Camp Blog

From WCSS News in Glen Spey, it’s Leah. And it’s time for dinner on this glorious Independence Day Party. But tonight Simcha’s eating barbeque. We’re outside feasting on All-American hotdogs and hamburgers heaped high with tomatoes, onions and pickles, views of Lake Simcha stretching behind us.

In a related story, we bring you news of the result of today’s presidential elections. Rachel L. (as Miss America), Rina K. (as Mickey Mouse), and Breindy H. (as herself) established their platforms in campaign speeches and fielded questions from the audience. The race was close, but in the end, Mickey Mouse won. Congratulations to Mickey Mouse, we hope you can fulfill your campaign promise to keep Camp Simcha Special open all year round…

And then camp went dark! And then pop-pop-pop, fireworks illuminate the darkened sky over Lake Simcha. Music blasting in the background, the display a terrific rainbow of green, purple, red and orange against the black of night. A perfect way to end our Independence Day Party.

Here we go. . . Simon Says, “Please stand up!”

Steve Max’s Simon Sez is one of the most engaging programs in CSS. The show was hilarious and more importantly, involves total audience participation. Steve led the entire camp in Simon Sez, Simcha Style. There was a special round in honor of Molly and Samarra’s birthday. It was declared a tie – fitting for this duo.

In a special counselor-only round, staff proved that it can follow directions. To quote Steve, “The thing that makes this camp better than the next is the counselors.” (N.B.: This is an unabashed plug for our devoted and talented staff.)

From the gym came the sweet notes of a song where Sarah S., Juliette W., Emily R. and Samarra were belting out their favorite tunes. Karaoke is an especially fun workshop where campers get to express themselves. It also allows them to involve to involve their friends in shared song.

This just in: We’re getting reports of campers parked out in the gym. Apparently this is some kind of “slumber party.” Campers are in pajamas, watching a movie, munching on popcorn and telling secrets.

It’s Leah here and I’ll bet you didn’t know that CSS has a world-famous bakery. That’s right, and today, I popped in while Bunks 9 and 10 were eagerly filling an order of Iced Buttery Cutouts. Made from scratch by mixing all the right ingredients, rolling out the dough and cutting out creative shapes, these cookies are then decorated. Icing, sugar crystals and sprinkles grace the tops of these cookies and add just a bit more to their sweetness. I met some of the bakers. Here’s what they said:

Rina K:

“Baking rocks and so do the people who work here.”

Alexis B.:

“I like baking because it’s so much fun and you can use your imagination with baking.”

Rachel W.:

“I love cracking the eggs. Plus, you get to eat all the yummy stuff you bake.”

Gavriella: “Baking is fun because you get to eat it after.”

At the mosaic workshop, Francesca, Liam and Samarra were working diligently on decorating jewelry boxes. They used tacky glue, mosaic tiles and, finally, grout, to create multi-colored, unique pieces.

In keeping with the patriotic theme of the day, campers received USA-shaped flag pins for party favors. The pins light up and will remind campers of camp long after they have to returned to their homes all across America and the world.

Live from the Dining Room, we bring you verse-by-verse reports of Camp Simcha spontaneously breaking out in song.

Give it up for Dr. Van! He sang to John Denver’s song.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
Camp Simcha, Simcha Special
Take me home, country roads

Dr. Van’s agent had the following statement: Dr. Van’s latest CD is available at the office and he’ll be signing autographs after lunch.

Please remove all hats and place your hand against your hand. Sarah S., Rachel B., Rachel L. and Chumie W. also entertained us with their renditions of the national anthem . . . Play Ball!

From WCSS News in Gley Spey, Party City, I’m Leah. In today’s top story headlines, Camp Simcha sang and danced to an exhilarating concert by Baruch Levine.

Levine sang the United States National Anthem. In honor of Canada Day, he also performed the Canadian National Anthem.

Happy Birthday, it’s someone’s birthday, Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to Molly and Samarra!
Levine called these two on stage and sang a special song for them.

In Camp Simcha Special, we celebrate the Fourth of July three days early, the more to party. It’s Election Day at camp and Stars and Stripes are waving proudly above a podium in the dining room. The crowd’s dressed in Old Glory’s colors and with the turnout is great. In fact, camp has come out in droves to support their favorite candidates. Elections for camp president are going to be close. This year Uncle Moishy, Mickey Mouse and Hannah Montana are running. Stay with us for updates from this battleground state.