2,500 Reasons to Be Proud

This summer, our Apachi campers and families did something truly extraordinary.

Together, we collected more than 2,500 kosher pantry items, valued at over $4,000, for The Ark—a vibrant hub of essential human services that lifts and strengthens the Jewish community. That’s 2,500 tangible reminders of what it means to live our value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.

Even more inspiring? This camp-wide initiative was led by our 8th–10th grade Counselors-in-Training (CITs). Across Apachi locations in the city, Evanston, Northbrook, and Lake Zurich, CITs joined forces to promote the drive, sort donations alongside The Ark, and rally their camp communities to take action. They approached the project with enthusiasm, responsibility, and heart—the kind of leadership we always hope to nurture in this program, and they absolutely rose to the occasion.

In addition to developing their leadership skills, our CITs had the opportunity to work closely with staff from The Ark and learn about the wide range of resources the organization provides. It was powerful to see our teens not only collect donations but also understand the why behind the effort and connect with the impact their work will have.

And the need is significant. Today, 1 in 5 Jews across Chicago and the suburbs struggles to make ends meet, according to the 2020 Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study. Each year, more than 5,000 Jewish individuals and families turn to The Ark for free, confidential support—from food and housing assistance to medical care and emotional support. These local numbers mirror national trends, with 20% of Jews across the country facing economic vulnerability, and over half of those most at risk lacking engagement with Jewish communal life. (On the Edge, Voices of Economic Vulnerability in U.S. Jewish Communities, December 2024).

Partnering with The Ark to fill their pantries wasn’t just about donations—it was about empathy, leadership, and community in action. It reminded all of us what’s possible when young people are empowered to lead with purpose. At Apachi, it’s moments like these—when we live out our values of Tikkun Olam, Kindness, Respect, and Community, and campers come together with purpose and heart—that truly capture what camp is all about.