DSN’S BIGGER-THAN-EVER INTERSESSION PROGRAMS ARE A TESTAMENT TO THE COMMUNITY’S GROWTH AND, BY EXTENSION, DSN’S GROWTH—DISPELLING THE MYTH THAT EVERYONE GOES AWAY DURING WINTER BREAK. NOT ONLY WAS DSN OPEN, BUT IT OFFERED A FULL ARRAY OF TRIPS AND PROGRAMS THAT KEPT 150 CHILDREN LAUGHING AND SMILING.
Lily Ades, a DSN mother, sent her children David and Isaac, on DSN’s Trip to Slimeworld and they had so much fun. “I feel like I send my kids to every single DSN program offered. There is nothing more rewarding as a mom than having your kids able to play together in a safe and fun environment. I trust DSN entirely to give my kids a great time and keep them safe and happy. We love being a part of this wonderful organization.”
The intersession trips were designed to be wholesome and thrilling. Climbzone, for example, taught an important life lesson, that when you fall you get back up again. Skyzone had trampolines, a foam pit, climbing walls, and a playground center area to ensure a fantastic time. Slimeworld was a big hit, as children were allowed to make slime, pick their own colors and even bring it home. Plus, there was a slew of in-house programming for the younger grades, including the popular Lego Day.
Simcha Debbah sent her daughter Hannah to the programs. She was happy to report that “Hannah came home very happy. Slimeworld was particularly cool. I just recently had a baby, but wanted her to get out, have fun, be with other kids and experience new environments. It was a big deal to send my 4 year old on a trip, but I felt comfortable sending her because the DSN staff are always on top of everything,”
Intersession programs are a huge relief to parents, since school is closed. It was a lifesaver for so many of them. Nicole Schloss sent her son on the trip to Skyzone. “He had a great time and it was so nice for him to have this during intersession. It was necessary. I am so happy because I don’t know what I would have done otherwise!”
The program was run by the newest addition to the DSN dream team staff, DSN’s Assistant Youth Director Renee Tawil. She had already been a part of DSN for several years, working as a summer camp morah for 3 year olds. Her hard-working nature and kind demeanor was recognized as a perfect fit, culminating in a promotion to her current role. DSN’s Youth Program Director, Frieda Shamah, works very closely with her. “Renee has been a tremendous addition to our DSN family. She ran the intersession programs with perfect execution. We are fortunate to have her!”
Renee said she is enjoying her work with the community and specifically at DSN. “I truly love everything I do, working at DSN. I am learning so much. The intersession programs were very successful, thank G-d. I saw lots of friends coming together, as well as new friendships forming. They had a blast!”
DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “DSN is so fortunate to have the ability to entertain and educate our children. Intersession programs provided them with trips and programs without them having to leave the state. Now, with the addition of the amazing Renee Tawil to the Youth Department, DSN can offer superior and expanded programming to service our community the only way we know how—the best way. May Hashem continue to bless DSN and our wonderful dream team staff to do more and more for the best community in the world!”
