Ziv Neurim’s Path of the Sea program supports teenage boys and girls who need intensive guidance during the critical years of adolescence. Through professionally led activities on the beach and at sea, participants develop perseverance, resilience, confidence, and self-discipline while discovering new worlds through swimming, rowing, surfing, sailing, and other marine experiences.
Using the powerful and challenging environment of the sea, Ziv Neurim empowers at-risk youth to grow, build self-confidence, and realize their full potential. The program strengthens personal and social skills, fosters belonging within a supportive group environment, and instills the values of responsibility, active citizenship, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.
Teen Program Elements and Benefits
Under the guidance of a skilled marine training team and our Neve Hanna leadership, Isheh and Michal, Ziv Neurim’s approach in its Path of the Sea program is based on strengthening teen self-image, building up their ability to cope with stressful situations, creating positive experiences, and encouraging them to persevere and cope with obstacles.
The Core Elements:
Perseverance
Personal coping
Discipline
Personal responsibility
Physical fitness
Self reliance
Team work
Facing fears and challenges
Overcoming obstacles and experiencing success
The Educational Program
These values are taught through hands-on marine activities using a variety of sea crafts and disciplines, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, windsurfing, sailing, and diving.
The connection to the sea, together with the mastery of marine skills, helps participants develop confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and resilience — qualities that positively influence their studies, military or national service, future careers, and adult lives.
This exciting high spirited marine activities program is offered by the non-profit association Ziv Neurim which was founded in the year 2000 by ex-members of the Israeli elite Naval Commando Unit in memory of Ziv Levy, a fellow commando who fell in the line of duty.
“One of the girls was terrified of the sea. There was no persuading her to overcome this fear. We just waited until she was ready. An hour later, she joined the surfing group, in the water. She did not know that she could handle her fear and enjoy the sea. The bonding I experienced with this group was stronger than any former time.”
– Michal Saidi, Neve Hanna senior staff for 21 years
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