Service Year volunteers (Shin-Shinim) in Green Horizons serve as educators using an unmatched approach: heading directly out into the field with small groups through a long-term developmental process. Quite simply, we believe the outdoors is the ultimate framework for delivering a meaningful educational journey.
Through outdoor experiences and the unique educational opportunities they offer, combined with a supportive peer group and a guide who serves as a role model, we can educate youth from all social backgrounds,shape their character and lead to a better future—both for them and for our broader community.
Independent hiking led by a youth leader with a small, steady group is rare today. KKL-JNF Green Horizons is one of the few organizations in the country that keeps this direct, hands-on connection to exploring the country alive..
As part of this vision, our youth leaders spend a total of half their Service Year directly in the field—guiding, mentoring, and exploring alongside their groups
The main role of a Service Year participant in Green Horizons is guiding their own local groups (Chugim).
As a Shin-Shin, you will lead three different youth groups from various age levels and locations:
* Weekly Meetings: You will meet each group once a week for a two-hour session (Pe'ulah) in their local area.
* Monthly Trips: You will lead each group on a weekend hiking trip once a month.
*Holiday Expeditions: You will lead multi-day treks lasting 3 to 4 days during major school holidays.
In addition to leading local groups, you will take part in larger regional and national Green Horizons initiatives, including:mentoring senior youth affiliated with the organization, leading and planning outdoor navigation events and environmental field surveys,developing instructional content and refining field leadership methods across your activity region,etc.
How will you learn to do all this?
Your Service Year begins with an intensive guides' training course, equipping you with all the practical tools and leadership skills you need to succeed.
Throughout the year, Sundays are designated as days for rest, professional enrichment, and personal growth.Half of these Sundays are dedicated to national and regional training seminars designed to continually enhance your educational and leadership abilities.
The remaining Sundays are reserved for your communal living group (Komuna) to use as you choose—whether for personal trips, rest, or shared activities.
אם אתם אנשי חינוך בנשמה, עם אהבה אמיתית לטבע ועולם הטיילות, כאלו שמחפשים לעשות שינוי
מקומכם איתנו!
זמינים תמיד
Another central part of the Service Year experience is your communal living group. Each Green Horizons Komuna consists of 5 to 7 Shin-Shinim who live and work togetherTogether with your commune members, you will travel, wash dishes, prepare activities, handle challenges, and grow stronger together.
Living in a group presents its own set of unique challenges, which is why providing proper guidance and mentorship is a top priority.
Throughout the year, you will be supported on both personal and professional levels:
* Commune Director (Madrikh Komuna): A regional coordinator who accompanies your group, ensuring your overall well-being, personal growth, and professional success.
* Weekly Support Sessions: Once a week, your group will pause for a dedicated session with a Commune Mentor—a team member typically specializing in group dynamics and youth support. These sessions offer a safe space to connect, share experiences, reflect on the week, and unwind together.
Today, there are 9 active communes across the country:
Beit She'an // Acre (Akko) // Haifa // Pardes Hana // Tel Aviv // Beit Shemesh // Netivot // Beer Sheva // Dimona
The work of our Shin Shinim takes place in these cities and the surrounding areas.
