Home
Why PanimWorks
About the program
    Jewish Life
    Service
    Recreation
This year’s projects
FAQ
For Participants
    Packing List
Apply
For Alumni
Contact Us


“PanimWorks has changed the way I see the world around me by exposing me to a culture I would have never appreciated otherwise. I was introduced to the first Jewish teen program where my spirituality has been affected, not the traditions I follow.” Allison Lurie, Plymouth, NH


“PanimWorks was the perfect balance of friendship, community service, and living in a beautiful environment.” Sarielle Luger, Forest Hills, NY		  

This Year’s Projects: PanimWorks

PanimWorks participants have 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 proceed to a campsite for 2 days of orientation, preparation and team-building. Participants are divided into groups of 10-12 teens and three staff who accompany the team on their journey and provide guidance and leadership in outdoor safety, personal growth, local culture and Jewish identity.

One week is spent (includes one Shabbat) in the Navajo Nation. Service projects that participants work on may include building corrals for horses and sheep, collecting firewood for the elderly, working with local Head Start and Meals on Wheels programs, cleaning and painting homes, beautifying the village plaza in preparation for family events and community activities, or working in agricultural fields and gardens. Daily activities may also include time for play, visits to local areas of interest (museums, traditional markets, trading posts, etc.), and observations of traditional Native American dances or ceremonies. Each service site is unique. The activities and events in which you participate may be different from those of the other groups.

PanimWorks culminates with a two-day outdoor leadership adventure that includes time for reflection of the service experience and furthers our appreciation for the beautiful landscape of the Southwest. The overall experience will provide you a first-hand view of daily life in a Native American community and will spur thoughtful discussions about Jewish life and values.

To create the unique experience that is PanimWorks, PANIM has partnered with Deer Hill Expeditions, specialists in outdoor adventure programming in the southwest. Deer Hill has been organizing service and wilderness programs for young adults since 1984. PANIM has chosen Deer Hill to provide these services because of Deer Hill’s history as a quality program, its connections with Native American Nations, and its accreditation by the Association for Experiential Educations.

More information about Deer Hill can be found on their website.


*Home repair photo courtesy of Deer Hill Expeditions