With the academic year on the horizon, we are taking a moment to appreciate all of the fun and enriching experiences the children of One Family Illinois have participated in this summer. In particular, two of our corporate partners, Swissôtel Chicago and their sister hotel, Fairmont Chicago, sponsored seven children to attend Camp Greenheart. Swissôtel sponsored three additional teens to attend Kendall College culinary camps during the interim between school years. These enriching experiences have opened up a world of new possibilities for the children in our care and would not have been possible without the continued commitment of our partners like Swissôtel Chicago and Fairmont Chicago.
Swissôtel Chicago: Dedicated Partners Committed to Care
From hosting heartwarming Holiday Parties to whipping up culinary classes, Swissôtel Chicago exemplifies what it means to be a committed partner. Throughout the year, our friends at Swissôtel Chicago create exciting and enlivening opportunities for engagement with the youth in our community. Whether exploring their futures at a special Career Day or digging into the dirt at Harvest Day, Swissôtel Chicago supports innovative, formative programming for our youth of all ages. For those who may have lacked support or encouragement in their past, our partners at Swissôtel Chicago offer an ongoing relationship built on dedication to personal growth and community development. We are immensely fortunate for this special friendship and are grateful to share their initiative towards enhancing childhood for the youth in our care.
Outdoor Adventures at Camp Greenheart
For the second summer in a row, Swissôtel Chicago, along with its sister hotel, Fairmont Chicago, sponsored the children in our care to attend Camp Greenheart. Camp Greenheart strives “to make camp a fun, active, life-learning experience for all of our campers” by “providing challenging, fun activities such as swimming, climbing, boating, environmental education, sports, arts and crafts, archery, hiking, camping and much more.” This year as a special addition, one of the teens in our care returned for the Counselor-in-Training program after attending the camp last year. After a week of comprehensive training, Jordan participated at Camp Greenheart as a Junior Counselor, a rewarding and transforming role. His time at camp over the past two years has led to the development of lifelong leadership skills, friendships, and plenty of fond memories.
Savoring Experiences at Kendall College Culinary Camps
Back in the busy city, three of the youth in our care were fortunate to attend two special Kendall College summer camps; the Kendall College Trust Camp and the Kendall College Culinary Camp thanks to Swissôtel Chicago’s support. The Kendall College Trust Camp hosted two of our youth earlier this summer, while the Kendall College Culinary Camp hosted a third youth at the end of July. Both camps provided an immersive culinary experience. Campers stayed in dorms in the Loop, learned basic culinary training during the day and went on excursions around the city at night. Because of these camps, our youth have been able to learn valuable culinary techniques and explore a new side of the city.
Whether learning to shoot an arrow or how to julienne a carrot, the lessons learned and skills gained this summer left a lasting impression on our youth. Swissôtel Chicago and Fairmont Chicago continued commitment to providing thoughtful and intentional opportunities for the children in our care has opened countless new doors and possibilities. We look forward to future summers of discovery and exploration with Swissôtel Chicago, Fairmont Chicago, Camp Greenheart, and Kendall College!