A Camp Simcha Shabbat residential retreat gave seriously ill children and their families respite, connection and a chance to make joyful memories that lasted long after the weekend ended.

Summing up the impact of the retreat for families, one parent explained: “Camp Simcha makes our children feel special and lucky, surrounded by people who truly ‘get it’ and care deeply about them. The impact lasts far beyond the retreat itself; our children think about Camp Simcha, talk about it and carry it with them every day in their lives.”

From the moment families arrived at the three-day retreat in Warwickshire, they were enveloped by the sense of a community.

This was not just another weekend away, it was a rare and precious opportunity for families who had children with a range of complex medical conditions, to breathe, reconnect and enjoy a special few days with others who understand.

More than 170 family members from London, Manchester and Gateshead were welcomed by Camp Simcha staff and supported by 125 dedicated volunteers, with a medical team on site at all times, ensuring families felt safe and cared for.

With therapeutic support available with former Camp Simcha family liaison officer, now psychotherapist, Rebbetzin Gila Hackenbroch, parents gained strength for their daily struggles, with respite being both physical and emotional.

On arrival, children were whisked away by their volunteers to participate in activities ranging from arts and crafts to outings, including a water park and a trampoline centre, while parents settled in and allowed themselves to decompress, reassured that their children were safe and having the time of their lives.

Friday morning brought a flower-arranging workshop for the mums, led by an alumni Camp Simcha mother and her daughter.  The floral arrangements were later used to decorate the Shabbat tables, adding an extra-special personal touch.

Themed days took families from Italy to the London Underground, with Shabbat including the call-up of a Camp Simcha sibling who was celebrating his bar mitzvah that weekend.

“It was a special Shabbat and a privilege to celebrate this milestone within the Camp Simcha community. We threw sweets, danced and celebrated together,” explained Camp Simcha CEO Daniel Gillis.  “It was a wonderful example of the connection that makes our retreats so meaningful.”

The sense of togetherness carried through to the weekend’s much-anticipated concert.  One volunteer recalled a powerful moment that left him deeply moved: while dancing with a child during the concert, they heard the song line ‘my dreams come true’ and the little boy whispered to him, “now my dreams are coming true.”

In the past 12 months over 300 Camp Simcha family members have attended one of the charity’s residential retreats, providing a critical emotional lifeline to families facing the daily challenges of serious paediatric illness.