Dear Camp Simcha Family,
May the new year bring you health, hope, and happiness!
Costume Shopping
Ever wonder what the inside of Camp Simcha’s costume room looks like?
Simcha Stars: Shaina and Shana
Shaina and Shana came all the way from Australia to Camp Simcha. Listen to what they have to say about camp!
Victorian Era
This morning, the dining hall was draped with red velvet and gold trimming. The camp was filled with ladies in fancy ball gowns and a few dashing young men. Two stately white horses ornamented in plumed black headdresses plodded the campus paths. They pulled white Cinderella carriages decorated with ivy and white roses, and gave campers rides throughout the day.
At lunch, we celebrated the bat mitzvah of every camper who turned twelve this year. The bat-mitzvah girls sat at a table with elegant red flowers and lace centerpieces, and received a special shout-out during the meal. Then, we had a special “Mazal Tov” song and dance in the center of the hall in their honor. The bat mitzvah girls presented a gift to Camp Simcha: a stunning painting of lit candles to decorate the dining hall on Shabbat.
Afterward, Camp Simcha’s incredibly talented cast performed the musical Cinderella onstage for the whole camp. Their beautiful voices filled the theater, and their riveting performance left us spellbound.
Following the show was a ball in the dining hall. The room was filled with round tables covered in delicate lace cloth. A lavish banquet was displayed along the sides of the hall, and waitresses circled the room holding trays of hors d’oeuvres to the lilting sounds of a live harp.
Later, the camp watched as fireworks burst in bright, colorful explosions, before joining together to dance under the starlit sky. Tomorrow we will temporarily part ways, but as we all go to our respective homes, we will always keep in our hearts and minds Camp Simcha, our second home.
-T
Jousting Tournament
Two dark horses galloped onto the field, each adorned in fabric bearing its knights colors. Astride the striking beasts sat two knights in full armor: Sir Devon of Yorkshire and Dame Fiona of Orkney. Trailing beside each was a female squire, dressed in puffy white shirts with lace-up corsets.
Sir Devon addressed the gathered crowd in a bellowing voice, setting the terms of the tournament. The first competition in which the knights competed was charging on their respective horses holding out a spear and attempting to capture rings held up by the squires. Then, galloping down the field, they had to slash a sword at spherical targets resting atop poles, and then aim a spear into a pile of hay. For the next challenge, the knights donned helmets with a crest rising up the front. The objective was to smash the crest on their opponent’s helmet while preserving their own. Next, the knights had to strike at each others’ shields, points awarded for each shield that was broken. Then, the knights had a joust, beginning on horse, until one of them surrendered. The sound of clashing metal accompanied the sparks that flew from the swords. Dame Fiona was knocked off her horse, yet still she did not submit. They fought until both stood on the ground, facing each other, gasping for breath. In a triumphant finale, Dame Fiona defeated Sir Devon, forcing him to the ground, where she stood over him, victorious, as he admitted defeat. Dame Fiona was titled champion of the Camp Simcha jousting tournament for the second year in a row!
-T
Medieval Day in the Fiefdom
This morning, at the front of the dining hall stood a stone wall decorated with coats of armor. A long red carpet led to a royal throne draped in shades of red and purple velvet with hanging gold tassels. In the center of the hall was a medieval tavern with rickety stools and wooden tables covered in tin cups and tankards.
Knights roamed the land, ladies strolled around and peasants scurried about the streets. Later, the fiefdom participated in a joust-ball, where they used colorful sponge “swords” to maneuver a ball in a communal competition. After dinner, there was a dance on the red carpet. Knights and vassals alike eagerly await the night’s coming festivities.
-T
The Stars of Camp Simcha: Cara
Cara was wearing a Cinderella gown and painting a purple bracelet in leather workshops.
“Is Cinderella your favorite princess?”
“She’s one of them. I really have two favorite princesses, Tiana and Belle. But I do like all of them. But mostly Tiana and Belle.”
-J
Camp Continues as Scheduled
It was 5:30 AM on Shabbat morning when a fire broke out in Bunkhouse 5-6. When the counselors smelled smoke, the bunkhouses were evacuated immediately and efficiently.
Thank G-d no one was harmed in any way. Bunkhouse 5-6 has been moved to another beautifully decorated bunk, and the campers are already settled in with everything they need. Camp continues as scheduled, and we can’t wait for the next couple of fun-filled days in Camp Simcha!
Shabbat #2 in Camp Simcha!
Friday afternoon, campers prepped for Shabbat by visiting the Camp Simcha Shabbat Salon. Tons of colorful nail polish and makeup were available for the girls. After a delicious Friday night meal, Sienna gave an inspirational speech and put a smile on our faces.
After lunch on Shabbat Day we enjoyed a play performed our very own campers! Their rendition of Mary Poppins received a well deserved standing ovation. The afternoon was really relaxing, and while some spent time reading in the library, others practiced for the choir.
As we sat on the balcony outside the Dining Hall and waited for Shabbat to end, Dr. Caroline spoke to us about her experiences with childhood cancer. We danced and sang with Dr. Caroline in celebration of her son’s Bar Mitzva. Watching the sun set past the trees, we could feel the sense of unity that we achieved over Shabbat.
-J
Exploration Day!
After the enormous success of yesterday’s trip, Camp Simcha keeps pumping out the fun for all. Nearly ALL workshops are open today, and each camper can choose which they would like to attend. There is also a high energy Zumba class taking place right now!
In honor of Exploration Day, the Dining Hall now resembles what Columbus’ ships must have looked like – with the addition of quite a few pirates roaming around… If you look closely, you might find some loot! Across camp, the amazing Camp Simcha Shabbat Salon is gearing up what is sure to be a very busy, very exciting Friday afternoon! So stay tuned!
-J
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