There are two sections of the camp,
Aleph and
Bet.
Aleph is a bit older with cozy bunks (most that have bathrooms but not showers), and many apple trees. Tel Yehudah used to have four sessions: Regular (now called
Alumim) - where first-time campers learned about Jewish history.
Ulpan - where campers learned Hebrew through songs,
Israeli folk dances, and conversation,
Machon - leadership training, and
Machoneh Avodah (affectionately called M.A.), during which teens lived in the tents, prepared their own meals, grew vegetables, and milked cows. M.A. was meant to simulate life on a
kibbutz in order to prepare graduates who would be making aliyah and living on Kibbutzim around Israel. Later, M.A. was changed to "Machaneh Hachshara" (M.H.). The age groups are Alumim (rising 9th graders who learn about general Jewish and Zionist history), Yachad (rising 10th graders who take part in programs centered on the importance of togetherness and community), and Hadracha (rising 11th graders who learn how to be successful leaders). Each group has different trips: Alumim goes to Niagara Falls, Yachad has Special Interest Week- campers (chanichim) choose to go biking, backpacking, kayaking, or to New York City, where they take part in social action or photography, and Hadracha goes to
Washington, D.C. for a "Day on the Hill." where they advocate for modern issues of their choosing. Seniors who will be graduating from high school can apply to work at the camp in support roles. There are positions such as babysitters, kitchen help, logistics and office staff. They say the
ha-motzi before eating meals, and sing the
Birkat Hamazon afterward. They often sing songs out of the Young Judaea
shiron book of Jewish songs and prayers- and dance around the
Hadar Ochel (dining hall). The "Beit Ha'am", a large wooden building at the heart of the Aleph section, is where plays, dances, and many major activities happen at the camp. The Israeli singer David Broza played on a stage outside the Beit ha'Am during a reunion event at the camp in 2023. ==Notable events==