On Sunday, April 20, at 2 pm,  Congregation Adath Israel Road will present a program called “Looking for an Adventure? Now is the Time!” about  volunteering on an Israeli army base.

A talk and short film will be given by Rita L. Frost, a founding member of the Connecticut Chapter of VFI (Volunteers For Israel), and a Newtown resident who has just returned from volunteering on her fourth Israeli Defense Force base.

“This is one of the best ways to see Israel while doing a good deed,” says Ms Frost. “While having fun and adventure, you will be making a personal difference by freeing up reservists from doing mundane work like working in a garden, hospital, painting, or general work on a non-active base. Volunteers come from all over the world, Christian and Jew alike.”

Ms Frost will discuss the program and her personal experiences with it including the opportunity for tours of the country. Her group consisted of three people from France, two Canadians, four from England, one from Scotland, and several Americans. Five of the 15 volunteers were Christian.

Volunteers are responsible for an application fee, their airfare, and any weekend expenses for when they are off the base.

“Our group’s average age was mid 50s, but we also had one 79 and one 82 year old,” says Ms Frost.

There are student summer programs for ages 17-25.

The April 20 program is open to all and refreshments will be served. Adath Israel is at 115 Huntingtown Road in Newtown.

For further information about the volunteer program, call Ms Frost at 203-426-8787 or Volunteers for Israel at 866-514-1948. The organization’s website also has information, at VFI-USA.org.