This summer, a group of 45 Bar and Bat Mitzvah-aged children of severely injured Israeli veterans experienced the summer of their lives, with thanks to four overnight camps in Ontario.
We gratefully acknowledge Camps New Moon, Northland B’nai Brith, Wahanowin, and Walden for generously hosting our Kids of Courage, all of whom thrived on camp life.
This Beit Halochem Canada initiative gives the young Israeli visitors a three-week break from the daily challenges of being children of severely disabled parents. While at camp, they shared adventure after adventure with their Canadian cabin mates, enjoying theme-days, canoe trips, and, perhaps, a s’more or two. Presentations made to appreciative camp audiences illustrated what childhood is like when your mom and/or dad is injured. Before and following camp, the children spent time in Toronto, taking in area attractions and meeting community members at several events. While in the city, they ate up the delicious hospitality of United Bakers Dairy Restaurant and were generously accommodated at the Markham Hilton Suites. Of course, visiting Niagara Falls was an exciting part of their itinerary where the Kids were warmly welcomed by the local Chabad House.
Kids of Courage is co-ordinated by Beit Halochem member Dana Pinhasov (read Dana’s story here) and run by volunteers. The Israeli chaperones accompanying the children are, themselves, disabled veterans and/or the children of disabled veterans.
Drop us a line if you are interested in information about sponsoring a Kids of Courage 2020 camper, funding an outing, or hosting an event. Please consider being involved in this exceptional opportunity to enrich a child’s life.