Apachi Day Camp Ruach Award Winners

This award recognizes outstanding individuals from a variety of Apachi Day Camp locations who exemplify our core values: Community, Kindness, Courage, Care for the World, Respect, and Spirit.

Ally Fein

Apachi Village Northbrook
Ally Fein has worked at Apachi Village Northbrook for six summers progressing from her roles of counselor to CIT head counselor, and this year she was back again as our enthusiastic, dependable and friendly Unit Head! She is a natural team leader, beloved by the campers, staff and families. She proactively jumps in wherever she is needed at camp and can be found happily organizing and participating in every specialty. She exemplifies the fun spirit of camp and is an invaluable member of our camp team. 

Chavie (Jennifer) Zeller

Apachi Village Rogers Park
Chavie Zeller was a huge asset to our camping team this summer. Her positive attitude and kind and gentle manner are just some of the reasons that her campers and parents loved her! Her campers were always engaged in fun activities, and she easily pivoted when changes needed to be made to the schedule. Chavie shows a genuine enjoyment of working with children and was always engaged with them throughout the day. We were so grateful to have her on our team this summer! 

CJ Fortier

Apachi Irving Park
CJ Fortier was an integral part of our staff from day one. He jumped right in with all the staff training even being front row when learning a new Israeli dance. When the campers arrived, he gave them his undivided attention getting them excited even when they were unsure of different activities. CJ never let anything get to him this summer. He ended the summer as a co-captain for Maccabiah where he was the hype man for his team.

Elliott Topp

Apachi Old Town
Elliott Topp exemplified the Apachi values daily. He was a role model to not only his campers, but the entire Old Town community. Elliott showed up every day and gave 110% to his campers, even with a torn ACL all summer long! Kudos to Elliott, Apachi is so thankful to have you a part of the Old Town family!

Emily Freedman

Elaine Frank Apachi
Emily Freedman has been a valued member of the Elaine Frank Apachi team since the summer of 2021. Over her time at camp, she’s excelled in multiple roles, both as a specialist in our outdoor adventure area and as a counselor. This summer, Emily became our ultimate camp staff floater, seamlessly stepping in wherever she was needed, across all areas and age groups. Emily embodies the spirit of flexibility and enthusiasm. She’s a team player who’s always ready to make things happen. No matter the challenge, she arrives at camp motivated, focused, and with a smile on her face, never allowing anything to get in the way of her mission.

Emily Hollman

Apachi Northside
Emily Hollman is a bright light at Apachi Northside. She just completed her fifth summer at camp and her first year as an assistant unit head. Emily takes the time to engage with campers from the opening car line to the end of day departure. Always greeting campers, staff, parents with positive energy and kindness, we are lucky to have her as part of the Apachi community. She represents all the values of camp and spreads RUACH wherever she is at camp. 

Fumnanya Nwabudike

Apachi Evanston
Fumnanya Nwabudike truly embodies Apachi in everything she does, despite this only being her first year with us as a staff member. She demonstrates an empathetic understanding of her camper’s needs and interests, and she is quick to step into additional roles to take on more responsibility. She is personable, warm, encouraging, and does all that she can to participate and support the camp community. We have never witnessed Fumnanya in any mood other than happy, energetic, and spirited at Apachi.

Lainey Cohen

‘Z’ Frank Apachi
Lainey Cohen is one of our most spirited counselors at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi! Her infectious smile and contagious energy inspire her campers to be their best every day. She is kind and thoughtful with everyone she meets, which is why her kids always look forward to their time with her. Campers adore Lainey, whose laughter and positivity create an environment where joy and friendships thrive.

Nasiah Lee

Apachi Hyde Park
Nasiah Lee is RUACH personified. In her three summers at Apachi Hyde Park, two as a counselor and one as Sports Specialist, she energetically embodied camp spirit by throwing her whole self into everything she did, and bringing other staff and campers with her. She demonstrated her love of celebrating Shabbat by loudly singing Shabbat songs any day of the week. She dressed head-to-toe in red to lead her Maccabi team with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.