As we prepare for 2021 we want to make sure you can stay up to date with all the information we will be sending out. This page can serve as a hub for you to easily access important emails, links to, and recaps of, future town halls or parlor meetings, frequently asked questions, and more.
COVID FAQ
Look below for 2021/COVID-19 specific information or click here for our general camp FAQ
General Questions
Safety - Safety first, Ruach second. Safety is our guiding principle, followed closely by all the elements that make up our camp’s ruach (spirit). Keeping our chanichim (campers) and tzevet (staff) healthy and protected will guide us in making decisions for what we can and can’t do, and how we may need to adjust along the way. We will continue to work with our medical committee, our COVID-19 task force, and local and state governments to help guide our planning.
Essence - Our focus this summer is to GET KIDS TO CAMP - in one space, away from technology, and playing together. We won’t compromise our wonderful education and programming, but our primary focus and goal will be to maintain the ESSENCE of camp and togetherness.
Togetherness - We are stronger together. We are committed to keeping our community connected and keeping the spirit of Ramah alive. As we have done since March, we are thinking about how to give meaning to our families, campers, and staff during these difficult times, in a Ramah way.
Dates, Rates, and Registration Questions
Financial Questions
Should a family choose to cancel enrollment, refunds would be subject to our regular cancellation policy that can be found in the Terms & Conditions section of our online application.
More information is available on our Financial Assistance page. While first-year campers are still eligible for the One Happy Camper grant, the application will not roll over and thus you will need to complete the form again. Information and the application can be found here: https://jewishcamp.org/one-happy-camper/
• $75 for your second child
• $100 for your third child
• $125 for your fourth child
Some campers might be eligible for our new Masah Incentive Grants. The Masah initiative provides a subsidy to Tzophim, Kochavim, and Machon (rising 9th-11th grade) campers, as well as 14-16-year-old Amitzim campers. This incentive is separate from our financial aid process; thus, it can provide support to a much broader range of our community. For more information please visit www.ramah.org/masah
Pre-Summer Protocols
- Social Separation
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- During the 10 days before camp begins, we ask that campers avoid activities that are deemed high risk for COVID. During this period we ask that campers engage only in essential activities and remain masked and practice social distancing during these activities. Campers should avoid large social gatherings, whether indoors or outdoors, and non-essential travel. If campers are in school or attending a day camp prior to coming to camp, please be sure that these programs closely follow COVID guidelines and include masking, distancing, and focus on outdoor programming.
- During the 72 hours prior to camp arrival (following the second PCR test), we ask that campers limit their activities further and eliminate all non-essential social contact outside of the camper’s household.
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- Pre-Camp Testing
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- Campers will be required to get two molecular COVID PCR tests prior to arrival at camp.
- The first test should be performed 10 days prior to arrival.
- The second test should be performed 72 hours prior to arrival.
- These tests cannot be substituted with rapid antigen testing.
- Campers will need to show a negative COVID test result to be allowed to enter camp.
- Testing sites will be organized in some of our larger camper home locations; Please look out for upcoming information about these sites.
- If your camper has had a confirmed COVID-19 illness within the past 90 days, please contact andrea@ramah.org to discuss testing accommodations.
- Campers will be required to get two molecular COVID PCR tests prior to arrival at camp.
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- Pre-Camp Symptom Monitoring
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- Please monitor for COVID-19 symptoms in the 14 days leading up to camp. The following are a list of symptoms to look out for:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Change in taste or smell
- General malaise
- Please monitor for COVID-19 symptoms in the 14 days leading up to camp. The following are a list of symptoms to look out for:
Summer 2021 Plans
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- Camp will feel like camp! It will be filled with our regular activities from past summers (with a bit of a twist for safety). Of course, our Ramah classics and traditions will be incorporated into our schedules at camp. You can count on Maccabiah, banquet, Kabbalat Shabbat, Rock around the ages, frisbee golf, cardboard pizza, and more. Take a quick look below for some of our plans:
- Our Tzevet (staff) will look a little different too. We will have fewer specialists and more madrichim (counselors) involvement in daily activities. Each edah will have 2 roshim (unit heads) to best support our staff and programming.
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- Our canteen will remain open this summer, and will have a new and improved selection!
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- Tiyulim (trips) While out-of-camp trips will not be taking place, we are working to create in-camp activities to bring the essence of tiyulim utilizing existing and creating new resources on our property. Machon’s traditional tza’adah will hopefully feature a multi-day camping experience at nearby Lake Casitas.
- Meals will take place outside in shaded areas in open-air tents. As in 2019, we will have staggered mealtimes so smaller groups can eat together.
- Mail is always welcome and we will continue with our flat package policy that began a few summers ago. In addition, for the first time, we will be offering an option for parents to request a return letter from their camper when they send an email. Campers written responses will be scanned and sent to parents via email. (Greater details on this process can be found in our handbook and we will be sharing more in an upcoming email.)
- T’fillot (prayers) will be happening daily in pods in the beginning of the session with the hope of expanding as the session continues safely. We will also find ways to bring the ruach (spirit) and shira (singing) to camp in different capacities.
Additional Medical Questions
If your questions weren’t answered here, please send us an email, and we will be happy to answer any further questions you might have.
Important Emails & Information
Ramah Inclusion & Diversity Statement (Email)
Revised Camp Dates & Transportation Guidelines (Email)
Plans For A Safe Summer (Covid Information) (Email)
Cancellation Deadline Extension (Email)
Who to Call at Camp? (Email)
Our Fall Philosophy (Email)
Introducing the Masah Incentive Grant (Email)
Enrollment is Open! (Email)
Our Enrollment Town Hall (Video) (Password: Enrollment2020)