Fun—and tikkun olam—in the sun

Jewish summer camp is often associated with singing, dancing, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, and other joyous activities. For JCC Chicago’s Apachi Day Camp, tikkun olam-repairing the world-is at its heart.

This past summer, Apachi partnered with The Ark- a JUF partner and a longtime center of social services for the Jewish community-for a camp-wide collection drive to fill its pantries in Chicago and Northbrook. Spearheaded by the camp’s counselor-in-training (CIT) program as part of their summer service initiative, CITs promoted the drive at their camps and collaborated directly with The Ark to sort donations.

“Apachi is structured to grow good kids, support leadership development, and build pathways to strong futures for themselves and their communities,” said Addie Goodman, President & CEO of JCC Chicago. “At our heart, we’re really about a strong Jewish community and strong Jewish kids who are going to grow up to be our next generation of leaders.”

The Ark received more than 2,500 pantry items, valued at over $4,000 for clients. Participating camps included Apachi Northside, Apachi Old Town, Apachi Evanston, ‘Z’ Frank Apachi, Elaine Frank Apachi, and Apachi Village Northbrook.

“I have frequently heard that parents are grateful that their children are having a hands-on experience related to tikkun olam and learning about helping those in need in a very authentic way,” said Dawn Lieberman, Director of Community Engagement and Education at The Ark. “We want The Ark to ignite passion for and connection to community service in young people because they are the next generation. They will be our future leaders, our donors, and our team members who will help this work continue moving forward.”

The collection drive comes at a time of economic vulnerability throughout the Chicago Jewish community. Each year, more than 5,000 Jewish families and individuals turn to The Ark for free, confidential support services-from food and housing assistance to medical care and emotional support.

“The timing of this was particularly critical for us in light of federal legislation changes combined with the economic factors that have emerged over the last couple years,” said Marna Goldwin, CEO of The Ark. “There’s a tremendous amount of anxiety among our clients right now because the programs that they have relied on for food assistance are in jeopardy. They’re turning to us and asking if The Ark will be able to step up and replace the government safety net.”

“The Ark is part of our ecosystem in Jewish Chicago,” Goodman added.

To learn more about The Ark, visit arkchicago.org.