On a bustling Wednesday morning, a few Center for Jewish Philanthropy (CJP) engagement team members and Shalom Phoenix volunteers joined dozens of nonprofit organizations for Shemesh Camp‘s Volunteer Day. The event was a delightful blend of fun, creativity, and community spirit, and CJP had an opportunity to lead some hands-on activities for three energetic groups of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders.
Each group began with a brief introduction to CJP’s mission, aimed at energizing and sustaining Jewish life and leadership throughout Greater Phoenix, in Israel, and around the world. The campers were very excited to hear more about the community-wide events like Jewish Community Night at ZooLights and the upcoming Jewish Community Day with the Diamondbacks, and they listened intently as we shared stories of the impactful work CJP does and how each of them can be a part of this mission.
Next, CJP staff and volunteers led hands-on activities that allowed the campers to express their creativity while making a difference. The first activity involved making friendship bracelets, a simple yet powerful gesture of solidarity and support. The campers crafted colorful bracelets that will be sent to children in Israel, symbolizing friendship and the strong bonds within the Jewish community.
The second activity was equally engaging and tied into CJP’s larger community art project, “Weaving the Threads of Unity.” The campers decorated popsicle sticks with vibrant colors and personal messages, adding their unique touch to this ongoing art initiative. Each decorated stick represents a thread in the tapestry of our community, showcasing the diversity and unity that CJP strives to promote.
For more details on the community art project and its significance, you can read about it here.
As the morning concluded, it was heartwarming to see the smiles on the campers’ faces and the sense of accomplishment they felt. Events like these are a testament to the power of community involvement and the importance of nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders and philanthropists.
We are grateful to Shemesh Camp for hosting this wonderful event and to all the campers for their enthusiasm and creativity. Together, we are making a positive impact in our community and beyond.
This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishPhoenix assumes no responsibility for them. MORE
