Israeli NGO Challenges Hosts Summer Camps for 1,000 Disabled Youth Across Two Locations

The Israeli nonprofit organization Challenges is running summer camps for about 1,000 children and teenagers with various disabilities at two sites this year. The camps opened on Monday in the northern Levya Forest in collaboration with the Jewish National Fund (JNF), and will also take place from July 15 to 16 in the Ben Shemen Forest, supported by JNF and Bank Leumi. At the Ben Shemen camp, dozens of Bank Leumi employees will volunteer to assist participants and facilitate activities.

Participants will engage in adapted adventure sports such as climbing walls, zip lines, ninja courses, rope bridges, tandem and hand cycling, water activities, camping, crafts, and other outdoor challenges. Professional instructors and volunteers from Challenges will lead the activities, ensuring full accommodations for the campers' needs.

Nir Cohen, CEO of Challenges, described the summer camp as a yearly highlight that offers many disabled children a rare and empowering experience. He emphasized that the camp strengthens self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and provides unique access to outdoor adventure activities not usually available to them.

JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky highlighted the organization's commitment to making forests and open spaces accessible to all populations, praising the camp for connecting nature, community, and equality. Shiri Suari, CEO of Leumi Social, noted the meaningful bonds formed between bank volunteers and campers, underscoring the partnership's social impact.

Founded in 1995, Challenges promotes inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities through outdoor adventure sports. It serves thousands annually across Israel in activities like cycling, sailing, diving, surfing, kayaking, climbing, running, and hiking, supported by over 1,500 volunteers nationwide.