Our Head of Services/Deputy CEO, Daniel Gillis, recently had the opportunity to take one of our groups to Camp USA for a trip of a lifetime. Here are his thoughts.

“After many years working Camp Simcha, I had the opportunity to visit Camp Simcha run by Chai Lifeline and take a group out to Boys Special, the final group of the 14 children this Summer. The first thing that struck me was the sheer amount of luggage that we took out to enable one of the boys to have a constant flow of oxygen on board and the necessary peg fed. Whilst there are a large amount of logistics Camp Simcha UK do every year, families with seriously ill children have this every holiday! The forms, medical letters, airline clearance and even seat selection are critical for these journeys. Massive thank you again to Virgin Atlantic Aaliyah Ali Jeremy (Zalmi) Finn Heathrow JFK International Air Terminal.

As I entered Camp Simcha I was struck with the magical feeling that I have always read about and that the children await every year. It was truly amazing place where children with serious illness  feel part of a unique special community, sharing their hopes and dreams together as they grow. Every child is celebrated and serious illness is normalised. The onsite hospital facilities are working round the clock to ensure that every child is properly looked after, whilst the incredible volunteers bring the fun, excitement and electric atmosphere. I was privileged to meet inspirational children who persevere in life even with many challenges.”