Improv!, the on-the-spot acting show, came all the way up to Camp Simcha today! The actors performed outstanding scenes, and even called up campers from the audience to help act. In one of the scenes, two of the performers acted as pickle experts. Simi and Baila Perel helped them by using their hands to do motions for the scene. Then, Henny, Danielle, and Malka Bracha went up to help act out a Science Fiction story starting in a kitchen. All of them had to continue the story where the other left off. They did a fantastic job, and everyone was laughing. Zlate and Hindy went up next to act, and every time they were stopped in middle of a scene, they had to start again with a different genre of acting. The scene took place in Camp Simcha, and changed from a musical to a Harry Potter theme, and then Hindy even did a monologue! In another scene, they had to do something inspired by the theme of the day, Broadway. Esther and Pessy and Sarah were the actors in the skit about pirates at the beach. The show kept everyone entertained.

At “Top That” campers can choose from an assortment of hats, ribbons, appliqués and other accessories to design their own unique hats. Batsheva designed a straw hat with jewels and a flower. She also got to make an adorable hat for her baby sister. Ilana made two hats, and a fedora with a dark blue appliqué and a zipper trim. Shira made a green beanie, and Racheli made a grey one with ribbons and sparkles. All the hats show the campers’ creativity and talent.

Last night all of Camp Simcha gathered together for a bonfire. We roasted marshmallows, made delicious smores, and had hotdogs and corn. Aviva played the guitar and we all sang songs. We enjoyed learning the song which Camp Simcha sings at every bonfire. Everyone had a great time!

Afterward, in honor of the Great Outdoors, campers and staff members got to sleep outside in tents, thanks to everyone who helped set them up. We loved sleeping under the stars!

Its mighty hot outside, so the pool is the place to be! Each camper is swimming with her counselor or a lifeguard. Everyone is splashing away, having a great time! Every day, new campers pass the deep water test. The lifeguards are watching from every angle, and everyone is having a safe swim. Happy swimming!

We were privileged to hear Rabbi Paysach Krohn speak today to the entire Camp Simcha. He highlighted the importance of giving and caring. He spoke about the need to stop focusing on ourselves, and begin focusing on others. There is a reason Rabbi Krohn is known as “The Maggid;” the audience was captivated as he told over many inspiring stories.

What a great magic show! Eric the magician and his assistant Lizzie did some crazy magic for us. First, Eric put his assistant in a box and “cut” the box, yet she came out completely untouched! After that, he called up volunteers from the audience, Jackie and Malky, who helped lock up Eric in a box, but he still somehow managed to get out! Leah was then called up for one trick and Eric made her ten-dollar bill come out of the lemon she got as a prize. In another trick, Eric turned a dove into two bunnies in a split second! “How did that happen?” was our reaction to every trick! Everyone left the show astonished and amazed.

And we have a winner… but first – tonight’s presentations.

Each team first presented their contribution to camp. The yellow team gave hand-made wooden boxes to put next to the pool and the lake to remind everyone to wear sunscreen. The green team contributed a tree made of wire with empty soda cans as the leaves to remind us all to “go green” and recycle. The red team contributed a clock shaped in a ketchup bottle for the dining room.

Each team also presented a banner, a dance, and an alma matter, all of which were amazing. As the day came to an end, the judges began tallying points. It was close, but they did come to a conclusion finally.

And the winner is… drum roll please… the YELLOW TEAM!

Of course, we are all winners here in Camp Simcha.

Mazal tov Gittel! Dinner tonight was Gittel’s Bat Mitzvah party and it was so nice that the entire Camp Simcha Special was able to share in her celebration. Her whole bunk was dressed in gowns and they all looked stunning. Gittel’s family was there, too, in honor of the special occasion. She said a beautiful speech, and there was even a huge cake for the whole camp to share. What a special evening! Mazal Tov again!

We had a fantastic special activity today with the “drum man,” as he is known. He gave us all musical instruments like drums, tambourines, and maracas, and we had fun banging and singing. Of course, we cheered for our color war teams, but this time, with an added level of sound! The room was filled with music and noise. Give it up for the entire Camp Simcha band!

On the Camp Simcha tennis and basketball fields, Crayola races have been going on. For the drawing race, one girl had to look at a picture and describe it to another girl, who then had to draw it just from hearing about it. For the other one, campers had to color in pictures on the floor using chalk. There were also swim races in the pool. Everyone had a lot of fun!