ParentSpace Blog

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!

In this video, three families tell the story of how they battled cancer and how Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha played a vital role in getting through it all.

Aaron Appelbaum, a student at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, and fellow scouts from Troop 79 have been making polar fleece blankets for our kids in the hospital at Congregation Beth Judea & Hope Lutheran Church of Long Grove. Many thanks to Polartec, Tietex International, Ltd. and A. Lava & Son Co. for providing fabric for the project.

A group of our recent and youngest children and their families braved the forecast and enjoyed a spectacular Family Funday at Sesame Place along with some our youngest veterans! Special Thanks to Ephraim Shapiro for putting it all together.

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On a misty and cold morning a crowd of 134 Chai Cyclists rode Lake Shore Drive in unison. Bikers rode a distance of choice, reaching up to 52.5 miles for some of our veteran bikers. Thanks to all those who braved the fog to support our cyclists and the children & families we serve. Check out one mom’s Bike the Drive story:

And the Miriam Award goes to…

On Tuesday, Chai Lifeline West Coast held their first Volunteer Awards Night. The event was sponsored by Miriam’s Heart, a program that reaches out to teenagers and young adults living with serious illness, and pays tribute to volunteers who give so generously of themselves to bring joy and hope to Chai Lifeline’s children and their families. Miriam’s Heart was dedicated in memory of Miriam Rabinowitz A”H by her parents Joshua and Debbie Rabinowitz.

Mark Maxwell-Smith who as the beloved “Pun” performs at Chai Lifeline’s hospital-based parties received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Effects. High School student Nikki Dror received the award for Art Direction due to the hours she has devoted to our art programs. Phyllis Steinberg, who travels far and wide to deliver meals to hospitals, received the Miriam Award for “Best Location Scout.” Oren Rehany, who has been serving as a Big Brother for the past six years, received the Miriam Award for Best Big Brother. High School student Julia Reifkind who has been volunteering for Chai Lifeline for several years through special projects and events, and as a Big Sister this past year, won the Miriam Award for Best Big Sister. The final award – The “Best Picture of Chai Lifeline” award was presented to Avital Abraham for her extraordinary support and dedication to Chai Lifeline. The program ended with a moving photo montage which paid tribute to all of our super star volunteers.

A special thank you to Shery Katzovitz and Shuli Lowy for writing, directing, and producing this event.

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