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PUZZLES & GAMES INSIDE!
TiPS foR SeNDiNG YoUR KiDS To CAMP! SAMPLe DAiLY SCheDULe PACKiNG LiST Inside!
Welcome
ברוכים הבאים
Dear Parents and Campers,
We are so excited to share this publication and hope it will convey the deep commitment we have to fostering a fun, healthy, developmentally-appropriate, joyful Jewish environment for our campers. When asked what makes Camp Ramah Darom so special, our campers inevitably cite the friendships that they have made. These friendships develop so deeply because they form in a context of exploration, learning, and challenging oneself along with marked intellectual and physical growth. As a result, children feel deeply connected to the peers who have been part of their journey of self-development, at first over the course of weeks, and eventually over the course of years. What makes Ramah special in the eyes of parents is the vibrant Jewish experience combined with the professionalism of our staff and our focus on camper-care. Our team of adult, professional staff trainers work all summer long with our counselors to help them become attuned to the specific developmental needs of the children in their care. Inside this magazine you will find a sample schedule as well as informational pages describing the Ramah experience for both you and your child. Also included are some fun games which we hope will help your child familiarize themselves to some of the basic Hebrew vocabulary of Camp Ramah. We welcome you to the Ramah Darom family and look forward to partnering with you in the important work of building Jewish lives. With excitement for the upcoming Summer,
Geoff, Rachel, and Sarah Geoffrey Menkowitz, Director Rachel Dobbs Schwartz, Assistant Director Sarah Attermann, Program Director The National Ramah Commission acknowledges with thanks the generous support of The AVI CHAI Foundation and the Zell Family Foundation in making this program possible.
Sample Two- & Four-Week Schedules Sunday Yom Rishon
Monday Tuesday Yom Sheni Yom Shlishi
Wednesday Yom Revi'i
Thursday Yom Chamishi
friday Yom Shishi
Saturday Yom Shabbat
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Welcome to Camp!
Elective Activities Begin!
Camp Scavenger Hunt
Getting Ready for Shabbat
Havdallah and Rikud (dancing) in the Amphitheater
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
DAY 12
Archery!
All camp Shira (singing) in the Amphitheater
Pool Party
Yetziah (Field Trip)
Challah Baking
Stargazing on the hill after dinner
Bunk Activity: Hike to the Waterfall
DAY 13
DAY 14
Packing and Final Farewells
L’hitraot and see you next summer!
Wednesday Yom Revi'i
Thursday Yom Chamishi
friday Yom Shishi
Saturday Yom Shabbat
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Welcome to Camp!
Elective Activities Begin!
Picture Day
Getting Ready for Shabbat
Bunk Activity: Hike to the Waterfall
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
DAY 12
Sunday Monday Tuesday Yom Rishon Yom Sheni Yom Shlishi
DAY 6
DAY 7
Sports game against another Aidah
Linat Shetach: Laundry Day Campout in tents with s’mores
Yom Yisrael (Israel Day)
Challah Baking
After dinner shira in the Chadar Ochel
Ice cream after dinner!
DAY 13
DAY 14
DAY 15
DAY 16
DAY 17
DAY 18
DAY 19
Crazy Costume Dress-Up Night
Zimriyah: Campwide Music Festival
Bunk Activity: Giant Swing
Yom Sport (Color War) Opening Ceremonies
Yom Sport (Color War)
Stargazing on the hill after dinner
Cookie Cart
DAY 20
DAY 21
DAY 22
DAY 23
DAY 24
DAY 25
DAY 26
Pool Party
Grilled T-shirt Tie-Dye cheese and tomato soup for lunch!
Yetziah (Field Trip)
Machazeh: Camp Play
Last Shabbat!
Havdallah and Rikud in the Amphitheater
DAY 27
DAY 28
Late Night Bunk Activity
L’hitraot and see you next summer!
Who Will Take Care of My Child at Camp? Directors of Camp Ramah Darom Director – Geoffrey Menkowitz Assistant Director – Rachel Schwartz Program Director – Sarah Attermann
Yoetzet – Parent Liaison
The Marp – Infirmary Staff
Rosh Aidah – Unit Head
Madrichim – Counselors
Parents are our partners. We invite you to communicate with us at any time throughout the summer should you have questions or concerns about your child.
