Philanthropy Leadership Academy has been established in celebration of Philanthropy Camp’s 10th Anniversary. This four-day program is designed to provide middle school-age children with opportunities to serve others and to understand the difference they can make in their community. The campers will be introduced to two local non-profit organizations and have opportunity to participate in related service projects.
PLA take place from Tuesday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early drop-off starting at 8:30 a.m. and late pick-up until 4:30 p.m. The cost for camp is $80 per camper and $70 for each additional sibling. A limited number of scholarships are available. Participants supply their own lunches. The program will supply snacks.
Philanthropy Leadership Academy is a joint program of Chattanooga First Church of the Nazarene and the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga. For more information or to register for camp, contact the Jewish Federation at 423-493-0270, camp@jewishchattanooga.com or visit www.jewishchattanooga.com and press the Camp drop down box for an application.
History: Philanthropy Camp, celebrating 10 years in 2018, is a weeklong summer day camp designed to teach children the importance of giving back to our community. Through hands on activities, community speakers and field trips, the campers gain a one-of-a-kind experience and the desire to serve our greater community. Each day of camp has a theme, focusing on different aspects in our community. On “Environment Day,” the campers go on a field trip to a local park, farm, or nature center to learn about taking care of their surroundings. On “Community and Elderly Day,” the campers enjoy scavenger hunts, games and songs with members at a local assisted living home. Other themed days have included “Acting Compassionately,” “Healthy Neighborhoods” and “Out Into the World.”
Philanthropy Camp originally started for rising first-sixth graders. When campers began to “graduate” from Philanthropy Camp, it seemed natural to start another camp for rising seventh-ninth graders, called Camp Tikkun Olam. “Tikkun Olam” means “repairing the world” in Hebrew, which falls perfectly in line with Philanthropy Camp’s goals. In this program, the campers travel to as many as eight nonprofit organizations throughout the week, focusing on issues such as homelessness, social services, and the environment. While Philanthropy Camp inspires and teaches the importance of giving back, Camp Tikkun Olam implements these ideas, providing opportunities for social action and developing community leadership skills.