Summer camp sessions were touch and go this year due to the war. Early summer sessions were temporarily cancelled and rescheduled. Safety was an issue and, in addition, some sites were being used for evacuees. The families had been looking forward to the Ezer Mizion camp all year. Said one participant: “It may be worth dealing with cancer to be pampered at your retreat.” It was the highlight of the year for so many and it hurt to cancel.
Boruch Hashem, the situation has changed and camp will now be opening. Preparations are in full swing.
This summer, we’ll be hosting 6,300 plus: children with special needs, families dealing with cancer, mental health clients and their families. We’re expecting a 12% increase in campers and a 19% rise in costs, with nearly $2 million in total expenses to be covered by private donations. It is generous donors like you that, in the past, have funded and, we are certain, will continue to fund this enormous expense.
First to open were two separate summer camps for cancer patients and their families. A week of ‘vacation from cancer’. A week in which the valve is open and the tension, the fears, the disappointments are all released amid song and fun. A week of re-bonding with family. A week of opening your soul to fellow participants who can truly understand.
Both camps had been deferred due to the war and Baruch Hashem we were able to reschedule and reinstate them.
An onsite report from one of our colleagues who popped over to one of the camps:
I’m at the Oranit Ezer Mizion summer camp, sitting and holding back tears. So many families, so many children – and to think that everyone here is connected to such a difficult struggle. You can truly see the Jewish Nation in all their shades and colors.
On one hand, this is deeply heartbreaking. On the other hand, comforting. What they receive here… it’s hard to capture in photos.
Music, food stands, high-level art activities (not just simple, little crafts), Maor, Ezer Mizion’s Lego man and the Lego station, amazing inflatables, and more. What a heartbreaking atmosphere…What a heartwarming atmosphere!
If he could barely contain his tears during the visit, those tears will turns into torrents were he to witness the traditional ending program. Hundreds of balloons filling the sky. Each with a message scrawled in a childish handwriting with a wish…a prayer. Ten…nine…three…. two…one! Small hands let go as their prayers rise heavenward. The music begins. Shir hamaalos. Esah einai…Me’ayin yavo…Ezri me’im Hashem…
(I lift my eyes to the sky. From where does my help come? My help comes from Hashem… Tehilim (Psalms), 121)
May each heartfelt prayer be answered swiftly!