You can let your child know that there will always be someone he or she can turn to if something is bothering them.
Ramah Darom’s Yoatzim: Camper Care Professionals ition known as the Yoetz/et At Ramah Darom, there is a staff pos to provide an additional layer (Advisor). The role of the Yoetz/et is dren be successful at camp. of staff support to help all of our chil p and your best resource for The Yoetz/et is your direct link to Cam through the mail such as any issues that cannot be handled s, or medical situations. homesickness, adjustment concern d’s Madrichim other staff in camp, such as your chil The Yoetz/et works very closely with Assistant on Head), as well as the Director and visi (Di ah Aid h Ros and s) elor uns (co mind. k with your child’s best interests in Director. They work around the cloc be A few weeks before arrival, you will phone ct dire and furnished with the name to your extension of the Yoetz/et assigned be in child’s age-division. If you need to ing your touch with someone at camp regard g child (perhaps you received a troublin please letter, there is a family emergency) to receive calls, Yoatzim are not routinely at a phone direct your call to the Yoetz/et. The manner. and respond to messages in a timely tly stan con ail em voic ir the r nito but mo a message, you: n situation we ask that when leaving In order to thoroughly assess a give addition to your own. 1. Clearly state your child’s name in cerns. exact nature of your questions or con 2. Explain the situation, supplying the that you can be re you can be reached and the time 3. Leave the telephone number(s) whe ks back one hour at Camp.) reached. (Remember, we set our cloc —though our encies) to call back with information erg em for ept (exc rs hou 12 us w 4. Allo r. response time is usually much quicke
The role of the Yoetz/et is to provide an additional layer of staff support to help all of our children be successful at camp.
staff member address In an effort to have the appropriate ive a call back from your particular situation, you may rece istrar, Yoetz/et, the Doctor, Business Manager, Reg ever is most Assistant Director, or Director—whom appropriate. Please note that We welcome your communication. a phone call parents of all new campers receive first few days check-in from the Yoetz/et within the of camp.
le u d e h c S ly i a D m Nitzanim/Solleli p!)
קימהKima (Wake U es) by age group vic T’fillot (ser ת פי לו ת ) M 7:30A (Breakfast r e k o B t a Aruch א רו ח ת בו ק ר M A 0 8:3 (Clean-up) n o y a ik N נ 9:25AM קיון ) hiya (Swim 'c S ש חיי ה 10:15AM w Elective) e r b e (H it r חוג בעבIv 11:10AM רית e Choice) iv t c le (E h חוגChug Alep h) 12:05PM ’א raim (Lunc o h o z T t a h Aruc א רו ח ת צ ה ריי ם M P 0 1:0 e) h (Rest tim a h c u n e M שעת מנו 2:00PM חה s Activity) ic a d u (J t u יהYahad 2:45PM דות Choice) e iv t c le (E t חוגChug Be ce) 3:40PM ’ב sic or Dan u (M a ir h S Rikud/ רי קו ד / שי ר ה M P 5 :3 4 Activity) k n u (B if r Peulat Tz פ ע ול ת צ רי ף M P 5 4:3 eulat Tzrif P פ ע ול ת צ רי ף פעולת ע/ 5:30PM דהnk Activity) (Bu r) Erev (Dinne t a h c u r A ארוחת ﬠ i6:45PM רב Night Activ h a id (A v e Peulat Er פ ע ול ת ﬠ ר ב M P 7:30 ty) Lilah Tov! ל יל ה טו ב M 9:00P t!)
