
Get ready for an out-of-this-world weekend at West Coast Party 2023! NFTY CWR, SOCAL SW, and Camp Newman are hosting an in-person NFTY event at URJ Camp Newman. This event is a teen-powered weekend open to participants in grades 9 through 12. Join us for a retreat full of exciting programs, meaningful tefillah experiences, and lots of NFTY/camp fun with new and old friends.
Event information
Dates: Friday, February 17th, 2023 – Monday, February 20th, 2023
Location: Camp Newman (Santa Rosa, CA)
Cost: $575
Scholarships are available during registration. The true cost of the event is $575 and you’ll be able to elect a scholarship amount appropriate for your family. Please reach out to Matt Ghan, at mghan@urj.org with any further questions
Registration is now open and will close on Monday, February 6th, 2023.
Weekend Schedule
Friday - February 17, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Check in at Camp Newman
6:15 pm – Welcome and Weekend Brit
6:45 – 7:45 pm – Dinner
8:00 – 8:45 pm – Services
9:00 – 10:30 pm – Big Lil Program and Oneg
11:00 – 11:30 pm – Cabin time
12:00 am – Laila Tov
Saturday - February 18, 2023
9:00 am – Boker Tov!
9:30 – 10:30 am – Breakfast
10:45 – 11:45 am – Services
11:45 am – 12:45 pm – Program
12:45 – 1:45 pm – Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 pm – Rest time
3:00 – 4:00 pm – Social Action Program
4:00 – 5:00 pm – Chuggim
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Shower hour
6:00 – 6:30 pm – Big Lil Check in
6:30 – 7:30 pm – Dinner
7:30 – 10:45 pm – Big Fun!
10:45 – 11:30 pm – Havdallah
11:30 pm – Cabin Time
12:00 am – Laila Tov
Sunday - February 19, 2023
9:00 am – Boker Tov!
9:30 – 10:30 am – Breakfast
10:45 – 11:15 am – Mixer
11:15 am – 12:35 pm – Program
12:30 – 1:30 pm – Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 pm – Rest time
2:30 – 4:00 pm – Regional time
4:00 – 5:00 pm – Free time
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Program
6:00 – 7:00 pm – Shower hour
7:00 – 8:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 – 8:30 pm – Big Lil check in
8:30 – 11:00 pm – Big Fun pt. 2!
11:00 – 11:30 pm – Shemashkiveinu
11:30 pm – Cabin Time
12:00 am – Laila Tov
Monday - February 20, 2023
7:45 am – Boker Tov!
8:15 – 9:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 – 10:45 am – Closing circle
11:00 am – Le’hatraot!

West Coast Party Travel Windows
Plane
Arrival
Friday, February 17th: Flights should land at Oakland International Airport (OAK) by 3:00 PM
Departure
Monday, February 20th: Flight should depart Oakland International Airport (OAK) after 3:00 PM
Attendees traveling by plane will be taken to and from Camp Newman by bus.
By Car
Arrival
Friday, February 17th: Attendees should arrive between 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Departure
Monday, February 20th: Attendees should depart between 11:00 and 11:30 AM
Teens will now be able to drive themselves and their friends to the event. Parents of the driver and of the passengers will be required to sign a release form for teens to drive themselves. Please indicate in registration if your teen will be driving themselves/being driven. Please send a completed release and liability form to mghan@urj.org.
** For families living in Sacramento and Davis we will help in finding carpools and transportation. Please reach out to Rachel Chancellor at rchancellor@urj.org if you need assistance.
Buses
Buses will be available to take attendees to West Coast Party from the following locations:
- OAK International Airport
- Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco
- Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos
- Congregation Rodef Sholom, San Rafael
FAQs
What is West Coast Party? Who can come to West Coast Party?
All 9th-12th graders are welcome to attend this teen-powered weekend. This retreat is full of exciting programs, meaningful tefillah experiences, and NFTY/camp activities, all led and planned by teens.
All are welcome, whether you are a first-timer or returning NFTYite.
What should teens pack?
We will provide a packing list in our pre-event email sent a week before West Coast Party. In general, clothing should be casual. Temperatures can change quickly at camp so be sure to check the weather prior to West Coast Party! We will also have some fun dress up surprises.
Who should I reach out to with questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to Matt Ghan at mghan@urj.org.
What is NFTY?
NFTY has been the brand of teen engagement for the Reform movement for centuries. NFTY is a movement that builds strong, welcoming, inspired communities through teen-powered engagement. Together, we pursue tikkun olam (repairing the world), personal growth, youth empowerment, and deep connections, all rooted in Reform Judaism. What makes NFTY different than other youth organizations are our 13 Principles . When you register, the teen and parent both agree to these ideals.
NFTY events maintain high expectations of being a caring and safe community. To this end, each participant and parent will sign off on the NFTY Brit K’hilah, our code of conduct.
What is a Kallah?
A Kallah is an overnight experience that includes engaging programs, activities, and opportunities to meet other Reform Jewish teens. These activities also include Shabbat services, character and relationship building programs and a social action component.
What does Health and Safety look like for the weekend?
The health and safety of our teens is our number one priority. We will have a nurse on site throughout the weekend in case teens need anything. Additionally, we will be collecting medication for the weekend. We will send out more detailed information prior to the event.
What are the COVID policies?
- Vaccines REQUIRED: We will require ALL participants, staff, and adults to have completed the full COVID vaccination schedule that they are age-eligible for (CDC defines this as being “up to date”). URJ Vaccine Statement can be found here.
- Pre-travel Rapid Antigen (RA) testing: We will require ALL participants, staff, and adults to self-administer a rapid antigen COVID test prior to travelling to the program or event. You may only attend if your RA test is negative for COVID. You do not need to submit this test.
- Mask-wearing throughout the event is optional.
The URJ will be monitoring COVID as we get closer to the event and will update guidance as needed.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellation Policy
Refund of Payment Policies:
– All cancellations must be in writing.
– Refunds will be processed and returned within six weeks after the conclusion of the event.
– Refunds will be given based on the following schedule
– A 90% refund will be given 21 days prior to event date.
– A 75% refund will be given 14 days prior to event date.
– A 50% refund will be given 8 days prior to event date.
– No refunds will be given 7 or fewer days prior to event date with exception of a documented medical emergency in which case a 75% refund will be granted.
Refunds will not be made if Participant has attended any portion of the session at NFTY. This covers all circumstances, including, but not limited to:
– Participants homesickness
– Participants refusal or inability to participate in the normal activities
– Participants violation of any rules, regulations or policies at NFTY for which Participant has been provided notice, and as described below in Participants Participation and NFTY Program Expectations section. Furthermore, I understand I will be responsible for the cost of my participant leaving the program early due to violation of the rules.
Please allow up to six weeks after the conclusion of the event for your refund to be processed. Refunds are only eligible for the registration portion of payment. Tax deductible contributions made at the time of registration are not eligible for refund.
All cancellation requests must be in writing. We will accept cancellations by email to mghan@urj.org. We’re sorry, but we cannot accept cancellations over the phone.
Is there going to be security for the weekend?
We will have security on site for the weekend. Additionally, we have a strong relationship with our local law enforcement in case of any emergency.
Are meals all provided in Registration?
All meals will meet dietary needs as much as possible including gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian. Please be sure to indicate your teen’s most up to date dietary needs in their registration.