Jewish Chicago Magazine

At Sammy’s camp—Camp Chai Chicago—there’s a motto that each camper and family should be treated as the most important person in the world. He believes in the foundational Jewish belief that everyone is created b’tzelem elohim—in G-d’s image, and ensure that every one of his campers feels special.

“He enables each camper to shine and find their place,” a friend explained.

Since the age of 6, Sammy has dreamt of running a camp. Two decades later, his dream has come true. He founded Camp Chai four years ago with a vision to make every camper feel valued. Growing the camp from 80 campers to nearly 500 today, he has rooted the camp in the tenets of Torah, friendship, and care.

Beyond camp, Sammy coaches Little League, volunteers at his synagogue and at the Skokie Kollel, helped organize a Gift of Life bone marrow swab drive for a child in need of a transplant.

Age: 24

Primary gig: Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Camp Chai/Owner of Camp Chai Leagues

Something most people don’t know about you: I was never a camp person growing up and still am afraid to sleep away.

A Jew who inspires you: Rabbi Ari Scher, CEO and Founder of Laughing Lion

Describe yourself in 10 words or less: I asked a rabbi and mentor of mine who said “deeply caring, compassionate, genuine, see the ‘whole’ child.”

Your best piece of advice: Life is short, and you can never go back in time. Use every opportunity you can to put a smile on someone’s face and help others. Be selfless and put everyone before yourself. True fulfillment in life will come from the lives you impact, not from your accomplishments.