This has got to be the best finale I have ever seen!
With the theme of ‘Back To The Future,’ we had four DeLoreans giving campers rides around camp. We also got rides in motorbikes and jet skis. And just to go ‘full-throttle’ crazy, we also all got a helicopter ride! With the amazing views of the mountains around, it was cool to see our ‘home’ (AKA Camp Simcha) from the sky! And that was all just the morning!
After lunch we had a spectacular play, written and directed by our very own Duvie ‘The Legend’ Becker, showing how the continued existence of the world is dependent on our nice behaviour to others, with Camp Simcha being the prime example of this.
After packing our suitcases (where do I stuff in all the gadgets I got on Deal Day, and the projects I made in the workshops?) we headed to the hill for a rocket launch. All the rockets we made in camp were blasted off into the sky beyond.
After a special goodbye dinner, where we got to chill over a meal for the last time this year, we went to the social hall. We saw a video flashback to the last 11 days, with all the crazy, fun and exciting events, as well as the workshops and generally chilling together. We also saw a pictorial flashback (you may have seen the pictures on the website/on Facebook.) Loud cheers and shout-outs of names as they appeared on the screen!
With some slow, stirring music playing, all the campers got one minute to hug their counselor. After all that we have shared during camp, and the care & dedication the staff have shown, there were tears in many peoples eyes. Being a boys camp, most guys tried to conceal their emotions, with greater or lesser success. But, visible or not, the emotions were definitely there!
When that was over, we all got special black ‘Simcha Style’ t-shirts, and had our final camp-wide dance. The floor was literally bouncing up and down with us, we were dancing so much!
The last bedtime came. As most of the campers fell into bed exhausted, the staff met, to sit and absorb what happened over the last few days. The floor was open (this time not literally;) and many staff stood up to say a few impromptu words on their impressions of camp, and inspiration they received.
As the famous saying goes “This Isn’t The End. It’s Only the Beginning.” I hope to see you all next year in camp. But until then, stay in touch, and join in the programs Chai Lifeline does throughout the year. “United we stand, divided we fall.” Know that there are always people who care, and are happy to lend (or even outright give 😉 a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on.
So good bye, until next time
Yaakov