Many of us planned summer trips a long time ago. If you’re like me, you planned a trip to Happiness. No, it’s not on a map. But Happiness is here on our campus all summer long. It’s called Camp Ideal.

Smiles outnumber trees at Camp Ideal. They’re infectious and good for the soul. Like everything else at the Federation, we treat them like seeds that need to be nurtured, to grow.

This has been one of the most well attended camp seasons in years. We had 75 children registered for Camp Ideal this summer.

But we couldn’t do this important work without our amazing staff and generous volunteers – our counselors, counselors-in-training, Federation staff, volunteers and medical advisory team. We couldn’t do this without them.

The smile? It’s actually for you. Because without you, Camp Ideal is simply not possible. You support this place that nurtures the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellness and growth of our campers and staff. The smiles say it all.

But there is more to be happy about this summer. We seem to be on a roll at your Federation.

Recently, the 1st Source Bank’s Foundation approved our grant proposal for a low ropes course here at the Federation. It’s the only low ropes course in the city of South Bend. And we’re thankful to 1st Source for making it possible.

And as you know by now, the Rotary Club of Downtown South Bend recently approved a planning grant for our Holocaust Remembrance Garden. We are already working on the Garden plan and I am confident that we will find benefactors to help us with the construction.

And we’ve reached our goal for the Annual Campaign this year. That’s remarkable since the campaign is abbreviated since we’ve adjusted our fiscal year to end on August 31st. So, if you can see it in your heart, please help us finish the campaign on a high note in August. I promise, we use our annual funds wisely. We always have.

Yes, there is always more work to do. We continue planting seeds. But I’m smiling as I write this letter. Working together, we’ve already accomplished new and exciting things for our community. And based on all of this progress, I know that the future is bright. May God strengthen our common bonds and teach us to celebrate our uniqueness.

Moshe Kruger
Executive Director
574-233-1164 x1802
[email protected]