The Culture of Chugim
In Israel, extracurricular activities are called Chugim (singular: Chug), and they are a central part of childhood. From soccer and basketball to robotics, art, music, martial arts, and dance, the expectation is that every child participates in at least one or two Chugim per week. For olim families, Chugim serve a dual purpose: enrichment and social integration. They are one of the fastest ways for your children to make Israeli friends and improve their Hebrew outside the classroom.
Types of Activities and Costs
Chugim costs vary based on the type of activity, provider, and location. Here is a general pricing guide:
- Community center (Matnas) activities: NIS 150-400/month. These are the most affordable option. Community centers offer a wide range of activities including sports, arts, music, drama, and cooking. Classes run weekly, usually 45-90 minutes.
- Private sports clubs: NIS 250-600/month. Competitive sports programs like soccer academies, swimming clubs, or tennis lessons typically cost more than community center offerings.
- Music lessons: NIS 300-600/month for weekly lessons. Municipal conservatories (Konservatorion Ironi) offer subsidized rates for talented students. Private teachers charge NIS 150-250 per 45-minute session.
- Dance: NIS 200-500/month. Ballet, hip-hop, and folk dance are popular. Performance troupes may charge more and require costume purchases.
- Martial arts: NIS 200-450/month. Krav Maga, karate, judo, and capoeira are widely available.
- STEM / Robotics: NIS 300-600/month. Growing in popularity, these programs teach coding, robotics, and engineering skills.
- Art and craft studios: NIS 200-400/month. Ceramics, painting, and mixed media classes are offered at community centers and private studios.
The Matnas: Your Best Friend for Affordable Activities
The Matnas (Community Center) is a uniquely Israeli institution found in nearly every neighborhood. Run by the municipality or a nonprofit organization, the Matnas offers the widest variety of children's activities at the most affordable prices. Many also provide after-school programs (Tzaharon) that combine homework help with enrichment activities.
Key advantages of Matnas programs:
- Subsidized pricing: Municipal funding keeps costs 30-50% below private alternatives.
- Income-based discounts: Low-income families and olim can apply for additional reductions. Ask at the registration desk about available discounts (Hanacha L'Olim).
- Proximity: Because every neighborhood has one, your children can walk there independently once they are old enough.
- Social integration: The kids your children meet at the Matnas are their neighbors, making it easier to build local friendships.
Registration at most Matnas centers opens in August-September for the fall semester. Popular activities fill up fast, so register early.
Municipal Subsidies and Discounts
Several subsidy programs can reduce your enrichment costs:
- Olim discount: Many municipalities offer a 10-30% discount on Matnas activities for new immigrants during the first two years after aliyah. This is not automatic; you must present your Teudat Oleh at registration.
- ארנונה (Arnona) discount linkage: If you already receive an Arnona (property tax) discount as an oleh, the same classification may entitle you to discounts on municipal services including Matnas programs. Ask your local Iriya.
- Multi-child discount: Some providers offer 10-20% off the second child enrolled in the same activity and 20-30% off the third.
- ביטוח לאומי (Bituach Leumi) recipients: Families receiving income support or other Bituach Leumi benefits may qualify for free or heavily subsidized activity slots.
Summer Camps: Kaitanot
Israeli schools have a long summer break (July through August), and summer camps (Kaitanot, singular: Kaitana) fill the gap. Unlike year-round Chugim, Kaitanot run for 2-4 weeks and provide full-day programming during working hours.
- Municipal Kaitanot: NIS 1,000-2,500 per session (2-3 weeks). These are the most affordable option and are run through the municipality or community centers. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, water activities, and field trips.
- Private Kaitanot: NIS 2,000-5,000 per session. These offer specialized programming: science camps, sports-specific camps, English-language camps, or adventure camps. Private camps often include more elaborate field trips and equipment.
- Overnight camps (Machanot): NIS 3,000-8,000 per session. Overnight camps are less common in Israel than in the US but do exist, particularly through youth movements (Tenu'ot No'ar) and scouting organizations.
Budget NIS 3,000-8,000 per child for summer childcare coverage. Many families combine two weeks of Kaitana with grandparent time, vacation days, and informal arrangements to cover the full summer break.
Budgeting for Enrichment
The annual enrichment budget per child in Israel typically breaks down as follows:
- 1-2 Chugim during the school year: NIS 3,000-8,000/year
- Summer camp coverage: NIS 3,000-8,000/year
- Equipment and supplies: NIS 500-2,000/year (sports equipment, musical instruments, art supplies, uniforms)
Total annual enrichment budget: NIS 6,500-18,000 per child. For a family with two or three children, this represents a significant line item. Prioritize based on your children's genuine interests rather than trying to match what other families do. One activity your child loves is worth more than three they attend reluctantly.
Tips for Olim Families
- Start with group sports: Team activities like soccer, basketball, or martial arts are excellent for language acquisition and social integration. Your child will be forced to communicate in Hebrew in a fun, low-pressure setting.
- Visit the Matnas first: Before signing up for private programs, explore what your local community center offers. You may be surprised by the quality and variety at a fraction of the private cost.
- Ask about trial classes: Most providers offer a free trial session (Shi'ur Nision). Take advantage of this before committing to a full semester.
- Plan for social costs: Birthday parties for classmates, treats for holiday celebrations, and gifts for teachers are small but recurring costs that add up. Budget NIS 1,000-2,000/year for these social expenses.
- Use Chugim to fill the afternoon gap: If your children finish school at 13:00-14:00 and you work until 17:00, a combination of after-school care and Chugim can cover the afternoon hours at a lower cost than full Tzmudim programs.