TLP in Action: Giving Back This Summer

This summer, our Teen Leadership Program embraced an exciting new tradition. Pioneers and CITs both participated in meaningful volunteer experiences that connected leadership with service and gave our teens the opportunity to make a real impact beyond the Beber community. These experiences encouraged our participants to step outside their comfort zones, connect with new people, and discover that some of the most meaningful leadership happens when we choose to serve others.

In Judaism, we are taught the importance of gemilut chasadim, גמילות חסדים, acts of loving kindness, and arevut, ערבות, the idea that we are all responsible for one another. These values remind us that every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, strengthens our communities. Through these volunteer opportunities, our Pioneers and CITs experienced what it means to lead with compassion, generosity, and a commitment to making a positive difference to not only the Beber community, but the wider Jewish community.

Pioneer Day of Action

This summer, our Pioneers partnered with The Ark for a Day of Action, supporting Jewish families across the Chicago area in early preparation for the High Holidays. Working together, they loaded more than 1,000 Rosh Hashanah food bags, ready to be packed by synagogue congregants across the Chicago suburbs. These will be distributed throughout synagogues to help ensure that families have food on their tables and the essentials needed to celebrate the holiday with dignity. It was an incredible opportunity for our teens to contribute to a project that will have a direct impact on hundreds of families.

The Ark is a unique organization that provides comprehensive support to Jewish individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. From food assistance and healthcare to housing, employment services, counseling, and community resources, The Ark helps people navigate difficult times with compassion and dignity. Their annual High Holiday food distribution is an important tradition that brings the community together to ensure every family has the opportunity to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. By taking part in this initiative, our Pioneers became an important part of that collective effort to support the Chicago Jewish community.

Before the packing began, the Pioneers spent time learning about The Ark's mission and the wide range of services it provides to the Chicago Jewish community. They were inspired by the organization's impact and proud to contribute to such a meaningful annual initiative. Watching over 1,000 food bags come together was a powerful reminder that when a community works together with kindness and purpose, it can make an extraordinary difference and impact for others.

CIT Community Volunteering

This year also marked a brand-new volunteer experience for our CITs as they partnered with the inaugural East Troy Farmers Market, held as part of the community's celebration of America's 250th anniversary. On July 5, our CITs proudly represented Beber, spending the morning welcoming local families, building new connections, and bringing excitement and enthusiasm to the community celebration.

The CITs planned and facilitated a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the event, including 9 Square, Kan Jam, cornhole, face painting, friendship bracelet making, and interactive games for children of all ages. More importantly, they spent the day engaging with families, sharing conversations, and creating a welcoming space where everyone felt included. Their energy, maturity, and genuine enthusiasm reflected the very best of Beber and the Teen Leadership Program.

This new volunteer partnership was a wonderful success and highlighted how leadership extends far beyond camp. Our CITs embraced the opportunity to give back, connect with the local community, and represent Beber with confidence, kindness, and pride. We are excited to continue building opportunities like this that allow our teens to develop as leaders while making a meaningful difference wherever they go.