7:00AM
(Goodnigh
Garinim (“Taste of Ra mah”) Daily Schedule 7:00AM קימה Kima (Wake U p!) 7:30AM תפילות T’fillot (servic es) by age gr 8:30AM בוקר ארוחתAruchat Boker (B oup reakfast) 9:25AM נקיוןN ikayon (Cabin Clean-up) 10:15AM ריקוד/ת חוג בעברי (Hebrew Activ Ivrit or Rikud ity or Dance) 11:10AM ’חוג א Chug Aleph (E lective Choice ) 12:05PM שחייה S'chiya (Swim ) 1:00PM צהריים ארוחתAruchat Tzohora im 2:00PM מנוחה שעתMenuchah (Rest tim (Lunch) e) 2:45PM ’חוג ב Chug Bet (Ele ctive Choice) 3:40PM שירה/ת יהדוYahad (Judaics Activ ut or Shira ity or Music) 4:35PM ת צריף פעולPeulat Tzrif (Bunk Activity) 5:30PM ספורט /י ש פ חו זמןZ (Free time or ’man Chofshi or Sport Sports) 6:45PM ת ﬠרב ארוחAruchat Erev (Dinn er) 7:30PM ת ﬠרב ול פעPeulat (Aidah Night A Erev ctivity) 8:45PM ילה טוב לLilah Tov! (Goodnight!)
Tips for Taste of Ramah & New Camper Families Before Your Child Goes to Camp
• Encourage as many sleepovers at friends’ homes as possible (group sleepovers are even better). • If your children don’t have friends going with them, get in touch with Ramah and try and arrange for a play date with one or two other kids. • Discuss strategies with your child if they have a difficult time falling asleep or wake up early (i.e. reading, drawing). • You may want to pack a letter in their bag for them to open when they arrive at camp. • Send a letter to camp a couple of days before they leave so they will get it soon after they arrive. • Send your camper with stationery, stamps, and address labels for anyone that they might want to write to while at camp. • Consider getting a lap desk that holds their stationery. • If your child does not already make his/her own bed on a daily basis, they will at camp so you might want to start getting them in the habit now.
What to do While Your Child Is Away at Camp
Important Tips to Share with Your Child
• Help your child set realistic expectations… Let your child know when they are at home, or in school, not every day is perfect. Likewise, not every day at camp will be perfect, but overall they will have a good time. • Send your child with something that allows them to feel safe and familiar at night…a blanket, stuffed animal, or other item. • If your child is feeling anxious about going off to camp, you can talk about other times that your child experienced anxiety and ended up getting through the situation just fine. • We say at Ramah Darom, “Camp starts on the plane or the bus”… the send-off is easy for some and difficult for others. If your child has any friends going to camp, try to arrange for them to be together on the flight or bus. • Don’t send your children with things like candy, iPhones (or any other wireless 4G-capable devices), and other items that are not allowed. These items will be confiscated and then your children are stuck in the situation of having to start camp by having a counselor take something away from them. We want camp to be a place of giving and sharing.
• Write letters frequently but keep them light and upbeat. E-mailing your child through your Ramah CampInTouch (all one word with cap I and T) account is also an option. • Be matter-of-fact about your day (kids like to know what you are doing but not that you are having too much fun. • Add as much humor as you can. • Try not to emphasize how much you miss them. • If you have concerns about your camper, contact the Yoezt/et (parent liaison) by phone and they will get back to you as soon as they can, typically within 12 hours or less.
