A huge part of the often highlighted ‘Emery Difference’ is the student’s independence in discovering their interests, and their drive to give back to their greater community. With these two admirable qualities combined, Emery students have the recipe for improving the lives of those around them through the acts of Tikkun Olam.

 One of the many ways our students execute this “difference” to perfection is through their involvement with Camp Impact. In its mission statement, the organization notes, “Camp Impact is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing local homeless and underprivileged youth with an opportunity to attend a summer camp.” Continuing, the organization mentions,  “We believe every child deserves a summer camp experience. We strive to create an atmosphere where kids can truly be kids, as they may not get this opportunity in their daily lives.” ​

Each year, many Emery students spend a week of their summer time as counselors at a camp for underprivileged youth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But, it doesn’t end there, For many Emery students, Camp Impact is a year-round dedication in which they fundraise money and collect donations to allow for the camp to continue running. Most notably, Josephine Lombardi and Josh Kaplan led a pickleball tournament this year in support of Camp Impact. Each student that wanted to enter the games had a five-dollar entrance fee. Those that wanted to join the competition as a team sent in 10 dollars. Additionally, one of Emery’s clubs, Baking For Charity, consistently raises money through their delicious baked goods to be shipped off to the Camp’s fund. 

Sophomore Byron Strug, a three-time Camp Impact counselor explains, “For many of them [Campers] it’s the only week of the year when they get to have a summer camp experience. Many of these have never been swimming before or rely on the school to get two meals a day. Camp Impact provides all of these necessities for the kids outside of school.” He adds, “I continuously go back to further the connections that I have made with the kids, there’s something special about getting to see the kids smiling and laughing which they don’t get to express that freely back at home. I want to keep building relationships with the kids from the past summer.” 

Carly Katz, a sophomore who plans on embarking on her second year of Camp Impact this summer mentions, “My favorite part about being a counselor at Camp Impact is having the opportunity to build such close relationships with the campers and help provide them with a purely joyful and positive week. It is truly incredible seeing that these kids are able to leave as great an impact on me as I do on them!”

Camp Impact is nearly in full swing; many students are preparing for this magical week. In doing so, they are planning to take final exams a week early just to be right on time to support these wonderful kids. 

The logistics of providing the kids with a costless week of summer camp require transportation, meals, and activities. They are currently accepting donations to reach the $20,000 goal which currently stands at a whopping $17,363. If you can, please consider contributing to giving these kids the summer they deserve!

Please see here to donate to their incredible cause!