MANY DISTINCT EXPERIENCES
One singular focus on fun.
A camp you can grow with
Campers move through daily activities in small kvutzot (groups), joining together with their eidah (age division) for tefillah (prayer), sports, instructional swim and free swim. Younger campers sample most of the camp activities to get a “taste” of each one; older campers choose from a variety of electives including rocketry, pottery, archery, woodworking, soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, drama, dance, science, strategic games and more.
All this activity happens in a Jewish framework – incorporating Hebrew words into a swim lesson, dancing to Israeli music, packing toiletry kits for people in need as part of a Tzedakah (charity) project. As Jewish values and traditions are blended into the fun and friendship of camp – a magical feeling of community and belonging emerge.
Chaverim
4 & 8 – Week ExperiencesThis warm and welcoming program offers a high camper to staff ratio to ensure that our youngest campers get all the help and support they need as they move through the camp day participating in many different activities and learning their way around camp.
AMITZIM
4 & 8 – Week ExperiencesNew and returning campers become familiar with camp traditions, songs and cheers as they enjoy all that camp has to offer.
BONIM
4 & 8 – Week ExperiencesBonim are the oldest of our youngest campers! They expand on their swim, sports, art and tefillah skills and take more active roles in camp activities.
Giborim
4 & 8 – Week ExperiencesAs the youngest of our oldest campers, Giborim can shape aspects of their camp experience by choosing activities to match their interests.
Kochavim
4 & 8 Week ExperiencesKochavim build on their choice of electives based on their interests. The focus shifts from individual groups to the larger grade level group as a community develops and long-lasting friendships begin to form.
Gar-hal
4 & 8 – Week ExperiencesGar-Hal, our nickname for the Garinim (5th) and Halutzim (6th grade) program, is a special summer filled with daily challenges, skill building, and leadership opportunities. Gar-Hal leaves camp one day each week for special field trips.
Gesher
8 – Week ExperienceGesher, the Hebrew word for bridge, links the best parts of the camper experience with unique leadership opportunities.
COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING
8-Week ExperienceThe Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program provides entering 9th graders with opportunities to assist and learn from activity counselors and madrichim (counselors) within the caring and fun atmosphere of Ramah. A Rosh Eidah (division head) serves as the CIT trainer.
Sha’ar Chicago Hebrew Immersion
8-Week ExperienceBoker Tov Machaneh Ramah Yomi! (Good morning Ramah Day Camp!) For decades, chanichim (campers) have been greeted with this iconic phrase each morning as they enter camp. Ramah Day Camp has a proud history of interweaving Hebrew language into the day’s activities through the use of activity names, songs, and stories.