Social Programming (Grades K-12)

K-6 Programming
Join the fun! We offer a full year of social engagements both online and in-person. Past events for the K-6 age group have included Mad Scientist Parties, Goat Yoga, Ice Skating, Color Wars, Escape Rooms, Laser Tag, Mini Golf, Candy Sushi, Sleepover Lock-Ins, Trivia Nights, Scavenger Hunts and more.  Learn more here >

7-12 Programming
There are tons of options for Teens at VBS! 7-12th graders participate in programs that cultivate leadership, education, Social Action and Israel advocacy. We also participate in activities such as travel, art, athletics and just plain old social fun! Membership includes all the events for the year, both digital and in person. Past activities have included Shabbat Dinners in the Zicklin Lieberman Youth Center or family homes, Saturday night Havdalah gatherings and outings such as Escape Room, Bowling, Universal City Walk, etc., and SATO Sundays (Social Action and Volunteer Opportunities). Members and Non-Members are encouraged to participate!  Learn more here >

VBS Members $100/Non-VBS Members $150  
or participate a la carte from $5-$30 per event (prices vary)

Bachutz (Ages 12+) - ON HOLD UNTIL WINTER 2023

This program was a HUGE success last year and will fill up quick! Led by Nick Greene, who hiked Appalachian Trail in under 5 months, this monthly outing is unique to the Valley Beth Shalom Youth Department. With a focus on wilderness and outdoor education through a Judaic lens, this program is for the adventurous teen looking to explore the great outdoors! This program incorporates traditions like properly building a fire, seeking water and shelter, learning conservation and protecting our environment. Participants will take day trips to local National Parks and end the year culminating in an overnight experience. 

Teen Tuesdays (Grades 7-12)

Teen Tuesdays are weekly event nights for post B'nai Mitzvah teens that connect, educate and entertain teens through thought-provoking conversations, physical exercise and artistic expression. Teen Tuesdays include a Judaic Hour led by VBS Rabbis, Jewish Educators and Youth Department staff followed by your choice of an elective:sports, art, baking or games.  This year, Teen Tuesday invites 7th graders to join. Twice monthly, 11th and 12th graders meet with Senior Rabbi Ed Feinstein for APVBS, a subprogram of Teen Tuesday. Learn more here >

VBS Members $650/Non-VBS Members $750

Camp ViBeS: VBS Intentional Experiences (Grades 7-12)

Recognizing a need for both social and emotional fulfillment for teens after over a year of isolation due to the pandemic, along with the lack of programming available for teenagers and the mental health crisis it was causing, VBS Youth Department launched Camp ViBeS in the summer of 2021. This program was a HUGE success with 65 participants over 8 weeks during the summer! 

Program Description: Grades 7-12 - Two days a week of off site service work, two days a week of off site Bachutz (hiking throughout all of LA) followed by the beach or water play and one day a week of unique experiences like Rock Climbing, Trapeze, Kayaking, Goat Yoga, Paint balling and more! 

Each participant receives 20 hours of Community Service.

Winter/Spring/Summer options!

Check out pics and videos here!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AMAZING SUMMER OF 2022!

VBS USY (Grades 4-6 and Grades 7-12)

The VBS USY Chapter is proud to be a part of the Far West region of USY, spanning Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii. USY is USCJ’s youth movement for Conservative Jewish teens across North America. For more than 60 years, USY has taught young Jews the values and skills they need to become exceptional leaders in their religious and secular communities. VBS USY participates in Regional programming throughout the school year at various locations including Camp Ramah, AJU and BCI/Camp Alonim while individual chapters from synagogues throughout the Far West region host kinnusim/retreats. To learn more, visit farwestusy.org.

Membership is included in VBS Youth Membership - $100 members/$150 non-members