2018-2019 New Camper Magazine

‫אני‬ ‫קוראת‬

?vrue vn-r

A WORD FROM YOUR ROSH!

TIPS FOR SENDING YOUR KIDS TO CAMP! SAMPLE MENU PACKING LIST Inside!

‫ברוכים הבאים‬

Welcome Dear Parents and Campers,

Welcome to Camp Ramah in California. As you may or may not know, we have been working over the last few years to ensure that our youngest chanichim in camp, who are just beginning their Ramah journey, receive the special care and attention needed to make a smooth and successful transition to our kehilah. Our goals included engaging our families in the journey leading up to camp, rethinking the schedule for the younger chanichim/ot (campers) to make it more developmentally appropriate and ensuring that they experienced the absolute BEST Ramah has to offer. All of this took place in the nurturing, safe and loving environment these kids need and deserve.

We are thrilled to say that the results of our parent and camper surveys, along with our own eyes and ears on the ground, clearly demonstrated that the focus and attention led to great success. We are excited to continue and grow this coming year. We have new Gesher majors, program and schedule “tweaks” and some exciting new keepsake projects the chanichim will bring home to provide their families with a peek into their camp experience. We are excited to partner with PJ library and bring more reading to camp and to our younger campers and with the help of a funder, we were able to create a special Gesher only lending library with books outside the bunks, where campers could grab a book and read. We believe that night time routine and rituals at camp have a strong power and we look forward to these reading clubs! We continue to recruit strong, enthusiastic and nurturing tzevet (staff) who can’t wait to welcome you to what we hope is the first of many Keitzim (summers) at Ramah!

Each edah (age group) has a value that they focus on at Ramah as part of our Educational scope and sequence.

This is done through programming, play, conversations, modeling and more. Our hope is that a Ramah graduate embodies these values and more not just at Ramah, but outside in the world. Below you will see the visual of our “Midah L’edah.”

Please know that we are eager to receive feedback from our camp families. We are always looking to grow, improve and evolve. Our youngest campers represent a beginning, the present and, most importantly, our future.

‫ בשותפות והתרגשות‬In partnership and excitement, now then Rabbi Joe

now then Ariella

now then

now then

Gaby

Executive Director Camp Director Recruitment & Engagement Associate

Yael Program Coordinator

Camp Ramah is an American Camp Association accredited, residential summer camp affiliated with the Conservative Movement and National Ramah Commission and operates under the educational auspices of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University.

… y a s s t n e r a p What camper mensches. It is our children’s ond bey are s per cam and ff sta The “ home strong, confident, and with e cam er ght dau y M ce. pla py hap e challah. Our son came home enthusiasm taught us how to mak happy with camp.” more independent. We are very

“ Camp Ram ah does a a fun an great job d safe en providing

vironmen independe t to be nt, feel a part of a Jewish c ommunity greater , meet fr all over iends fro and explo m re their identities Jewish away fro m home influence s.”

re n atmosphe a s e t a re c ah ingful to be n a e “ Camp Ram m d n a both fun unity.” where it is ewish comm J e h t f o rt a pa Jewish and

her ced towards me with ra e sh , er ht ug da ng beaming d. She talked and sa “ When I picked up my re be em m re I an th y ing stronger seemed so ... worldl he arms open and look S e. m ho ive dr the whole hour fore.” and told me stories e bus two weeks be th at f of d pe op dr d we and wise! Not the ki

Ramah California is a magical place! Our child “ appreciation for the Jewish community and the independent and joyous! Ramah’s major strength compassionate Jewish leaders and instill a love

came home full of love and world around her. She is more confident, is that intangible ability to create for Judaism, and life, in children.”

Gesher Sample Daily Schedule 7:30AM

‫ קימה‬Kimah (Wake Up!) 8:00AM ‫ ארוחת בוקר‬Aruchat Boker (Breakfast) 8:40AM ‫ תפילות‬T’fillot (Prayers) 9:30AM ‫ נקיון‬Nikayon (Clean up time) 10:15AM ‫ חוגים ראשי‬Major Elective 11:45AM ‫ כיבוד‬Snack 12:00PM ‫שירה‬/‫ ריקוד‬Rikkud/Shira (Dancing/Singing) 12:50PM ‫ ארוחת צהריים‬Aruchat Tzohoraim (Lunch) 1:40PM ‫ מנוחה‬Menucha (Rest Time) 2:30PM ‫ שחייה‬Schiya (Swimming) 3:30PM ‫ג‬ ‫ חו‬Minor Electives 4:30PM ‫ ספורט‬Sports 5:30PM ‫ פעולת ﬠרב‬Peulat Erev (Evening Activity)

6:45PM Aruchat Erev (Dinner)

‫ארוחת ﬠרב‬

7:45PM 8:15PM

‫ מקלחות ﬠרב‬Showers ‫ פעולת לילה טו ב‬Peulat Lilah Tov (Goodnight Activity)

