In the Sesame Street spirit, Rachel and Libby came up on stage and sang their favorite Sesame Street songs. Then, Gittel, Hindy, Zlatie, Chumie, and Yentie were all called up to the stage and each got three cookies which they raced to finish. The tension was rising as each camper gobbled down her cookies. After just a few minutes, we had a winner… Chumie was crowned Cookie Monster! Another round of the race called up Chana, Ahuva, Malka Bracha, and Rini and crowned Ahuva as Cookie Monster!

At our first session of learning groups, we played a get-to-know-you game, in which staff members and campers introduced themselves and told everyone their favorite things. Looking forward to more fun and inspiration during learning groups!

Everyone headed to the Social Hall for a night full of fun with Laura and Michael’s Garage Circus! We watched as Michael balanced across a tightrope, juggled, and rode a mini bicycle. He even made things disappear! His assistant Laura swung in the air holding only a ribbon from the ceiling. The campers faces lit up from excitement as they waved their circus light-up sticks in the air. Michael and Laura called up campers to help them do some magic tricks. Racheli felt the thrill of sitting on top of Michael’s shoulders way up high and then while he rode a unicycle. Molly and Shira kept their balance walking all the way across the tightrope. Even head counselor Rivky Schwartz got up on stage and did a balancing act for us. The circus did magic for the campers as they got a chance to be in the spotlight!

During “chill time,” staff members dressed up as animals marched through camp in floats decorated as cages. Campers followed behind in golf karts pulled by our caravan-tractor. All were enthusiastic, waving, smiling, and cheering to all as they passed by other camp members.

Welcome, welcome, welcome long awaited Camp Simcha Special campers! What a great first day – and get ready for an even better rest of camp! As the buses unloaded, campers were greeted by a three ring circus, a caravan, a fortune teller, and silly clowns and wild dancers! Returning campers were excited to reunite with their friends again, and new campers were eager to quickly form everlasting friendships.

After settling down, we ate dinner in the “circus” dining room. We had so much fun slurping up our meatballs and spaghetti! It was exciting and energetic to dance once again with our Camp Simcha family and friends!

Everyone headed to the Social Hall for night activity, where the different specialty staff members introduced themselves. We met our lifeguards as they sang “Down by the pool… down by the lake…” Our candle-making staff performed a song to the tune of the Maccabeat’s Purim song, which everyone particularly enjoyed! The waitresses also greeted us with their friendly presentation.

Now heading to bed after an exhausting day. Good night Camp Simcha Special!

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The grounds of Camp Simcha are once again filling up with staff members getting ready for THE BEST summer ever! We are gearing up for a ton of fun and excitement. Campers, we’re waiting for YOU!