Blog - URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy

Get in on the 2017 Eclipse Action

We are sure that by now your social media feed is full of Solar Eclipse 2017 news! Let’s get in on the action together with Sci-Tech and share photos of the Eclipse from across the country.

What’s Jewish About a Solar Eclipse?

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-Olam, who has given us a world to explore, questions to ask, and a community with which to share them. We are thankful that God has created a world with such amazing natural wonders that raise new questions for us to discuss every day, and provide light in times of darkness.

Circular Rainbows, Fractals, and Spiritual Technology

The thoughtful use of technology can enhance Jewish spiritual practice and engagement. This summer, I was privileged to witness and facilitate a few exceptional examples of this while serving as faculty at the URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy.

Session 3 TECHtalks: Living our 6

Throughout the past 3 summers, our 5 core values of Patience, Curiosity, Discovery, Connection, and Respect, have been exhibited and discussed in all aspects of camp. They are seen through discoveries in workshops, connections made between science and tech and Judaism at our Boker Big Bang each morning, respect we give to our hall mates and friends, the curiosity that leads us to ask question and try new activities and the patience we need as we collaborate and struggle to create our innovations.

Jump In! Session 3 Pool Party!

We had a blast swimming, dancing, playing gaga, and hanging out with friends at our Session 3 Pool Party!

Avenger’s Maccabiah (Session 3 2017)

Vulture took over camp during our Session 3 Maccabiah and we had to train our Sci-Tech campers to be agents of S.H.I.E.L.D to defeat Vulture. Our camp was divided into 4 teams to reclaim the 2 infinity stones and protect the 4 remaining infinity stones:
Mind Stone (Blue), Space Stone (Purple), Time Stone (Orange), Power Stone (Red)

Trip Day Explorations

Sci-Tech took over the labs and studios of Boston as our workshops split up and explored sites related to the topics they have been learning about this session. Following each unique workshop visit, we rejoined our friends from other workshops at the Museum of Science, where we enjoyed an educational and fun afternoon of exploring!

Special Shabbat Moments

As campers and staff flow onto the main lawn, dressed in their Shabbat white, a special feeling flows through the air. Shabbat, a highlight of our community’s week, is finally here!

Linking Passion for Science and Tech with Judaism and Faith

Judaism has always stressed a search for knowledge. Sci-Tech is that search lived out by a crowd of inquisitive, intelligent, and extraordinary campers. Some wonder what is so Jewish about a camp at which kids study astronomy and 3D animation.

Session 3 Opening Day!

Welcome home for Session 3 Opening Day! Although the day began with clouds, the hugs of old and new friends, smiles of excited staff and campers, and ruach filled song session brought the sun out for another amazing Opening Day!

Session 2 TECHtalks: Innovation, Discovery, Curiosity and Connection

This past Saturday night, we gathered together in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) to celebrate another amazing session with our second edition of TECHtalks for Summer 2017. On of the highlights of each session, TECHtalks give our campers the opportunity to present and celebrate their innovations and inventions from their workshops, and check out what their friends have learned and created.

Making A Splash at the Session 2 Pool Party

The Sunday night pool party is always a highlight of the session – especially with the beautiful and HOT weather we’ve been having this summer!

Sci-Tech Israel: Exploring Qualities of Leaders

I could not be more inspired by the leadership that has blossomed in our group, during the past two and a half weeks together. Each member has grown as an individual and therefore, strengthened the community. I know that when we depart Israel in just a few days, 28 new Jewish leaders will be returning to the United States.

Sci-Tech Israel Under The Microscope: Bouza Ice Cream

Recently Sci-Tech Israel visited the Buza ice cream factory. Besides for being an awesome stop for a tasty treat, Buza is unique in one other way: it is co-owned by an Israeli and Arab. This relates to one of our four core themes: connection (קשר in Hebrew).

Sci-Tech Israel Under The Microscope: Orcam

OrCam is a sister company to MobileEye, with a mission to harness the power of artificial vision by incorporating pioneering technology into a wearable platform which improves the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, have a reading disability or people with other conditions.

Reflections on Egalitarian Prayer at the Kotel

On this visit, with Sci-Tech Israel, we visited the egalitarian section. This portion of the wall is also much smaller than the men’s section. This was extremely frustrating because as a community we wanted to pray together and to experience the same privileges that the men had. However, we were unable to do so.

Session 2: Opening Day Flashback

Session 2 kicked-off this week with incredible energy and ruach (spirit), as we welcomed 204 campers – the most Sci-Tech has ever had in a single session! Our workshops are in full gear, chugim (electives) are exploring, discovering and creating all over camp, and this week FLEW by!

Sci-Tech @ Home: Music

Music is a large component of the Sci-Tech DNA, as it is present throughout our fun and busy schedules at camp. From Boker Big Bang to the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) to t’filah (services) to shirah (song session) and everywhere in between, there is a soundtrack that connects us to the many highlights of the Sci-Tech experience.

