Sam Perlin, Camp Solomon Schechter’s Executive Director, announced today that the Camp will debut the Teva Learning Center for this summer’s camp season. The Teva Learning Center will provide additional fun and engaging chuggim (activities) where experiential Jewish education will occur – learning more about teva (nature) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) . The program will provide a solid, sustainable, organic agricultural curriculum in a Jewish setting beyond the current teva and tikkun olam activities already provided at Schechter. This project is funded, in part, by the Special Initiatives Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and will reach approximately 550 campers annually.
The main facility of the Teva Learning Center is a 2,000 sq. ft. organic, sustainable garden that contains the traditional Seven Species of Israel mentioned in the Torah. Additionally, Schechter will hire an Environmental Educator who has expertise in environmental education, Master Gardening and/or organic, sustainable agriculture. They will be responsible for developing the curriculum, be available for cabin activities and work with the Facilities Manager to make sure the garden is well managed throughout the summer. Additionally, the Environmental Educator will work with the Head Chef to provide fresh produce to the kitchen for meals and to let the campers know what food on the menu was grown in the garden.
“The Teva Learning Center is an incredible opportunity for our campers to, literally, get their hands dirty and discover where our food comes from and how our actions directly affect the balance of nature,” remarked Perlin. “They will also learn concrete ways to preserve that balance – tikkun olam (repairing the world).”
Schechter is seeking additional support to fully fund the program. Those interested in investing in this new and innovative teva and tikkun olam programming please go to www.campschechter.org to donate or contact the Camp at development@campschechter.org or 206.447.1967.
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 60-year tradition of fun, friendship and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. We create a unique, welcoming and spiritual Jewish environment based upon the ideals of the Conservative movement, offering an innovative experience for youth of all denominations entering 2nd-12th grades. At Schechter, Judaism and Joy are truly one!
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle exists to fulfill the aspirations of Seattle’s Jewish community. By investing in programs that further Jewish engagement, help people in need and connect Seattle to Israel as well as the global Jewish community, the Jewish Federation commits itself to creating a golden age for Jews living in Puget Sound.
