ParentSpace Blog

It’s been a busy week filled with Camp Simcha reunions and Hanukkah parties! The New Jersey Region enjoyed a festive party complete with delicious food, a BMX Stunt Show, and musical performances by Uncle Moishy and Dovid Gabay. Our Southeast Region had a Hanukkah Celebration at Funderdome with ropes challenge courses, a ball blasting arena, a high-energy laser maze, and a climbing wall. Canada’s festivities included games, crafts, a soccer show, and exotic animals. The massive New York Region’s gathering included dinner, crafts, and a concert by the Miami Boys Choir and Lipa Schmeltzer. Many thanks to our volunteers who helped with our toy drive! Happy Hanukkah to our whole Camp Simcha Family!

CS Alums Moshe and Tova Bollag received the Camp Simcha Appreciation Award at our 2012 Dinner. Thank you for all that you do for Camp Simcha!

Cancer fighter Jonah shares his Camp Simcha Experience

Attn Camp Simcha Alumni and Staff:

Please come join us Tuesday night, December 4th at the Marriott Marquis for our annual Chai Lifeline Gala. This year, the Camp Simcha Appreciation Award will go to CS alums Moshe and Tova Bollag. For more information and to reserve a spot, please visit our website at ChaiAlumni.org.

Hope to see you there!

Miss Camp Yet? Join the fun this Tuesday, November 13th on the Third Annual “International Wear Your Camp Shirt Day.” Let the Simcha Spirit shine while sporting your favorite Camp Simcha or Camp Simcha Special swag.

***Please POST PHOTOS TO OUR FACEBOOK WALL, TWEET to @Chai_Lifeline, or EMAIL memories@campsimcha.org.***

Please use these guides written by our crisis professionals for help coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Chai Lifeline’s Post Hurricane Guide

Cancer fighters Grace and Sara talk about how they met, their favorite activities, and New York Day at at Camp Simcha.

This past summer was Danielle’s first time in Camp Simcha. See what she has to say about camp and her awesome counselors!

Come join us November 3 for our annual Chinese Auction! You can WIN BIG while benefiting Camp Simcha’s kids. The auction will take place at Congregation Shaare Zion, 2030 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York.

Order online and receive a 5% discount! Check out this year’s amazing prizes here!

The Jewish holiday of Sukkot is a time to connect with family and friends. Chai Lifeline hosted many events throughout the area to enable campers, counselors, and families to meet and enjoy the holiday.

The largest event took place at the Connecticut Sports Center where families enjoyed a day of Ice Skating, Mini-Golf, Laser Tag, bowling, hockey, arcades, and a performance by the New York Boys Choir. Our campers really enjoyed seeing each other and said that while the experience was not as cool as being up in camp, it definitely came close! Later that night, the White Shul in the Five Towns hosted a beautiful Sukkot celebration that included food, dancing, and music. It was a perfect end to a fun filled day.

Across the globe, the Israeli branch of Chai Lifeline hosted a Sukkot celebration at the Great Synagogue. Our counselors ensured that campers and their families were singing, dancing, and having the best time. The guests enjoyed a concert by Israeli superstar Amiram Dvir, were entertained by a juggler, and of course were served many refreshments, Camp Simcha style.

“Sukkot is a time of happiness, and we are determined to give families fighting pediatric illness a chance to rejoice in body and spirit. Events like these allow families to forget about illness for a while. They give children a chance to be kids once again, and parents feel extra happy when they see their boys and girls, in the arms of loving counselors, laughing and playing as if they haven’t a care in the world,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s executive vice president.

He added that the happiness of the events comes from the hundreds of volunteers who give their time throughout the year to make a difference in the lives of Chai Lifeline’s children and their families.

“Their compassion and energy make every day into a holiday for our children. The impact of their love is felt all year long,” he emphasized.

So thank you to all of our volunteers who make these events possible, and thank you to our wonderful campers who make the events worth attending! We’ll see y’all next time 🙂