TECHtalks: A Celebration of Discovery, Innovation, Curiosity and Connection

As the sun began to set on our second Shabbat of Session 1, we gathered together in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) to celebrate another amazing session with our first edition of TECH Talks for Summer 2017. On of the highlights of each session, TECH Talks give our campers the opportunity to present and celebrate their innovations and inventions from their workshops, and check out what their friends have learned and created.

Uncovering Ancient Artifacts in Israel

From a personal perspective, this dig was very eye-opening. I was amazed to see how we could uncover ancient artifacts that were used thousands of years ago by our ancestors and realize that we are still using some of these objects even today.

Balak D’var Torah: Sci-Tech Israel Values

The story of Mah Tovu starts with the Moabite king of Balak, telling a diviner to curse the Israelites but when he gets to mountain to curse them instead of cursing them the words of a blessing came out instead. Oh how wonderful your tents are Jacob how wonderful your dwellings are Israel. This story’s encompasses all of our Sci-Tech Israel values.

Taking Camp With You

As the first session of the summer came to a close, we asked our tenth graders to reflect on how Sci-Tech has impacted them, and how they might be taking their experiences and blessings with them as they begin the next chapters of their Jewish journeys. We are so incredibly proud of each of them, and have been blessed by their contributions to our Sci-Tech story. Roll film…

Exploring Reform Jewish Values through Entrepreneurship

With these inspiring words and lessons from people who started right where our Sci-Tech Israel teen are, we are beginning to see how we can fit into this puzzle, giving our teens inspiration to put their innovation and research dreams into reality as members of both the science and technology and the Jewish community.

Sci-Tech Israel Under the Microscope: Oceanography Institute

It is our achrayut (אחריות) – responsibility, to build a lasting kesher (קשר) – connection, between ourselves and between the earth. And we must always remember that there is a greater picture that we are all a part of, and in which we all play a large role.

Sci-Tech Israel Under the Microscope: Galilee Medical Center

It is the frontline treatment center for Israel ‘s northern border with Lebanon, and serves a demographically mixed population of 600,000 that comprises the Galilee ͛s mosaic of Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze. The hospital’s motto is “Adam L’Adam-Adam,” which means that once they enter the hospital all patients are treated equally regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Ain’t No Party Like a Sci-Tech (Pool) Party!

The Sunday night pool party is always a highlight of the session – especially with the beautiful and HOT weather we’ve been having this summer! Campers and staff took advantage of the opportunity to cool off and have some fun at the pool this past Sunday evening.

It’s a Pirate’s Life: Session 1 Maccabiah

As campers and staff wrapped-up a delicious Shabbat BBQ lunch, something seemed to have taken over the frequency on the audio system set-up on the main lawn. Unrecognizable music started playing, and it was soon clear that there were some unexpected guests walking toward us. Pirates!

Shabbat Shalom!

Our first Shabbat of the summer as a full Sci-Tech community was beyond beautiful, as campers and staff took a break from a busy and exciting first week to refresh, connect with friends and celebrate the special place camp is. We began by forming a circle on our main lawn, and joined in song as we welcomed Shabbat together.

Shabbat Shalom from Sci-Tech Israel – Week 1

It is fitting that Chukat is the parsha of the week, as Sci-Tech Israel began our journey on Thursday and Friday discussing land and water resources in Israel.

The Sci-Tech Times

A quick glance into what we’re doing and talking about at camp – published daily with fresh content submitted by members of the Sci-Tech community. Designed and coordinated by the Sci-Tech Machonikim (counselors-in-training).

7 Questions with Entrepreneur Assaf Luxembourg

Our Israel experience opened learning about “Start-Up Nation” with Assaf Luxembourg.

Summer #4 – Session 1 Opening Day: Here We Go!

As I sit down to reflect on the wonderful opening day, I am overwhelmed with joy as camp became filled with the smiling faces of our campers and the excitement of our counselors greeting their campers for the first time. Barak, Paige and I look forward to this moment all year and we love when it finally arrives.

Our Staff is Revved up and Ready! Summer 2017!

Watch our staff in action as we prepare for Summer 2017!

Meet Your Sci-Tech 2017 Leadership Team

Everywhere we look and everywhere we go, the Sic-Tech staff is preparing for our fourth (summer) season!

Meet Your Sci-Tech Israel Summer 2017 Staff!

Our staff are in Israel preparing and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the pioneer Sci-Tech Israel participants!

Sci-Tech Israel Photos

View photos from Sci-Tech Israel

New Parent Webinar 2016 – Recording

Getting ready for camp? We just hosted our New Parent Webinar to help orient first-time families, so they will know what to expect on opening day and have an idea what summer will look like. If you missed it or want to look back the presentation, we have posted the recording online for you to watch.

Your Summer 2017 Workshop Instructors!

This summer, we have 8 workshops led by incredible, skilled, and fun instructors! Find your workshop and read about your instructors.

