JCC of Chicago: Camp Chi

JCC of Chicago: Camp Chi’s Strategic Plan

Camp Chi runs close to capacity on an annual basis. To support its continued success, JCC of Chicago and Camp Chi leadership convened fifteen staff and lay leaders for vital discussions of the camp’s future. The task force was invited to research camping industry trends, closely explore the residential camping department, sources of development, and program options, and create a strategic plan for further development and innovation including new opportunities, a broader service impact, and ways to manage new challenges.

Leslie Rosen Stern was invited to join the year long task force for pre-planning and research, and took the lead on the final preparation and writing of the strategic plan presented to the JCC Board of Directors.

Strategic planning and prioritized-findings implementation are second nature for Leslie Rosen Stern. In her work on the Camp Chi Strategic Planning Task Force, she brought a unique and well-honed skill set to the process. She is adept at drilling down issues resulting in a clear sense of mission, core services, and the impact of the organizational culture. Her approach is a well-tested blend of asking the right questions, being a good listener, using organizational development tools, utilizing past experience, and the ability to prepare written materials that are concise and easily understood by the host organization. She clearly was central to the success of our planning venture.

Bruce MondschainPresident, Catalyst Associates, Inc.