This is Where You Belong
From Kindergarten through grade 12, youth and teen programs at VBS provide opportunities for meaningful connections, spiritual growth, and relevant youth group experiences. Read on for more info.
Maddy Begley, Youth Engagement Manager
mbegley@vbs.org
818-530-4025
My name is Maddy Begley, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Youth Engagement Manager here at Valley Beth Shalom. I recently graduated from UCSB and spent the past year teaching English in southern Israel, where I had the opportunity to learn and grow in an incredible cultural environment. I’m passionate about nurturing connections and helping young people explore their identities. This role means so much to me because I believe in the power of community to shape our youth and want to help them feel connected to their Jewish heritage. In my own neighborhood in Valencia, I’ve served as a Jewish community organizer, which has fueled my desire to create impactful experiences for young people. I'd love to meet you - please reach out to me anytime!
Youth Groups
Grades 4 - 12
Throughout the year, VBS youth groups for elementary, middle, and high schoolers gather for exciting field trips, Shabbat dinners, volunteer opportunities, and Jewish holiday events. Every VBS kid is invited to be part of a youth community where they feel a genuine sense of belonging, meet lifelong Jewish friends, and get more connected to their Jewish community and identity.
Teen Tuesdays
Ridiculously fun activities, thought-provoking and relevant discussions, and a place of belonging that can only exist in your Jewish community.
What happens at Teen Tuesday?
6:00 - 6:30: Dinner
6:30 - 7:15: Facilitated activities, discussions, games, and connections.
7:15 - 8:00: Free time fun with friends
Every Tuesday in the Zicklin Youth Lounge.
What does Teen Tuesday cost?
$700 - Members $1,000 - Non-Members
REGISTER HERE
Jewish Teen Learning Center (Grades 8-12)
Facilitated by VBS clergy and educators, this new monthly offering will explore Jewish identities, wrestle with ethical dilemmas, build connections through cohort discussions, social and educational field trips, and relationship building activities. This deep dive is meant for those that are curious, thoughtful, and interested in challenging what they think they know about Judaism, culture, and life. Plus, this first year has a special inaugural year price of $360 for members.
Topics include: complex relationships, current global and local events, Israel, and Jewish life.
Class Dates: Nov. 17, Dec. 8., Jan 12, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, May 4, Jun. 8 Field Trips: Dec. 4, Mar. 12, Apr. 6, May 28
Cost: $360 - Members, $720 - Non-members
REGISTER HERE
Camp ViBeS: VBS Intentional Experiences (Grades 7-12)
Camp ViBeS is a unique summer program offering opportunities for teens to actively improve our community, all while having fun and socializing. This critically acclaimed program brings teens from all over LA County – both within our VBS Community and outside! Teens get the benefit of giving back to those less fortunate, exploring the natural surroundings of our own backyard and experiencing tons of adventures all over the great city of Los Angeles!
This program is made possible in part from a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
Contact the VBS Youth Department with any questions! Email mbegley@vbs.org.
Sat, February 1 2025
3 Shevat 5785
