For three weeks in July and August, 45 Bar and Bat Mitzvah-aged children of severely disabled Israeli veterans experienced the summer of their lives, with thanks to four Ontario camps.
Camps New Moon, Northland B’nai Brith, Wahanowin, and Walden generously hosted our Kids of Courage, all of whom embraced life at overnight camp.
The program provides its young participants a pause from the daily challenges that accompany being a child of an injured parent. During the Israeli visitors’ time up north, they interacted with Canadian campers, sharing cabins and typical camp adventures, and discovering that similarities outweigh the differences in their lives. Before and following camp, the Israeli children made the most of a few days in Toronto during which they met community members at BBQs and pool parties and visited area attractions. Of course, they made the trip to Niagara Falls! The Kids also enjoyed dairy fare at the iconic United Bakers and indulged in Middle Eastern (!) cuisine at Ba-Li Laffa.
In collaboration with Beit Halochem Canada, Kids of Courage is co-ordinated by Dana Pinhasov, herself a Beit Halochem member. (Read Dana’s story here.) The program is fuelled by volunteers, including the chaperones accompanying the children, many of whom are veterans and/or the children of disabled veterans.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in sponsoring a Kid of Courage, funding an outing or hosting a meal or event for next year’s group. This is a life-altering opportunity for the children; we hope to have you involved!
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