Rollercoasters, close encounters with the animals and unforgettable family time can only mean one thing: Camp Simcha’s annual Keshet Summer Day Scheme in Manchester.

With days out ranging from Knowsley Safari Park to Stockeld Park and Alton Towers to BeWILDerwood and Farmer Teds Adventure Farm – Camp Simcha’s summer outings bringing respite and adventures to families caring for a seriously ill child at a time of year that can be incredibly challenging.

As term time routines and support disappear, many Camp Simcha parents have faced the challenge of juggling hospital appointments, treatments and caring responsibilities with the desire to create a fun, memorable summer for siblings, who may be watching friends head off on holidays and days out that simply aren’t possible for them.

The Keshet Summer Day Scheme is designed for exactly these moments, a chance for our families to enjoy the same summer fun as their peers – with all their medical needs catered for.

For one three-year-old from Manchester and his family, the build-up started well before the outings began.

“He was asking every day for weeks, ‘is it the Camp Simcha outing today, Mummy?” his mum explained.

She continued: “We had such an amazing fun action packed day, so much to do and see that we left all our worries behind and just had a great time. The kids came home on such a high.”

Another parent explained that the outing had been a much-needed rest from the medical demands of her child’s condition. “It was such a break to get out and not have to deal with anything medical,” she explained.  “It was so nice to just spend time with all my children and give each of them the time and attention they need.”

Running over four weeks until mid-August, this year’s programme had over 1,500 attendances with 13 outings across London and Manchester – providing something for everyone.

And with a proper run of sunshine on our side this year, every trip shaped up to be the perfect summer day these families rarely get to plan for.

Summing up the scheme, Daniel Gillis, CEO of Camp Simcha concluded: “What I love about Keshet is watching a family arrive and just be a family for a day.

“Parents tell us their children start counting down the moment one outing ends, already asking when the next one is, and that’s the joy of Keshet, not to mention the emotional boost that stays with them long after the day itself.”