The Camp Simcha Manchester Bas Mitzvah kids had an action-packed evening of pre-Purim fun, and families enjoyed a bouncy indoor play area courtesy of the charity.
A dynamic and energetic group of 50 girls from the Camp Simcha Manchester Bas Mitzvah programme proved that they can do it all during an action-packed evening of pre-Purim fun mixed in with learning essential life-saving skills. The evening buzzed with energy as the girls moved between hamantaschen-making and crafting mishloach manot to gift to Camp Simcha children and their siblings at their upcoming Purim outing.
Not content with the Purim preparations, the girls rolled up their sleeves to get stuck into a hands-on CPR training session led by Camp Simcha’s CEO Daniel Gillis, adding potentially lifesaving skills to the already impressive Bas Mitzvah programme.
“It was great to see the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of the participants – it was truly inspiring,” said Daniel. “As someone who grew up in Manchester, it’s particularly meaningful to return to my roots and witness young people from my hometown engaging and learning about Camp Simcha, embracing the values of giving and making a difference.”
The Manchester Bas Mitzvah programme aims to instil community values and practical skills in young women preparing for their Bas Mitzvah celebrations.
The event is part of the programme’s year-round commitment to community service and practical education in Manchester’s Jewish community. Camp Simcha annually supports some 1,700 family members throughout the UK, coping with over 50 different serious, life-threatening, life-limiting, life-changing, and chronic childhood medical conditions.
Camp Simcha brought its magic to over 130 family members in Manchester last month with an action-packed party at Play Factore in Trafford Quays. That’s not all that Camp Simcha has been up to! Defying gravity, Manchester families left with a bounce in their step after an unforgettable afternoon at the ultimate indoor play venue for kids and adults alike.
Beaming with excitement, children raced in between interactive trampolines onto laser tag, rode the zip wires, and raced each other down the slides – non-stop adventure at every turn! Among the children was five-year-old Saul from Manchester who is receiving treatment for leukaemia. His mum Michaela explains that due to his Hickman line (needed for his treatment) and sensory sensitivity, Saul finds it uncomfortable to wear a top – and is really only comfortable in his dressing gown: “But nobody bats an eyelid at a Camp Simcha party – everyone understands. Saul had the best afternoon: this was the happiest I’ve seen him in a very long time.”
Looked after by 20 Camp Simcha volunteers, the children had an afternoon of pure joy, forgetting about treatments and hospital appointments, while their parents connected over coffee and cake. Camp Simcha’s Head of Services Ruth Etzioni explains: “Our parties and outings are all about making today’s treat feel more important than tomorrow’s treatment. But, beyond the trampolines and treats, the real highlight for families is also the connections and supportive friendships being made with others who truly understand their daily challenges.”
If you or someone you know needs Camp Simcha’s help, email office@campsimcha.org.uk or call 020 8202 9297.
