Submission #28336 by Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)

Submission information
Submitted by gpollack
Thu, 2023-04-27 17:37
73.75.56.142
2023
I have read the 2023 Torch Awards Program Guidelines.
Club Name
Anshe Emet Men'S Club - Chicago, IL (608)
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Club Representative
Person completing form
Dr. Jeff Shore
Gregg
Pollack
Club President at time of convention if known at this time
Alan
Mintz
Club President Now
Alan
Mintz
Health and Wellness

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Post pandemic revival of of annual program combining exercise and nature. We meet at a boathouse on the Chicago River about 15 minutes from the synagogue on a Sunday morning in September. Program includes coffee/hot chocolate and bagels/cream cheese provided by our club, followed by a brief tutorial and approx. 90 minutes of paddling up and back on the north branch of the Chicago River. We typically see herons, egrets, ducks, geese and other water fowl. Program is open to families with children ages 10 and up.
We begin advertising 3-4 weeks in advance of the program, careful to schedule around the holidays and back to school timetables. The only cost is what the kayaking provider charges us (each attendee pays onsite after we finish on the river, typically $20-30 boat). We bring coffee and bagels for all as well as hot chocolate for the younger participants (we usually have 1-2 father/son/daughter teams). We can choose single or tandem kayaks, as well as canoes. Not only is there great comradery amongst the paddlers, but we learn to appreciate our city from a completely different perspective (namely that the big city is not just about traffic and noise, but also offers serenity and wildlife). Paddlers can choose how far they want to paddle - if they get tired they can turn around sooner.
Attachments
Self Assessment
Great fun and good exercise. Fresh air and appreciation of nature. Attracts new participants and families (spouses and children). Everyone always enjoys this program.
Health and wellness of our membership is important. Appreciating nature is part of Shomrei Haaretz too. Offering programming suitable for children is important too so that families can participate together on a Sunday morning.
Look for creative ways to get our members moving! Too much sitting around is not healthy...

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Original Program
Previous Submission
Yes
Bronze