|
We welcome you to join us at Nitzana Educational Community, located in the beautiful Negev desert.
About the Program
SPORTS
You will be trained by sports professionals in the fields of rappelling, jeeping, diving, navigation, mountain biking, swimming and running. Almost every day you will be involved in physical activities, as well as theoretical study in the classroom. At the end of each week you will have an opportunity to put into action all that you have learned. Approximately once a month, there will be a competition.
Your professional instructors will endeavor to meet each individual at his/her level of sportsmanship and endurance.
Nitzana has great facilities.
--There is a half Olympic size swimming pool, and a new gym with the latest workout equipment and machines.
--There is a two mile (app. 3 km) running track that goes all the way around the community. There is also a 3.10 mile path (5 km) that runs from Nitzana to the Egyptian border along side The Path of Peace.
--The terrain for biking is superb. Off road, you will bike through the desert and over mountains. The view is breathtaking. At times you will encounter the desert wildlife. The fresh air is great to breath and the immense expanse of the blue sunny sky is awesome.
TRIPS
You will go on excursion trips and hikes to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Masada, the Dead Sea, the Negev and the Galilee.
--Jeeping, which may include Tom cars, will be during a trip to Mitzpe Ramon. There you will see a crater (Maktesh Ramon) that is almost 25 miles wide! You will also travel to the north of Israel to experience different vehicles and terrain. Remember to bring your driver's license!
--You will encounter the sand dunes and the wilderness while learning navigational and survival skills.
--During the diving course you will travel to the Red Sea in Eilat and experience the amazing underwater world.
HEBREW
Three times a week for five hours a day you will be learning Hebrew with other English speakers. Before you start ulpan you need to know the Hebrew alphabet and 50 words in Hebrew. Click here to review the alphabet.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
During the evening hours you will be involved in activities that will include other Israelis, meeting with IDF soldiers, pottery, and other things that have to do with learning about Israeli culture. You will be part of our community which consists of approximately thirty Israeli families, seventeen young national service volunteers and participants from other MASA programs.
FREE TIME
Every other week you will have the weekend free to travel around Israel (at your expense). If you want to stay at Nitzana, soak up the sun and enjoy a swim in the pool, your accommodations and meals are still provided.
VOLUNTEERING
As part of Nitzana community, every week you will be involved in a community contribution activity, which may involve working in agricultural settlements, such as Orchards or Farms, helping families build homes in the Negev, teaching English or helping with maintenance around Nitzana.
Participants are expected to attend all activities and functions. Should there be an activity that a participant may not feel is their strong suit, it is requested that they still attend and give forth their best effort.
Nitzana and Desert Sports Challenge have a No Alcohol policy.
Click Here to view sample schedules.
What's Included
- All meals are included from our kosher dining room
- Accommodations are in nice two bedroom apartments with three other people (two people per bedroom). Cleaning duties for each apartment will be assigned.
- You will be able to use the gym, swimming pool, running area, basket ball court, synagogue, computer room and laundry facilities. WIFI is available.
- Certification courses in CPR, Rappelling, and Scuba Diving.
- You will have a special insurance coverage related to sports activities.
- Transportation and lodging is included for excursion trips.
What's Not Included
- Access to shops and restaurants on a daily basis is not possible since our location is remote.
- Travel and accommodations outside of Nitzana on your free weekend.
Back to Top
Who is This Program For?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 26 years old (exceptions made up to 30 years old), in good health, enjoy sports activities and want to experience Israel, then Desert Sports Challenge is the program for you.
As this is a sports program there are a few minimum requirements. Participants are expected to be able to:
- Run at least 2km (1.2 miles) at an easy pace without a break.
- Bike at least 10km (6.2 miles) on a flat surface.
- Swim at least 50m (55yards).
Participants are required to bring a letter from their family doctor stating they are in good health.
In order to participate in jeeping, please bring your drivers license.
Participants will need to apply for a Masa visa before leaving their country. This visa will be for 5 months or longer and there is no charge for it.
http://abetterstimulusplan.org/masa-israel-visa/10
Back to Top
Dates
The next program in 2011 runs from October 3 until March 3, 2012.
Back to Top
The Cost of the Program
Desert Sports Challenge cost $8,225 USD. There are generous grants and scholarships available from MASA and Nitzana that can cover up to $7,000 of the cost.
|
