In 2021, JCC Chicago marked 100 years of Camp Chi magic and the launch of the Camp Chi Centennial Campaign. Camp Chi is the largest Jewish overnight camp in the country, serving 1,400+ campers every summer and mentoring more than 350 teens and young adult staff. Young people come to Chi to unplug in the outdoors, try new things, build their Jewish identity, and build life-long friendships. The future of Chicago’s Jewish community has been, and will continue to be, nurtured at our beloved Camp Chi.
In December 2023, Hersch and Avril Klaff made a transformational $5,000,000 capital investment to name the Klaff Family Campus, home to Camp Chi and the Perlstein Retreat Center. With this gift, the largest from an individual donor in Camp Chi’s history, the Camp Chi Centennial Campaign has reached the $10,000,000 mark to bring much needed capital improvements to our beautiful 600-acre campus in Lake Delton, WI.
We are now in the home stretch of the campaign, seeking to raise the final $2,000,000 to complete Centennial Campaign capital projects and program enhancements. In addition, a new, dedicated endowment fund to maintain and sustain campaign investments is growing with a goal of $1,000,000 by the close of the funding initiative. Together, our community is giving to meet the needs of today’s camper community and to ensure the future of Jewish camp and Camp Chi magic for generations to come.
As part of our Centennial celebration, Camp Chi has grown its campgrounds adding a new outdoor adventure campus. The Lecker Family Outpost Village gives campers a chance to reconnect outdoors, learn wilderness skills and develop a greater appreciation for earth’s finest gifts!
The Dining Hall is truly the heart of camp, where campers and staff enjoy meals, celebrate Shabbat, and come together as a camp community. The Klaff Family campus naming gift provides lead funding to reimagine and rebuild the Dining Hall, including the kitchen and new outdoor dining spaces. There are many opportunities to be part of this exciting project and to leave a named legacy at Camp Chi.
The Amphitheater is home to Shabbat services, Ruach awards, Chi’s Got Talent, the iconic SIT Play and other all-camp gatherings and special events. The Klaff Family gift campus naming gift is funding new, expanded seating to accommodate every camper and staff member. Fundraising efforts are underway to renovate the stage and bandshell to complete the project.
Available naming opportunities for the Dining Hall and Amphitheater projects include:
For more information about this project and to join with your support, please contact Ruthie Neumeier, Chief Development Officer, at rneumeier@jccchicago.org.
Ensure the Future of Camp Chi for Generations to Come
As part of the Centennial Campaign, we are also building a new Camp Chi Endowment Fund to support ongoing maintenance and investment in the campus. The fund is currently at $130,000 with a goal of $1M.
Thanks to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Endowment Accelerator, we are pleased to share a 3:1 match challenge. Help us raise $120,000 in new endowment funds to receive a $40,000 investment in the future of Camp Chi!
Whether you went to Camp Chi for one summer or nine, you’ve made an impact on Chi’s 100+ year history. Stay connected to the latest camp news, alumni events, and special events happening in Lake Delton, WI.
Our Camp Chi Centennial Campaign is in the home stretch, and you’re invited to leave a lasting mark with a meaningful gift in celebration of Camp Chi’s 100+ year (and counting!) legacy.
Get together with a group of fellow alumni, your SIT class, or family – or make an individual gift – to be part of this once-in-a-century campaign for Camp Chi.
Many naming opportunities remain throughout Camp. To learn more, please contact Rebecca Lenkiewicz at rlenkiewicz@jccchicago.org.
Thanks to our generous camp community, our Centennial Campaign has raised more than $10,000,000—thank you!
We are delighted to celebrate the following named spaces and critical campus investments that Camp Chi alumni, donors, and friends have made possible.
Edward Atkins MD and Cathy Gilford Atkins
Foundation for Jewish Camp
Bonnie Vozar and Topfer Family Foundation
Stacey and Dave Teplinsky
David T. Brown and Suzanne Muchin
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Julie Lefar
Mark & Caryn Putterman
Marisa and Steven Mandrea
Lisa and Lee Bloom
Robyn and David Nankin
Stephen Vozar
Allen and Robin Berg
Barbara and Stuart Hochwert
Cheryl and Carey Cooper and Family
Jerry Witkovsky and Family
Mark & Lisa Pinsky
Sue Pinsky
Judy and Mel Hecktman
Karen and Adam Firsel
Teplinsky Family
Harris Family Giving Fund in honor of 3 generations of Camp Chi Campers
Addie and Sam Goodman and Family
David Atkins and Faith Botica
Allyson Perling, Glen Hardin and Netta Hardin
Karen and Mark Sperber
Vinik Family, in loving memory of Abe Vinik
Maureen and David Stolman
Mindy and Ed Kirsh and Family
Charlotte and Scott Weissman and Family
Roberta Star
Fran and Ron Levin
Chantal and Ron Blaustein
Ken and Shelley Stolman
Rachel Bronson and John Matthews
Jan and Allen Lev
Shaun and Tara Goldfarb
Michael and Aviva Waitz
Our Centennial summer was one for the record books! We’re honoring this milestone summer with a celebration video commemorating Chi’s 100-year history. Enjoy!
Thanks to all who joined us to kick-off Camp Chi’s Centennial summer on Sun., May 23. Your ongoing commitment to updating our campus and supporting the place we call home will be felt for decades to come. We look forward to continuing the celebration throughout this summer and beyond.
Plus, take a look at our Centennial Summer Kick-off and construction of our new Health Center.
