 2
5 day program |
August 6th - August 12th |
