Hello,
Shana Tova and welcome to our first Camp Simcha Alumni newsletter!
We are very excited to be starting 5773 by reconnecting with our Camp Simcha alumni volunteers and families.
In each newsletter, we hope to share some throwback photos that might remind you of some of the special Camp Simcha times, update you on what’s been happening more recently, as well as sharing some Alumni stories.
In this first newsletter, we're also delighted to announce our reunion event, see below and look out for more details coming soon.
THROWBACK!
Were you at Family Retreat in 2002? Can you spot any familiar faces in this photo?
If you have any old pictures of your time with Camp Simcha, please do email them to me so we can share them in future newsletters.
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT CAMP SIMCHA THIS SUMMER
It has been a very busy summer at Camp Simcha. After three years of adapting to virtual and Covid-careful events, we were finally able to run residential retreats for over 210 family members. Our fun-filled Keshet Summer day scheme saw 670 family members enjoying activities and outings to places like London Zoo and Diggerland. In addition, for the first time since 2019, we were able to take 12 children we support on the trip of a lifetime to the incredible residential summer programme in America that is run by our sister organisation there.
Below is a short video made at our recent Family retreats. We hope this might bring back some great memories for you too!
Now over to you - below. We were delighted to speak to some of our Alumni to hear their news and favourite Camp Simcha memories, which we are sharing on a dedicated page on our website. See the stories below and please contact me to share your story. We have also shared some details of ways to get back involved with Camp Simcha.
ALUMNI STORIES
THE UCKO FAMILY
MOISHE NOE
Back in 2009, at the age of nine, our eldest child Joel was, by chance, found to have a heart condition. We knew at the time that there was a strong chance that Joel would, at some point, require open heart surgery.
We never saw ourselves as a family that would need the support of Camp Simcha; we are blessed to have a supportive family and we are part of a wonderful community that go above and beyond the call of duty to support one another.
However, the reality is that when you go through an experience like this, especially when you don’t know others who have experienced the same, it’s hard to know what you need.
Read the Ucko Family's story here.
In 2007, whilst at yeshiva in Gateshead I received a call asking me to be a Big Brother volunteer to a 12-year-old boy. I was delighted to be involved and became Big Brother to Chaim Ozer Hoffman.
For the next two years, I went to his house once a week, took him to learn in his after school programme and really enjoyed getting to know him and his family. I was also invited to their house for many a Shabbos meal.
Highlights of my time with Camp Simcha were definitely the Family Retreats and Camp in the USA.I am really happy to be involved with Camp Simcha Alumni because some of my best memories and friends are from my time with Camp Simcha.
Read Moishe's full story here.
VOLUNTEER/CHALLENGE OPPORTUNITIES
Get involved again:
· Join one of our challenges – run, hike or sky dive! Or come to one of our events.
· Get kids involved in our B'nei Mitzvah Programme
· Volunteer your time and experience - Get in touch with Verna, our Volunteer Engagement Co-ordinator.
I hope you have enjoyed your first Alumni newsletter; we would love to hear from more of you. Please do get in touch.
Regards
Tali Ross
Alumni Coordinator
