Daily Activities
At Ramah Day Camp, there's something for everyone. Our wide variety of programming ensures that every camper's talents and interests are addressed. We provide a well-rounded day camp experience so that campers can make new discoveries about themselves and the world around them. Click here to read about special activities and programs.
Sport (Sports)
In addition to traditional camp favorites, like baseball, basketball, and tennis, campers also have the opportunity to participate in lacrosse, cricket, pillow polo baseball, nukem, gaga, floor hockey, and a myriad of other athletic endeavors. Campers practice good sportsmanship, encourage each other to do their best, and build confidence as their skills develop over the summer months.
S'chiya (Swimming)
Each morning campers receive red-cross swimming instruction from our fabulous swim staff. Safety, of course, is our number one concern. All swim staff are lifeguard certified (LGT) and many have several years experience teaching swimming. Our two heated outdoor pools are surrounded by a high fence and range in depth from 2 feet to 9 feet in one pool and from 3 feet to 5.6 feet in the other pool. Campers who start the summer unable to enter the water inevitably end the summer spashing around with their friends. Campers with higher swim skills can perfect their strokes and even learn lifeguarding techniques at the highest level. Campers have free swim each afternoon, and love to cool off in our pools. Note that towels are provided and swimsuits are dried between swims. Parents are encouraged to observe instructional and free swim times during weeks 2-7 of camp.
Bishul (Cookout)
What do cookouts have to do with teamwork? Each week your child's kevutzah (group) will hone their skills in group decision-making, compromise, and working together while they plan a menu, share responsibility of bringing ingredients, and work as a team to chop, spread, mix and pour, creating a delicious lunch. Campers experience a variety of food choices each week, and enjoy the wooded outdoor eating experience.
Rikud (Israeli Dance)
Our Israeli dance program is an integral part of both our fine arts and Judaics programming. Dancing is one of the many fun ways our campers connect to Israel and express their Jewish identities. Every morning, line dances can be seen and heard as the buses unload. In addition to each individual group having time to learn age-appropriate dances, one of the highlights of the week is kikar (field) dancing at the end of hachanah l'Shabbat (Shabbat preparation). Imagine 200 campers and staff all dancing together at the same time! The annual Rikudiyah (dance festival) on the last day of camp is a spectacular culmination of all the dance ruach (spirit) that has permeated the summer.
Koach L'Moach (Brain Power)
Only at Ramah can relay races teach the birkot hashachar (morning prayers) and ordinary benches and milk crates become the walls of the ancient temple. Our creative and inspiring Jewish education component uses fun camp activities that children already enjoy to teach Jewish knowledge and concepts.
| Drama (Drama)
Every camper has the chance to fully express him or herself through weekly drama activities. Campers play classic improvisation games, work with puppets, and learn to use movement, language, and facial expressions to convey a story. We marvel as chanichim (campers) build self-confidence, use their creativity, and explore the wonderful world of imagination.
Omanut (Art)
Our omanut program extends far beyond lanyard and popsicle stick crafts. Campers experiment with a wide variety of media and learn new art skills, such as print making, weaving, and creating reliefs. In addition, we have a history of extraordinary all-camp art projects. Our annual Paint the Furniture Week is a highly successful fundraiser for the omanut program, as well as a phenomenal learning experience, as campers sand, prime, and paint wood furniture to be sold by auction on the last day of camp. Another past campwide project was the creation and painting of three cement playground sculptures that are as popular to play on today as they were when they were new. Jewish-themed art projects also enhance the overall Judaic content of our camp.
Shira (Singing)
Every day after lunch in our chadar ochel (dining room), campers sing their hearts out! From their favorite Jewish and Israeli camp songs, to new tunes taught by our talented staff, campers enjoy a variety of musical treats. Of course, the most important song is our camp song (the lollipop song is a close second)! Campers also get a chance to spend one-on-one time with our songleader, learning a very special song for the annual Zimriyah (song festival) which takes place near the end of first session.
Tefillah (Prayer)
Every day, campers enjoy singing and learning age-appropriate prayers in our beautiful makom tefillah (place of prayer). The melodic guitar accompaniment and serene settting provide campers with a safe, nurturing space to explore their spirituality. We view tefillah time as an opportunity to bring together Jews from all denominations and educational backgrounds--we pray as one!
Teva (Nature)
What better way to connect with nature than to experience it first hand? Whether hiking through our beautiful "secret" prairie, helping to beautify our camp, playing nature games, or creating nature-inspired crafts, each camper has an opportunity to connect with nature in his or her own way.
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