SIT Summer Goes Virtual

In the months leading up to the announcement that our 2020 summer programs would be cancelled, the Chi team worked around the clock planning contingencies. Plans were made for a shortened summer, limited capacities, staffing complications, and so much more. And the first issue addressed each time was the fate of the SIT Class of 2020. Similarly, while our hearts ache along with the rest of the Camp Chi Family, the first item we had to address when cancellation became clear was how to still give the SITs a real staff in training experience.

With that mindset, we introduce our Virtual SIT Summer. We know that nothing can replace SIT Summer, and nothing should have to. Kyle, Lexi, and the SIT staff have spent countless hours rethinking how the training, traditions, and lessons of SIT summer can be transferred into digital experience.  This program will consist of about 4-5 virtual programming hours each week for most, or all, 8 weeks of SIT summer. The sessions and training will be led by Camp Chi and JCC Chicago leadership, SIT Staff, and outside professionals. Topics will range from team building, leadership development, and personal growth, to camp staff training. Throughout the course of the summer, there will be optional SIT class bonding programs as well. Other benefits of participating in the virtual SIT program will be optional trainings throughout the year, including in person gatherings when it is safe to do so.

The program will be rounded out with the various SIT traditions and milestones that are the cornerstones of the SIT program.  Participants will also receive a SIT Shirt, and will create their SIT Jersey, SIT Plaque, and SIT project and will host their own SIT Shabbat. We are also discussing creative ways for the SIT’s to create and perform their very own SIT Play! The famed SIT Barbecue will be delayed until in person gatherings are allowed, so the SITs of 2020 can get the same welcome to the family as previous generations!

All programming for the Virtual SIT Summer will occur either at night or on Sundays to allow all SIT’s to engage in other summer experiences if available. Final days/times will be established when priority registration closes on May 26. All sessions will occur through Zoom, group chats, group calls, and more! We recognize that the move to e-learning and digital everything has been challenging for many, and we promise that we will do everything we can to make this experience different than e-learning and give each SIT the closest thing we can to a real SIT summer at Chi.

To enroll in the Virtual SIT Summer, go to your CampInTouch account, click on “Forms & Documents” and select the “Additional Registrations” form where you will see the option to register your camper for this program. The cost is $500/SIT. Priority registration ends May 26. Register before May 26 to guarantee you get your SIT shirt & binder before the program starts and to help select the days & times of sessions.

In the meantime, should you have any questions, or would like to talk more about the program, please reach out to Kyle Kolling at kkolling@jccchicago.org. Similarly, if you are a past SIT and are interested in helping in any ways with the program, please reach out to Kyle at the email address above.