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Brandeis Camp Institute

Become who you were meant to be.

BCI, or Brandeis Camp Institute, is an organization that hosts transformative experiences where Jewish and Jew-ish participants, ages 18-29, come together for multi-day retreats in Southern California. Young people from around the world meet on our idyllic campus to connect with each other and reconnect with themselves.

“I learned that my identity as a nonbinary individual does not clash with my identity as a Jew. Rather, the two complement each other and integrate with each other in such profound ways. I am very proud of myself for overcoming my challenges of stepping out of my comfort zone and reconnecting with my faith, both of which I feel I accomplished this summer at BCI.”

Joshua, 26, Boynton Beach, Florida

“Yes! I had the chance to be myself without any filter: Zionist and pro-Palestinian, queer, and Jewish. I’d never felt so accepted in my life and that’s thanks to all the amazing staff.”

Noy, 28, Tel Aviv, Israel

“I feel more like myself here than I have in a long time. My confidence has grown. It has been so amazing to feel 110% supported by the staff and other participants and it has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone in a supported way.”

Emma, 25, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Three individuals are joyfully embracing, sharing a close moment. They are standing outside a building with window reflections showing foliage.

The 26-Day Program

BCI’s 26-day program is a transformative experience comprised of Jewish learning, arts, culture, and community. Each summer Jewish and Jew-ish participants in their 20s from around the world gather for a multi-day retreat on our idyllic campus to discover who they are meant to be.

Step out of your comfort zone and find your creative voice.

2025 Retreat dates:
July 1 – 27

Program Cost: $1000

Apply by March 31st, 2025 for the Early Bird rate of $750. Significant scholarships available.

A group of nine people posing under a sunny sky with smiles, in front of agricultural equipment, with a greenhouse and a hill in the background.

The 10-Day Program

BCI’s new 10-day experience was created exclusively for Jewish and Jew-ish college students. Each day includes Jewish learning, time in nature, expression through the arts, and self-care.

College credit is available.

2025 Retreat dates:
TBD

Program Cost:
Due to the generosity of our supporters, BCI is able to offer the 10-Day BCI Experience on a sliding scale of $400 — $3,000.

Find out more about tuition here.

Meet our Director

BCI is led by Rabbi Myra Meskin. Rabbi Myra holds a Masters in Experiential Jewish Education and also serves as the Associate Director of the Maas Center. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys yoga, hiking, singing, and has a unique love for coffee-flavored foods. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Rabbi Ben Gurin, and their daughters, Eleanor and Jaynie.

Get in touch with Rabbi Myra at RabbiMyra@aju.edu.