Camp Blog

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!

Color war is here in full force! Campers and staff alike are walking around in red, yellow, or green, the team colors.

After breakfast, everyone ran around camp looking for crayons in our Crayola hunt. The yellow team got the points for having the most crayons. Then we had races in the social hall: running races, races using ping-pong balls, and even wheelchair races. Of course, everyone was able to take part. All were clapping, cheering, and rooting for their team!

After lunch, the teams presented their cheers and the judges decided points for each team. Team green – pickles – eitz received the most points (25) for their cheer! Updates on more color war races and activities coming soon!

Everyone walked into the social hall tonight, reaching out to catch the laser beams shooting out all over the room. Accompanied by great music, the lasers were “dancing” with the music and it actually felt like we could touch them! Colors were flying across the ceiling and walls. The show was out of this world!

But wait, there’s more to the incredible evening. In the middle of the show, Rivky and Aviva started “fighting” about how long the show was… What was that about? Well, soon everyone started screaming, “Color war is here…!” and they were so right! Laser beams shaped in the words COLOR WAR IS HERE shot out across the room!

The gym is now a baseball stadium! We had an awesome camper-staff baseball game today as a special activity. Everyone was holding up signs rooting and cheering for both teams. There was even a half-time show with all of the head counselors dancing to the Camp Simcha theme song. The completing factor was a concession stand stocked with hot dogs and popcorn.

You know you’re at the leather workshop as soon as you open the door – it smells like leather! Campers love making change purses, headbands, belts, siddur covers, and bracelets. Each camper gets a piece of leather and a variety of letters and shapes which they hammer into the leather. Ilana is making a siddur cover which she plans to give to her friend as a present.