#ChiDoesGood: Toys for Furry Friends
At Camp Chi we have 3 core values: kavod (respect), chesed (kindness) and kehillah (community). Those values are the basis of everything we do. From camper care to specialties, dining hall management, cabin cleanup, evening programs, Shabbat and more. Those three values give us the foundation for camp and provide framework for the expectations of both our campers and our staff. They help inform us on how to interact with one another and live in a communal setting like camp. But those values can tell us more than just how to interact with other people- they can also provide the framework for how to treat other creatures.
In the Torah, God creates the world in 6 days and rests on the 7th. On the 6th day, humans are created, but on the day prior, God created animals. Some would then argue that animals are the prototypes for humankind. The Torah is filled with examples of the importance and value of animals. For example, in the story of Noah’s ark, God instructs Noah and his family to take 2 of every animal aboard the ark to save them. Animals are not just a part of the Torah and biblical stories; they are a part of camp as well.
Someone would have to be very intentional to spend a day at camp and not see an animal. Whether a visit to the stables to see the horses, a deer running through the forest, or petting and playing with one of the many camp dogs, the animals at camp add to the community we have. So for this week’s #ChiDoesGood, we are asking you to help make toys for animals, dogs specifically.
There are dogs in shelters across the country and those shelters are always in need of toys, towels, blankets, and other resources for their animals. And as you are doing your spring cleaning, there’s a lot you can do to help the pups in need with your old clothes. Please take a moment to make one of the toys below and drop it off at a shelter near you, or visit the shelter’s website and see if they are in need of something you have or can order for them.
Doggy Tug Toys from Old T Shirts
Tug of war is not just part of Habo Day or Color Wars, it is also a favorite for our canine friends. Some dogs get so into the game, that the tug toys can rip. So shelters are always looking for new tug toys and you can make one at home pretty simply in about an hour!
Supplies:
-1-2 Old t-shirt
– Scissors
Tennis Ball Shirt Toy
As we said tug of war is a favorite pastime of dogs and when you add a tennis ball, it will put the pup in heaven! All you need is a ball, a shirt, and some scissors.
Supplies:
– 1 Old T Shirt
– 1 Tennis ball
– Scissors
Tennis Ball Sock Tug Toy
Dogs love to chase balls right? And they love tug of war. This simply DIY toy combines the two.
Supplies:
– 1 medium-long sock
– 2 tennis ball
Directions
1. Insert one ball into the sock and push it all the way to the toe area.
2. Tie a knot next to the ball.
3. About 3-4” further up the sock, tie another knot.
4. Insert the second tennis ball.
5. Tie a final knot next to the second tennis ball.