PanimWorks: Southwest

PanimWorks: Southwest provides you with the opportunity to live and work on a Native American Reservation in the high desert region of the Southwestern U.S. Participants are met by staff upon arrival at the airport and will proceed to a campground for two days of orientation, preparation and team-building. You will then be divided into groups of 10-12 teens and your “crew” will spend one week (including 1 Shabbat) on a Native-American reservation. Last year, service projects that participants worked on included painting two full houses, re-roofing two houses, building two therapeutic walking trails, hauling six truck loads of raw material for the construction of necessary household items for three elderly women, replastering mud walls, and painting the trim of a roof and repairing the gutter system of the home of an elderly woman. PanimWorks culminates in a two-day outdoor leadership adventure which will include time for reflection and processing and allow further appreciation for the beautiful landscape of the Southwest while participating in white water rafting and other outdoor activities. This year, you can have an additional outdoor experience during session 3 which has two extra days for outdoor adventures.  The overall PanimWorks: Southwest experience provides participants with a better understanding of daily life in a Native American community and will spur thoughtful discussions about Jewish life and values.

Here is what some of our past participants had to say about PanimWorks: Southwest:

“PanimWorks brought me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to one of the most moving and educational experiences I’ve ever had.”

Doug Lavey, Wilmette, IL

“PanimWorks was exactly what I was looking for in a summer program.  It incorporated Judaism, service, and a new culture.  I will never forget what I have learned and experienced.”

Diane Capouya, Birmingham, AL

“While on the Navajo reservation, I experienced countless things, through their culture and religion, which helped me shape my spiritual beliefs.”

Noam Sandweiss-Back, Upper Montclair, NJ

“PanimWorks ultimately transformed my image of America and what is means to be a Jew living in America today.  The retention of our culture and our dedication to our country do not have to come in conflict with each other.”

Eliza Brown, Highland Park, IL

Camp Focus

Academic and Pre-College Camps: Leadership

Adventure Camps: Assorted Adventures

Religious Camps: Jewish

Special Programs: Community Service

All Activities