Renovating our Mercaz (center)
In the middle of Camp Chi is The Mercaz, or the Israeli Village. Whether there for cabin time, enjoying shuk or just passing by, the Israeli Village is always bustling with activity. The Mercaz has been in Camp Chi for a long time, and as with anything is in need of a little love.
For this month’s Chi Does Good, we’re proud to announce that we have been awarded our second consecutive grant from Shalom Corps! Through their Heritage Global Impact Initiative, Camp Chi will be receiving a grant to bring together young Jews and empower them as volunteers. The grant specifically is providing funds to help make an impact on heritage sites in Jewish communities all over the globe.
The Mercaz, which is Hebrew for center, is both the geographic center of camp and central to our programming and values as well. As the center of Jewish Life at Camp Chi, the funds from the Shalom Corps grant will be dedicated to upgrading this important place at camp. A central part of the Staff in Training (SIT) program is volunteering and giving back to Camp Chi for future generations. It seemed natural to have the 2022 SITs lead this project to revitalize The Mercaz. Updates will include:
- Repainting the massive Israeli map
- Setting up stations for Shuk (everyone’s favorite Shabbat snack time)
- Installing weatherproof signage
- Erecting a new Bedouin tent
- and much more.
The Mercaz is such an important place in camp, and with the help of dedicated volunteers, these improvements will allow for greater proramming and community building to occur in a beautiful, Jewish setting.