Mail letters to:
Camper’s Name c/o Camp Ramah Darom nts Bunk #___ (Bunk assignme l)
will be sent prior to arriva
70 Darom Lane Clayton, GA 30525
Packing List
l shirts 12 t-shirts/casua s 2 long sleeve shirt sweatpants 4 pairs of jeans or 8 pairs of shorts as/sleepwear 3-4 pairs of pajam rwear 14 pairs of unde 14 pairs of socks ce/jackets 2 sweatshirts/flee at/poncho 1 hooded rainco r girls bikinis/tankinis fo 3 swimsuits (no r boys) and no speedos fo r girls) r boys, optional fo fo d re ui eq (r ot pp 4 ki ses/contacts 1 extra pair of glas rs 2 pairs of sneake s 1 pair of rainboot s for shabbat 1 pair of nice shoe shoes 1 pair of shower 1 hat 1 sleeping bag 2 blankets case Pillow and pillow ng twin size sheets 2 sets of extra lo Comb/brush 4 bath towels 2 pool towels Soap/body wash Suncscreen
d toothpaste 2 Toothbrush an nditioner Shampoo and co 2 water bottles 2 laundry bags Clothes hangers
tteries Flashlight and ba stamps Pens, stationary, Insect repellent aypack Small backpack/d
Sug gested:
camera goggles extra batteries extra stamps playing cards clip-on fan tissues
For Shabbat
BOYS ng or short) 3 dress shirts (lo jeans) acks or khakis (no 2 pairs of dress sl orts 2 pairs of dress sh cks 3 pairs of dress so GIRLS skirts and blouses or s se 3-4 dres gans 2 sweaters/cardi
t.. Remember, it’s Shabba an fancy, but nicer th is not Dress for Shabbat ld be s. Shoulders shou he ot cl p m ca ay yd ever l tfillot. s or sweater for al covered by sleeve
Packing Tips & Advice Do I pack my child’s favorite t-shirt? What if it gets lost? Should I send up enough pairs of socks for one per day or more? What’s the best way to label clothing? These may be a few of the questions going through your mind as you begin the packing process. Below are a few tips offered by veteran camp parents who have perfected the art of packing for camp. And yes, it is most certainly an art! • Pack WITH your child, not at night after he or she is fast asleep. You may be surprised about what clothing items your child doesn’t want to leave home without. More importantly this helps familiarize them with what is in their luggage so that upon arrival at camp when they begin the unpacking process it’s easy for them to pull out their bedding to make their bed and to locate pajamas and whatever else they may need. • Provide tools for organization. If you can imagine that your child’s cubby may easily become a black hole of clothing where it could be challenging to find a pair of clean socks, you may want to consider sending up certain items like socks and underwear in mesh laundry bags. • Ziplock bags are your friend! Use them for the following: • Underwear – send extra • Socks – send extra • Shabbat Outfits • Shampoo and Conditioner • Sunscreen • Pack a waterproof basket for all of your child’s toiletries. Once at camp, the counselors will instruct your child to put their toiletries into this basket, and it will be used daily to help keep your child organized and to carry the items to and from the showers. If you have not purchased this before, Target usually has this item. • Order sticker nametags 6 weeks before packing from a website like LabelDaddy.com. • Label, label, label. Use sticker labels or iron-on labels to label everything that you send with your child (including the clothing they wear on the bus). Believe it or not, the stickers stay on even after numerous washings. Please take the time to label everything you are sending up to camp including water bottles, flashlights, even shoes. Labels make bunk clean-up occur more smoothly and allow us to return items left around camp before the session ends. Iron-on work as well. The good, old-fashioned permanent marker method often results in hard-to-read names or only initials, and you’d be surprised how many kids there are up at camp with the same initials! • Don’t pack anything valuable or expensive. We expect your child to have so much fun at camp that the last thing on their mind is going to be keeping track of socks, underwear, nice shirts, etc. • Please don’t pack items like candy or cell phones that are not allowed at camp. These items will be confiscated and then your child is stuck in the situation of having to start camp by having something taken away from them. We want camp to be a place of giving and sharing.
What camper parents say… “Thank you to the wonderful counselors at Ramah Darom who made the time and effort to get to know my child and make her feel special at camp. You’ll never know how much that meant to her...”
“I sent my child to Camp Ramah Darom for the first time not knowing what to expect. My child had never been away from me for more than a couple of nights and he came home making his own bed, clearing his plate and brushing his own teeth — I don’t know what you did, but, THANK YOU!”
“My son is able to be the best version of himself at Ramah Darom. He can feel safe, real and take chances. THANK YOU!”
“We live in a generation where we problem solve for our kids and mediate for them constantly. My child learned this summer at camp to navigate his own social, emotional and physical issues. I can’t think of a better place than camp to learn those life skills and I can’t think of a better gift to my child!”
“When I picked up my daughter who went to Taste of Ramah and she ran to the car crying, I thought she was so excited and moved to see me. I, of course, starting crying too. She made it clear very quickly that she was crying because she didn’t want to leave camp and NOT because she missed me... Oh well...”
