h s i w e J ps Cam
Where Jewish Life & Learning Take Hold
If you’ve ever attended a Jewish camp, I’m sure you can recall many of the Jewish observances and rituals that took place while surrounded by new or lifelong friends. Many of us learned all the Hebrew words to the Birkat Hamazon at a Jewish camp. And, we can recall excitedly putting on our best camp whites for outdoor Shabbat evening services overlooking a pristine lake. Whether you attended a Jewish day camp or went to sleep away camp far away, there is no doubt that Jewish heritage, culture and values are easily learned while at camp. Best friends and potential spouses are met, and remarkable experiences are shared to create lifelong memories and bonds. Many have sent their children and grandchildren to the same camp! We asked several campers to share their experiences and camp highlights.
Sandy Zimmerman and Daughter Brooke
30
During his childhood, Sandy Zimmerman attended Camp Coleman in Cleveland, Georgia and loved it. Ramah Darom was not in existence yet, and his mom didn't want to send him all the way up to Ramah in the Northeast. Sandy says, “Just looking at that old picture of me at camp brought back so many great memories. Now as a parent, I have watched Ramah Darom play such a huge role in my daughter's Jewish identity.” His daughter Brooke was a camper at Ramah Darom in Clayton, Georgia. Brooke started at an even younger age than Sandy, and was a counselor until COVID shut down camp last summer. Even now, Brooke's best friend at college is one of her bunkmates from her camp days at Ramah. And now Sandy serves on the board of directors of Ramah Darom. According to Sandy, “I think Jewish summer camp might be the most influential component I have seen in our kids developing a love of Judaism.” Brooke added, “Deciding to go to Ramah Darom was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The time I spent there was amazing and really allowed me to explore my Jewish identity. I would look forward to the time I spent at camp all year and could never wait to reunite with my camp friends. One of my favorite memories was going on Ramah Israel Seminar where I spent the
