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Brandeis Camp Institute

The image features a group of adults in front of a sign that reads "Brandeis Camp Institute," surrounded by greenery, conveying a communal, possibly historical setting.

Become who you were meant to be.

BCI, or Brandeis Camp Insti is an organization that hosts transformative experience where Jewish and Jew-ish participants, ages 18-29, come together for multi-day retreats in Southern California. Young people from around the world meet on our idyllic campus to connect with each other and reconnect with themselves.

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The 26-Day Program

BCI’s 26-day program is a transformative experience comprised of Jewish learning, arts, culture, and community. Each summer Jewish and Jew-ish participants in their 20s from around the world gather for a multi-day retreat on our idyllic campus to discover who they are meant to be.

Step out of your comfort zone and find your creative voice.

Retreat dates:
July 2 — 28, 2024

Program Cost:
The BCI 26-Day Program costs $600.
Save $150, apply by March 18.

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The 10-Day Program

BCI’s new 10-day experience was created exclusively for Jewish and Jew-ish college students. Each day includes Jewish learning, time in nature, expression through the arts, and self-care.

College credit is available.

Retreat dates:
June 20 — 30, 2024

Program Cost:
Due to the generosity of our supporters, BCI is able to offer the 10-Day BCI Experience on a sliding scale of $400 — $3,000.
Pay only $300, apply by March 18.

Find out more about tuition here.

The Brandeis-Bardin Campus

The Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University is the home of BCI and serves as a beacon of Jewish culture and education. Nestled in the scenic hills of Simi Valley, the campus is celebrated for captivating architecture that complements the natural landscape, providing an inspiring environment for artistic exploration and community engagement. This thriving center offers a host of diverse programs centered around Jewish learning, creativity, and social responsibility.


From dietary accommodations to travel arrangements, BCI holds a commitment to making everyone feel at home and ensuring a comfortable experience for all. English proficiency is required as the program aims to foster an inclusive community dialogue.


BCI, formally known as the Ziering Brandeis Camp Institute, was originally founded by Dr. Shlomo Bardin in 1941 as “Brandeis Camp Institute,” BCI was named to honor our nation’s first Jewish United States Supreme Court Justice, Louis D. Brandeis, who was instrumental as the visionary and primary funder of Dr. Bardin’s initial programmatic endeavor. Justice Brandeis called BCI “a laboratory for living Judaism.”

In 1947, Brandeis Camp Institute purchased 2,200 acres of land in the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains outside Simi Valley, CA. To Dr. Bardin, the rolling hills were reminiscent of the Judean Hills outside Jerusalem.

In 2009, BCI was endowed by the Marilyn and Sigi Ziering family to become the Marilyn and Sigi Ziering Brandeis Collegiate Institute.

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“I learned that my identity as a nonbinary individual does not clash with my identity as a Jew. Rather, the two complement each other and integrate with each other in such profound ways. I am very proud of myself for overcoming my challenges of stepping out of my comfort zone and reconnecting with my faith, both of which I feel I accomplished this summer at BCI.”

Joshua, 26, Boynton Beach, Florida

“Yes! I had the chance to be myself without any filter: Zionist and pro-Palestinian, queer, and Jewish. I’d never felt so accepted in my life and that’s thanks to all the amazing staff.”

Noy, 28, Tel Aviv, Israel

“I feel more like myself here than I have in a long time. My confidence has grown. It has been so amazing to feel 110% supported by the staff and other participants and it has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone in a supported way.”

Emma, 25, Ann Arbor, Michigan