Ten Scouts, ages 13 and 14, from the Tzofim Israeli Scout Delegation arrived June 20 in Cincinnati to visit the region, and Camp Friedlander for two weeks. The purpose of the event is to connect Israeli Scouts with American Boy Scouts in Cincinnati.

“For over 10 years the Dan Beard Council has welcomed a group of Scouts from Israel for a two-week experience at Camp Friedlander,” said Tom Dugger, Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer of Dan Beard Council Boy Scouts of America. “These young men and women bring an International Scouting experience to our camp that is beneficial to all. We once again welcome the Tzofim Israeli Scouts to Camp Friedlander and are grateful for helping to build the bridge of The World Scout Movement."

While at Camp Friedlander, the Tzofim Delegation takes part in traditional merit badge classes, COPE and ACE. They interact with Boy Scouts from Dan Beard Council and teach them about the differences and similarities between Scouting in America and Scouting in Israel. Each year, the Tzofim Scouts give back to the Cincinnati community through a service project. In 2012, the Israeli Scouts built a bridge in French Park in Amberley Village and in 2013, the Scouts revisited French Park to help with landscaping. The Scouts also make a traditional dinner for the friends they’ve met at Camp Friedlander as well as hold a forum for Scouts and their leaders to learn more about the Israeli Scouting program and culture.

This is the first time out of the country for many of the Israeli Scouts, and the first time that many of the Cincinnati Scouts have even met an Israeli before,” said Alan Brown, co-chair of the Jewish Federation’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) program and Jewish representative of the Relationship Committee of the Dan Beard Council of the BSA. “It is a wonderful opportunity for two cultures to learn more about each other on an upfront and personal way."

This is the 12th year the Tzofim Israeli Scout Delegation has visited Cincinnati. Their visit is made possible by donations made through the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.