KAYITZ 2025 TIKVAH DATES & RATES

Amongst the brightest jewels in the crown of Jewish life we build at Camp Ramah in California are our Tikvah programs, providing opportunities for young adults and children with disabilities to experience the joy, tradition, and friendship of Jewish summer camp. More than that, Tikvah ensures that all campers have an experience that includes the world’s diversity while underscoring the Jewish values of inclusivity and sensitivity towards individual differences.

The Tikvah program at Camp Ramah is designed to support campers and staff members of all abilities. We create support systems, modified schedules, and programs to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met thoughtfully. Our goals for all of our campers are to create community, increase independent living skills, and become proud Ramahniks.

Amitzim

The amitzim program at Camp Ramah in California is a vibrant and essential part of the camp community, designed to provide campers with disabilities a joyful, meaningful, and inclusive summer experience. As an integrated age group within the broader camp structure, amitzim campers live in the same tent area as their typically developing peers and participate fully in the life of camp. From morning until night, they are immersed in the rich tapestry of camp programming—including sports, electives such as art, theater, ceramics, martial arts, cooking, and music, as well as swimming and Shabbat services. Campers in amitzim also have the opportunity to participate in a buddy program which furthers their relationships to other members of the camp community.

Every aspect of the program is designed to foster inclusion, connection, and a deep sense of belonging- amitzim campers are an integral component of the greater Ramah community. Central to the success of amitzim is Camp Ramah’s commitment to individualized support and program adaptability. Each camper’s experience is thoughtfully tailored to meet their unique needs and strengths, allowing for maximum participation in activities with their same-aged peers. Whether a camper thrives in smaller group settings or benefits from additional staff support during transitions or activities, the program is designed to flex and adjust in real-time to ensure that every camper can engage meaningfully. This personalized approach makes it possible for campers to enjoy the full breadth of the Ramah experience in a way that honors and celebrates their individuality.

Staff working with the amitzim program are specially trained to provide a high level of care, sensitivity, and professionalism. They are skilled in creating inclusive environments, managing diverse needs, and building trusting, supportive relationships with campers and their families. Their dedication and expertise enable campers to build friendships, grow in independence, and feel deeply embedded in the camp community. Through intentional inclusion, thoughtful modifications, and a spirit of celebration for all abilities, the program exemplifies Camp Ramah’s values of kehillah (community), kavod (respect), and simchah (joy).

Ezra

The Ezra program is a four- or eight-week vocational training program for young adults that captures the passion and excitement of Camp Ramah. During the summer, Ezra Program participants live at camp alongside 1,400 staff and campers. They fill their days with job site experience, life skill classes, recreational activities, and living Judaism. We are grateful to Jewish Federation Los Angeles for ongoing support of the Ezra program.

The Ezra Program allows participants to take their existing skills and enhance them in an independent Jewish community. The independent living experience at Camp Ramah improves functioning through:

• Vocational Skills
• Independent Living Abilities
• Self-image
• Social Functioning
• Jewish Community Skills

Camp Ramah provides an ideal setting for Ezra participants who live in communal, independent living quarters with peers under adult supervision. Participants learn lessons of responsibility, kinship, sportsmanship, and sharing. They receive job-training experience in several service areas throughout camp and are held accountable for their interpersonal relationships in the Ramah community. Program goals include preparing young adults for independent living and teaching them employment-related skills. In addition to personal development, the Ezra program includes specific components to enhance their independent living experience:

• Cafe Ezra – participants devote one evening a week to running a cafe for the entire camp staff
• Buddy Program – participants are designated a special staff buddy to enhance friendships and interpersonal skills
• Days Off – each week, participants will collaboratively plan their day-off activity.

For more information about our Tikvah programs, contact Rory Carmer, Tikvah Director, at rory@ramah.org.