Drishat Shalom
The official song of Camp Ramah Darom
(translation)
Dear Mom and Dad, I have already made many friends! I hiked to the waterfall and saw the view. I don’t want to go home when camp is over. Saying “Shalom” to GA, FL, Carolina, TX, OK, Israel, TN, AL, LA, and MS. This is your Camp and this is my Camp!
Rad Hayom End of day song
(translation)
Day is done. The sun goes down. Stars sparkle in the sky. Night has come, a night of rest. Shalom. Shalom.
Word Games
CAMP RAMAH CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACRoSS
DoWN
5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2
11 13
Special type of brownie served for dessert on Shabbat The Hebrew word for community Something to make sure you don’t get burned A yummy southern breakfast item that is served at camp Music Festival that happens at Camp You should have this with you at all times so you don’t get dehydrated! A sport you can play at camp with a ball and a hoop! An activity at Camp that uses a bow and arrow
CAMP RAMAH WORD SEARCH
3 4 12
An age group or unit at camp A type of meal we have on Wednesday nights with hamburgers, hotdogs, and watermelon! The Hebrew word for the overnight camp-out A friend you would share a bunk bed with The name of our camp infirmary
WORD SCRAMBLE
Try your best to unscramble the words below! B’hatzlacha! (good luck)
1. oYm ptroS __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 2. aalHvhlad __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 3. Drihsta maSlho __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4. yhecrrA __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5. irGledl eecseh __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 6. okCeoi trac __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ BREICHA FRIENDS CAMPRAMAH COUNSELOR
NITZANIM GARINIM SOLLELIM DAROM
SHABBAT CHADAROCHEL ROCKCLIMBING BLOB
7. eydiTe __ __ __ __ __ __ 8. gSniw __ __ __ __ __
Ramah Vocabulary
In order to achieve a Hebrew environment at Ramah, we use Hebrew for most places, names, events, activities, etc. We use the Hebrew terms exclusively so that campers come to identify the place or activity by its Hebrew name.
The Names and Grades for each of our ,usg (Aidot) – Divisions – are: Garinim Nitzanim Sollelim Halutzim Kochavim Shoafim Nachshonim Nivonim Gesher Tikvah
ohbhgrd 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades (Taste of Ramah introductory 2-week program) ohbmhb 4th Grade ohkkux 5th Grade ohmukj 6th Grade ohcfuf 7th Grade ohptua 8th Grade ohbuajb 9th Grade ohbucb 10th Grade rad 11th Grade vuue, Children with special needs
Should your child write about:
You will know it means:
Places Kikar rfhf Chadar Ochel kfut rsj Agam odt Mirpa’ah (known as the “MARP”) vtprn Mirpeset ,xprn Tzrif ;hrm Beit Am og ,hc
Big grassy field where we play sports Dining Room Lake Infirmary Porch Bunk Covered Basketball Court
People Banim Banot Aidah Tzevet Rosh Aidah Madrich / Madricha Mishlachat
Boys Girls Age Division Staff Unit Head Counselor Israeli Staff
Activities Rikud Shira Peulah/Peulot Peulat Erev Sha’at Menucha Omanut T’fillot Linat Shetach Schiya Perek Yitziah Zimriyah Harga’ah Machazeh Nikui Hamachaneh Birkat Hamazon Birkat Hamotzi
ohbc ,ubc vsg ,uum vsg atr vfhrsn/lhrsn ,jkan
suehr Dance vrha Singing ,ukugp/vkugp Program crg ,kugp Nighttime Program vjubn ,ta Afternoon Rest Time ,ubnt Arts & Crafts ,ukhp, Services jya ,nhk Campout vhhja Swim erp Activity Period vthmh Field Trip vhrnz Campwide Music Festival vgdrv Bedtime Activity or Story vzjn Play (drama) vbjnv huehb All-Camp Clean-Up iuznv ,frc Blessing After Meals hmunv ,frc Blessing Before Meals
זה !עברית
6400 Powers Ferry Road NW Suite 215 Atlanta, GA 30339
!שלום
! s n i a t n u o M e h t n i u o Y See Summer Contact Info: 70 Darom Lane, Clayton GA 30525 • Phone: (706) 782-9300