Teens
teen programs
At the J, teens can volunteer, learn, lead, travel, and play. We are proud to offer a diverse array of programs for teens in 6th – 12th grade. The J is committed to building strong leaders within the Jewish community and beyond.
- Culinary
- Gymnastics
- Houston Connect 68
- JCC Maccabi Games
- J-Teen Philanthropy Initiative
- Sports & Recreation
- Tennis
- Theatre
Houston Connect 68
HC68 is a fun, safe community program which offers an exciting mix of social opportunities designed for middle school students, open to the community, members and public. Monthly events will feature a wide variety of positive experiences designed to help bridge the gap between pre and post Bar/Bat Mitzvah and high school programs. HC68 allows middle school students to begin to understand the privileges and obligations of being a member of a community.
Mark your calendar! You don’t want to miss these Houston Connect 68 events!
HC68: Purim Party | February 21
Celebrate Purim with the J! Celebrate with Singo Bingo, live music, raffles and hamantaschen! Don’t forget your Purim costume!
HC68: Urban Air | March 21
Get ready for some high-flying fun at Urban Air Adventure Park. Enjoy trampolines, go-karts, climbing walls and more!
HC68: Pool Party | April 25
It’s a pool party! Summer is almost here and HC68 invites you to make a splash at the JCC recreational pool. Swim with friends, relax in the shade, and enjoy Kona Ice. 5th graders- it is your turn to experience HC68! This event is open to all 5th-8th graders.
JCC Maccabi Games
JCC Maccabi 2026 Is Going to Kansas City and Toronto!
Join 3,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the globe at the world’s largest Jewish youth sporting event. The JCC Maccabi Games offers Olympic-style sports competitions, including opening and closing ceremonies; travel; community service; social and cultural events; and opportunities to make friends and memories to last a lifetime.
Teens in the Kitchen
Let’s Get Cooking!
Join us in the Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio for Teens in the Kitchen, our brand-new cooking series for ages 13-18. Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident home cook, these classes are designed just for teens to build skills, explore global cuisines and have fun in the kitchen with friends.
Classes are open to everyone at a special reduced rate, making it easier than ever to get cooking at the J.
Part of a group? We also offer private Teens in the Kitchen sessions for BBYO chapters, youth groups, sports teams, school programs and more looking for a unique, hands-on experience.
For more information, contact Olivia Rangel at 713.551.7216 or orangel@erjcchouston.org.
Teens in the Kitchen is an initiative supported by a grant from the Houston Jewish Community Foundation.
J-Teen Ambassador
8th – 12th Grade
What does it mean to be a J-Teen Ambassador?
J-Teen Ambassadors will volunteer their time to help support programs at the J. This is ideal for teens who want to grow, connect, and create positive change. There are many areas of programming where J-Teen Ambassadors can volunteer including but not limited to: Family Engagement, Israel programs and Meals on Wheels.
Volunteer/service hours will be given based upon level of participation.
How to Become a J Teen Ambassador
Registration for the J Teen Ambassador program is open to teens in grades 8-12. Once accepted, teens will need to complete a short online training module before being added to the distribution list to receive information on upcoming opportunities. Ready to apply? Click here!
Questions? Email Barrie, Teen Program Supervisor at bskalsky@erjcchouston.org.
J-Teen Philanthropy Initiative
9th – 12th Grade
The J-Teen Philanthropy Initiative (JTPI) aims to inspire a diverse group of high school students to make a real difference in the greater Houston Community and beyond. Participants will raise and allocate upwards of $10,000 to address real community issues through a consensus building and project-based learning model. Teens will meet bi-monthly to research, explore organizations, and causes they wish to support, learn about the process of grant making, hear from local philanthropists, and explore Jewish values.
Since 2018, JTPI has granted over $75,000 to dozens of Houston-based non-profits, including Second Servings, Jewish Family Services: Sources of Strength, RaiseUp Families, The Women’s Home, and Target Hunger.
Applications for the 2025-2026 First Year Cohort are closed. Please check back in late Spring 2026 for next year’s application.
Target Teen Leadership
10th – 11th Grade
Target Teen Leadership is a semester long experiential leadership training program for 20 existing and high potential 10th and 11th graders in the greater Houston Jewish community. Teens will receive exposure and awareness to a breadth of Jewish community executives and agencies, develop a network of peers across the community and provide tools and resources for a variety of leadership topics that are applicable to present day and in the future through a Jewish lens. Nomination and application required.
Counselor-in-Training
Rising 10th Graders
As a counselor-in-training (C.I.T.), teens in 10th grade will gain the skills necessary to lead and be successful as a future camp counselor! During the first week, CITs participants will learn how to be effective role models, gain insight into youth and adolescent development, and build a repertoire of games, activities, language, and techniques that will enhance their ability to create a safe, positive and fun camp environment. The second and third week of being a CIT includes being assigned to a specific camp to assist existing staff in supervising campers, supporting group activities and enriching the social and educational experience of the campers. CPR and First Aid training is provided during the first week. Teens will earn 60 volunteer hours.
Teens can be a CIT for both sessions that are being offered. Please contact Barrie Skalsky for more information.
Teen Employment Opportunities
Teen Employment Opportunities
Have your first job at the J! Starting at 15, teens are eligible to work in various departments including camp, aquatics, KidZone and fitness. See what teens are saying about working at the J.
“I love seeing the direct effect my influence makes on the children, especially seeing their smiles!” – Bailey, J Camps counselor
“I like working as a lifeguard because it gives me responsibility and experience in safety and regulation while getting to spend time with my friends and coworkers.” – Victoria, lifeguard
Check out our career page and get started on your application!
