It was the last day of camp, yet we were pumping at full throttle here in SimchaVille. Not even a hurricane could stop us. In fact, it led to the first color war in Camp Simcha history!
The morning started off a bit blustery, but the generators were doing their job and we had full power throughout camp. We all headed to the dining room for breakfast followed by an unbelievable EPIC 11 upROAR. Dembi then told us to gather around the TV so we can watch updates about the hurricane. But instead of announcing the weather, the meteorologist told us that it was color war! Everyone immediately changed into red or blue clothes and painted their face. Pretty soon, everyone was so engrossed in color war that no one noticed the storm outside. We spent the day doing many different color war activities including races, ball games, and cheering. Towards the end of the afternoon, both teams gathered with their generals to practice the cheer and theme songs.
After the team time, we all headed back to our bunks to pack. At 5pm we were called to the dining hall for the banquet. And a banquet it was. There was a hot carving station, onion rings, sesame chicken, Hawaiian chicken, chicken lo mein, sweet and sour chicken, bar-b-que ribs, assorted dips, and fresh fruit.
After we were stuffed to the gills, we headed to the social hall for the closing ceremonies. Dembi started off the show by naming and thanking every staff member in camp. First the waiters, then lifeguards, then specialties, medical and nursing staff, administrative staff, and maintenance staff. Each group got a well-deserved standing ovation. Dembi then called up the counselors, by division, and asked them to pick up a present from the stage. He went on to thank the counselors for their tireless efforts over the past two weeks on behalf of their camper. He told the campers that the only payment their counselors wanted is a thank you-in the form of a hug. At his count of three, every counselor handed over the present to his camper, and every camper reciprocated with a long embrace. It was an event you had to witness.
Dembi went on to thank the campers for being an inspiration for us all, and for giving us the most epic session ever!
We then settled into our seats to watch a slideshow of the summer, and then the CS 2011 Memories movie.
At the end of the evening, Dembi once again told us that Lady Liberty is the embodiment of freedom for the world. Her glowing torch burns even through the toughest of times. He went on to explain that this year, Camp Simcha will show the world what true freedom is. Our torches and our camp are the true beacons in the darkness. We went on to sing our song “Lighting up the Night – Simcha at Liberty,” in unison, one last time.
There is still yet to come. Check our blog daily for updates.