Shai Chayoth, Israeli Camper Program Coordinator
My name is Shai Chayoth and I am the Israeli Camper Program Coordinator, working out of our Israel office. In the past few months, I prepared around 70 Israeli campers for camp and helped their families understand what to expect. While I had heard so much about Tamarack Camps and the Jewish Federation’s Israel Camper Program from my coworkers and was able to answer all the basic questions about the experience, I found it challenging to talk about a place that I had never experienced before.
When I was 16, I went to camp in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I had a very transformational experience. My camp experience helped me to realize that I wanted to work with a Jewish community in order to build the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. I studied international relations in university, traveled the world as an El Al flight attendant, and worked in the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. I have to say that with all my experiences working with communities, nothing has come closer to the unique partnership between Detroit and the Central Galilee.
When I arrived with the second session campers, I was greeted by host families and the spirit of the community. The energy in the room was contagious, and it continued throughout my visit. I am so grateful that I was hosted by Nancy Glen, who went above and beyond to make sure I felt at home. I also want to thank Rich and Lisa Broder, who treated me to dinner and a wonderful tour of the Downtown Synagogue.
I visited Congregation Shaarey Zedek, the Jewish Community Center, JCRC/ AJC, and the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. I was impressed with the programs and professionals working there and enjoyed learning about how the Jewish community takes care of each other. I tried a few Detroit staples including Steve’s Deli and Dairy Deluxe – and I can tell you that I’ll definitely be back!
The most important and impactful visit for me was my two-day visit to Tamarack Camps. I wanted to experience the energy and environment for myself, and I was amazed. It was only the first full day of camp, and I was able to see our Israeli campers making friends with their American cabinmates. I was able to watch the campers try new activities and hang out together on the beach. I want to thank my coworkers, Allison Gutman and Dona Stillman, for making sure I was involved and experienced all that camp and Detroit had to offer during my short time there. Being at camp was like being a part of a big warm and incredible family – a Mishpacha. I wanted to thank Lee, Robin, Carly, and Becca for hosting me at camp and including me in the Israeli dinner.
The spirit of camp was so inspiring that I can’t wait to start all over again with next year’s batch of campers. And I can’t wait to come back to Detroit next year, and I hope that I can stay for longer!