Children from Russian-speaking Jewish families find Life-Long Friendships at Camp Chi

Russian Jewish children ages 9-16 are invited to experience JCC Camp Chi, the #1 Jewish overnight camp in the Midwest serving one of the largest populations of children from Russian-speaking families.

With more than 600 pristine acres and extensive activities and specialties, Camp Chi is an experience beyond compare. Through the generous support of the Genesis Philanthropy Group, Camp Chi is one of twelve camps participating in the Russian-Speaking Jews (RSJ) Engagement Initiative at Foundation for Jewish Camp. This holistic approach allows us to offer grant incentives and engage the RSJ community through targeted outreach, staff training and programming to ensure the best possible experience for every camper.

Last summer, Camp Chi welcomed more than 70 Russian campers who left feeling the exceptional impact of sleepaway camp. They gained life-long friends, became more self-confident and felt new pride in their Jewish heritage. Russian-speaking counselors and staff ensure Russian-speaking children always feel comfortable and at-home at Camp Chi. With a staff-camper ratio of 1:3, each camper receives a personalized experience. Staff members also receive ongoing training and support to ensure each child has the smoothest transition possible into overnight camping.

According to a recent study by the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Russian-speaking Jewish community makes up over 15% of the entire North American Jewish community, yet merely 2% of those families send their children to overnight camp.

To learn more, visit www.campchi.com or contact Ron Levin, Director of Camp Chi, at 847-763-3555 or rlevin@gojcc.org.