Hi-Tech Entrepreneurship in Israel: Interview with Lior Ben-Tsur

Lior is the CEO of Vibrant Gastro, a producer of chemical-free vibrating capsules for treatment of constipation. Lior told us about his experience in the Start-Up world in Israel.

Tours for Summer 2017

Interested in taking a look at Sci-Tech for future summers? Come tour our camp and check out the amazing activities and warm community. Tour dates during the summer are typically on Thursdays and Sundays, and are all from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Earth Day: 5 Innovations to Keep Our Planet Green

There are many ways that researchers and entrepreneurs like our 6 Points Sci-Tech campers and staff are thinking outside to box to promote sustainable solutions to our global climate crisis.

Passover Is a Great Time to Talk With Teens About Israel

One of the most significant moments during a Passover seder is the moving final declaration, “Next year in Jerusalem!” For many Reform Jews in North America, it is also a reminder that engagement with Israel is a key element of our faith.

100 Days Until Camp!

Today marks just 100 days until opening day of Sci-Tech! We know we are excited, how about you?

#6PointsPiDay Challenge Videos

We hope you all had as much fun celebrating Pi Day as we did! Check out our creative interpretations of the #6PointsPiDay Challenge: magic, treasure hunts, music, Disney, eating pie, and many more.

Pi Day Activites

Click below to download fun activities for Pi Day (3.14)!

T’rumah: Camp-Inspired Discussion Questions for Your Shabbat

Shabbat Shalom! We are thrilled that Sci-Tech families are celebrating Shabbat Across America this Friday night by inviting members of our community into their homes or synagogues for Shabbat dinner! No matter where or how you are enjoying Shabbat this week, we want to offer you the chance to learn some Torah and reflect on its relevance for camp.

Pi Day Challenge

We are so excited to be gearing up for our fourth summer of URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy in a few short months. As part of our countdown to Opening Day, please join me in celebrating Pi Day on Tuesday, March 14th.

Open House at Governor’s Academy — RSVP Today!

Join us for a tour and information session at 1:30 p.m. for an Open House at the Governor’s Academy in Byfield, MA. Meet with Director, Greg Kellner and Assistant Director, Barak Malkin to see what’s in store for Summer!

Just Announced: 6 Points Sci-Tech California

We are so excited to announce that the URJ’s chai camp, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy in California, will be opening in Summer 2018. You can read more about our newest camp on the URJ Blog.

10 Israeli Innovations Changing the World

10 Israeli Innovations Changing the World 1. Algae that can repair heart tissues, are injected into the heart as a liquid and then turn […]

Hi-Tech Hanukkah Pancakes

8 Highlights from Sci-Tech Israel

In honor of Hanukkah, we decided to look back at 8 highlights from Greg and Rachel’s recent trip to Israel to plan for the launch of Sci-Tech Israel Summer 2017.

The Leap Second – A Hanukkah Gift This Year

Every year we celebrate Hanukkah for 8 days. Did you know that this year, we will celebrate Hanukkah for 8 days and 1 second?

Sci-Tech at the Future of Robotics Summit

By Devon Barker I recently had the pleasure of representing 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy at the Mass Technology Leadership Council’s Future of […]

The Physics of Snoopy on Thanksgiving

The Physics of Snoopy on Thanksgiving By Barak Malkin Growing up, the first thing that my mom would do on Thanksgiving Day […]

URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy’s Greg Kellner Receives Prestigious Covenant Foundation Award Honoring Emerging Jewish Educators

Kellner is the Director of the URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy in Byfield, MA, where scientific discovery and Judaism are intertwined to create an environment of innovation and discovery. URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy hosts 500 campers each summer and boasts a 70% rate of return campers, which is 20% higher than the national average.

Shabbat Shalom from Sci-Tech

Wishing you a sweet and peaceful Shabbat from your Sci-Tech family.

Sci-Tech Israel 2017: A Summer of Friends, Innovation, and Adventure

Sci-Tech Israel 2017: A Summer of Friends, Innovation, and Adventure A NFTY in Israel Program for teens from across North America By […]

6 Reasons To Be A Part Of Summer 2017

6 Reasons To Be A Part Of Summer 2017 We couldn’t be more excited for Summer 2017! Here are the 6 new […]

Sci-Tech Pumpkin Carving

Watch our video and see how we celebrated Sukkot at our Sci-Tech office! Then, register and join us for Sci-Tech Summer 2017!

Sci-Tech Atlanta Gathering

Do you live in the Atlanta area? Assistant Director, Barak Malkin, will be visiting on Sunday, October 23 and wants to invite […]

6 Points Sci-Tech: Where Judaism and the Big Bang Meet

The sound begins softly, echoing among the benches of the outdoor sanctuary until it reaches a crescendo between the surrounding trees and buildings – before erupting with an explosion. The anticipated “Boker Big Bang,” URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy’s morning ritual, never fails to generate excitement, inquiry and motivation for the explorations that follow.

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