Temple Akiba Camps and Youth Programs
Indian Hills Camp, 5249 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
About
Temple Akiba Camps and Youth Programs includes Akiba Resident Camp, where campers take part in camper led Shabbat and Havdallah services, themed dances, hiking, archery, ziplining, swimming, music, drama, sports, arts and crafts, nature and hiking, baking and cooking, Israeli dancing and yoga, wacky sports, creative science, messy programs, a CIT carnival, an overnight under the stars, and roasting s’mores over fire pits. Campers are greeted by enthusiastic, warm and sometimes silly staff dressed in crazy costumes, and they can choose daily electives (chugim) such as nature and hiking, baking and cooking, Israeli dancing and yoga, arts and crafts, wacky sports, and creative science.
• Ages: 8–16 years old
• Schedule: Akiba Resident Camp Summer 2026 Chaverim: Celebrating Friendships runs July 19 – August 2; all registrants are expected to attend camp for the full two weeks.
• Price: Temple Akiba Member Camper (Entering Grades 3–9): $3,400; CIT (Entering Grade 10): $3,200; Jr. Staff (Entering Grade 11): $3,000; Non-Member Camper (Entering Grades 3–9): $3,700; CIT (Entering Grade 10): $3,500; Jr. Staff (Entering Grade 11): $3,300; register by December 31, 2025 and pay 2025 rates (save $175 per camper); Sibling Discount Policy: $100 off the 2nd child, $50 off child 3+, with no sibling discounts if multiple siblings are enrolled in the CIT or Jr. Staff programs; $700 deposit due with application, or $350 if registering by October 15, 2025; final payment is due by May 1, 2026.
Temple Akiba Camps and Youth Programs includes Akiba Resident Camp, a resident (sleepaway) camp run by a synagogue, and it is open to Temple Akiba members and non-members who are entering 3rd–11th grade in 2026. Bus transportation is provided to and from camp and Temple Akiba, and all registrants are required to show proof of an up to date vaccination record. During camp, photos, videos and short message updates are available through the CampMinder Campanion app, which can generate a personalized album when a current camper photo is uploaded before the session, and the app also enables easier form submission. Campers swim under the supervision of certified lifeguards and have a variety of food options.
Beginning in 1965, Akiba Resident Camp has provided Jewish youth with an inclusive and immersive camp experience, and Temple Akiba has offered this camping experience for almost 60 years. Temple Akiba describes Akiba Day Camp and Akiba Resident Camp as filled with fun, friendship, and Jewish spirit, and describes Akiba Resident Camp as a home away from home no matter the campground. Temple Akiba is a Reform Jewish temple that has celebrated inclusive worship, education, camps, activities, and social action across Los Angeles since 1952, together with over 400 member families who are committed to bringing goodness into Los Angeles and the world.
The leadership team includes Camp Director Leah Penso, Program Director Staci Miller, and Staff and Leadership Development Director Melissa York. Camp Director Leah Penso has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Child Development from San Diego State University and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from CSU Long Beach, and she owns a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Program Director Staci Miller has a Bachelors and Masters of Science Degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Pathology from CSU Northridge and works during the school year as a speech therapist within the LAUSD school district. Staff and Leadership Development Director Melissa York has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from UCSB and a Master of Arts Degree in Non-profit Management from the University of Judaism and works at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles as the Senior Director of Volu (title truncated in source). The stated mission is to provide a safe, inclusive and immersive Jewish camping experience that fosters connection, personal growth and imagination.
Last updated June 15, 2026.
• Ages: 8–16 years old
• Schedule: Akiba Resident Camp Summer 2026 Chaverim: Celebrating Friendships runs July 19 – August 2; all registrants are expected to attend camp for the full two weeks.
• Price: Temple Akiba Member Camper (Entering Grades 3–9): $3,400; CIT (Entering Grade 10): $3,200; Jr. Staff (Entering Grade 11): $3,000; Non-Member Camper (Entering Grades 3–9): $3,700; CIT (Entering Grade 10): $3,500; Jr. Staff (Entering Grade 11): $3,300; register by December 31, 2025 and pay 2025 rates (save $175 per camper); Sibling Discount Policy: $100 off the 2nd child, $50 off child 3+, with no sibling discounts if multiple siblings are enrolled in the CIT or Jr. Staff programs; $700 deposit due with application, or $350 if registering by October 15, 2025; final payment is due by May 1, 2026.
Temple Akiba Camps and Youth Programs includes Akiba Resident Camp, a resident (sleepaway) camp run by a synagogue, and it is open to Temple Akiba members and non-members who are entering 3rd–11th grade in 2026. Bus transportation is provided to and from camp and Temple Akiba, and all registrants are required to show proof of an up to date vaccination record. During camp, photos, videos and short message updates are available through the CampMinder Campanion app, which can generate a personalized album when a current camper photo is uploaded before the session, and the app also enables easier form submission. Campers swim under the supervision of certified lifeguards and have a variety of food options.
Beginning in 1965, Akiba Resident Camp has provided Jewish youth with an inclusive and immersive camp experience, and Temple Akiba has offered this camping experience for almost 60 years. Temple Akiba describes Akiba Day Camp and Akiba Resident Camp as filled with fun, friendship, and Jewish spirit, and describes Akiba Resident Camp as a home away from home no matter the campground. Temple Akiba is a Reform Jewish temple that has celebrated inclusive worship, education, camps, activities, and social action across Los Angeles since 1952, together with over 400 member families who are committed to bringing goodness into Los Angeles and the world.
The leadership team includes Camp Director Leah Penso, Program Director Staci Miller, and Staff and Leadership Development Director Melissa York. Camp Director Leah Penso has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Child Development from San Diego State University and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from CSU Long Beach, and she owns a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Program Director Staci Miller has a Bachelors and Masters of Science Degree in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Pathology from CSU Northridge and works during the school year as a speech therapist within the LAUSD school district. Staff and Leadership Development Director Melissa York has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from UCSB and a Master of Arts Degree in Non-profit Management from the University of Judaism and works at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles as the Senior Director of Volu (title truncated in source). The stated mission is to provide a safe, inclusive and immersive Jewish camping experience that fosters connection, personal growth and imagination.
Last updated June 15, 2026.
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