Each summer, Gesher Summer Camp organizes a swim-a-thon fundraiser. The campers raise money for Chai Lifeline and its summer camp, Camp Simcha. Chai Lifeline provides emotional, social, and financial support year-round to children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.  Camp Simcha is its summer program, staffed by volunteers, which provides a nurturing and meaningful experience for terminally ill children. The Gesher Summer Camp staff has volunteered at Camp Simcha in the past, and two of its former counselors participated in the program while they recovered from their illnesses.

As participants in the swim-a-thon, Gesher campers swam the width of the pool while their counselors counted the laps. (Kinneret campers, entering pre-K and kindergarten, swam half the width of the pool). Prior to the event, campers solicited pledges from family and friends, either as a flat donation or on a per-lap basis. Campers look forward to this event every year as a fun and meaningful experience.

In each of Gesher’s fourteen years, it has been among summer camp leaders of funds raised in support of this noble cause. The camp’s goal this summer is to top the $8,000 level, which will enable one child to experience the incredible weeklong program at Camp Simcha.

Campers can earn prizes for the money they raise, beginning at a $25 contribution. The camper who raises the most money for Chai will be featured on his or her very own Topps Gesher collectible trading card.

By Jill Kirsch