Nitzanim Sample Daily Schedule 7:30AM

‫ קימה‬Kimah (Wake Up!) 8:00AM ‫ ארוחת בוקר‬Aruchat

‫ שחרית‬Shacharit (Prayers) 9:20AM ‫ נקיו ן‬Nikayon

‫ חוגים‬Chuggim (Electives) 3:30PM ‫ ישראל‬Yisrael 4:30PM ‫ כיבוד‬Snack 4:40PM ‫ שירה‬Shira (Singing) ‫ פעולת צריף‬Peulat Tzrif

10:00AM

5:40PM

Boker (Breakfast)

8:40AM

(Clean up time)

‫ שחייה‬Swimming 10:55AM ‫ת‬ ‫ יהדו‬Yahadut/‫ כיבוד‬Snack 11:50AM ‫ ספורט‬Sports 12:50PM ‫ם‬ ‫ ארוחת צהריי‬ Aruchat Tzohoraim (Lunch)

1:40PM

‫ מנוחה‬Menucha (Rest Time)

2:30PM

(Bunk Activity)

‫ כיף לי‬Kef Li (Choice time) ‫ מקלחות‬Miklachot (Showers)

6:45PM Aruchat Erev (Dinner)

‫ארוחת ﬠרב‬

7:45PM Peulat Erev (Evening Activity)

‫פעולת ﬠרב‬

8:15PM

‫ לילה טוב‬Laila

Tov

A Note from the Desk of Our Director of Camper Care Dr. Aviva Levine Jacobs

what they love about hen chanichim and tzevet are asked the words to adequately Camp Ramah, some struggle to find feel so intensely during the convey the magic of camp that they a summer camp experience summer. For those of you who had te. For me, when I think back on growing up, you may be able to rela recall a few outstanding programs my own camp experience, sure, I can ly rnight trips (tiyulim), but what I real and the names of campsites from ove ay, and the tod ng stro ed in my youth that remain carry with me are the friendships form t magic that of myself among the hills of Ojai. Tha feeling that I became the best version ial skills, a now tells us results in more adept soc occurs for chanichim, which research developed Jewish increase in self-esteem, and a more stronger sense of independence, an king throughout the result of a team of professionals wor identity, is in fact not magic at all. It is ly hard to create ming and hire staff who work incredib the year to intentionally craft program dren can thrive. an optimal environment in which chil being, children ment does not magically come into iron env p cam the t tha way e sam In the ly for some a first-time camp experience. Certain do not magically become ready for l, readiness for easily than for others, but in genera re mo es com s ines read this n dre chil s who care for ported by the adults in children’s live camp develops over time and is sup e for a successful of the things that help a child prepar ny ma t tha is s new d goo The m. the few tips for helping y already be doing. Below are just a summer at camp are things you ma t. their camp journey on the right foo you support your child in starting off

W

Provide a listening ear

looking with your child about what he/she is talk to ce spa the te crea s che roa app As camp their feelings by concerns they may have. Normalize forward to about camp as well as any y may g away to camp have some things the goin are who kids ny ma t tha m the reminding Is he nervous about to share his/her specific concerns. be nervous about. Allow your child By voicing worried that she won’t like the food? she Is t? nigh at ep asle fall to able not being tions. better able to discuss potential solu their specific concerns you become

Pro-active problem-solving

s. For a child who strategies to address their concern e som d chil r you with ugh thro Talk /her to read e, you might send up a letter with him may be concerned about missing hom to make the ind them of your belief in their ability rem y ma you it, In . you sing mis n whe e overcome in other challenging experiences they hav most of their camp experience and of a friend’s house m, riding a bike, or sleeping over at swi to how g nin lear as h suc t pas the es such as, “if you may be try to avoid making promis for the first time. As tempting as it will come pick you and you still want to come home, I k wee first the of end the to it ke ma you to your word g to such statements and will hold up.” We have found that children clin by the third day. even if they are enjoying themselves

Practice makes perfect

with “camplicated, you can provide your child dup be not can nce erie exp p cam While the experiences in y be helpful to plan some overnight like” experiences prior to camp. It ma spending a tives to help your child acclimate to rela or nds frie with r me sum the of advance

night away from home. These can be used as helpful touchpoints to refer back to later.

“Remember when you felt nervous about sleeping over at Grandma’s hou se, but then you did it and it wasn’t so scary after all.” Exp ose your child to some new activitie s, suc h as a new game or a new hiking trail. Remind him/her tha t there will be lots of new things for the m to try at camp and encourage them to try out those acti vities before making a judgment abo ut whether they like it or not. Help raise your child’s comfort level with independent living skills suc h as showering (there are no baths at camp!), putting awa y clean clothes where they belong, gett ing ready for bed at night (brushing their teeth, combing their hair). Of course there will be counse lors (ma drichim) providing reminders and available to give a help ing hand, but the more comfortable you r children are with these tasks, the more they will be able to focu s on having fun and getting lost in the magic of camp.

New Camper Orientations

Each spring, Camp Ramah hosts new camper orientations in several loca tions. These events are a great opportunity for new camper s to meet other kids going to camp for the first time and for parents to get answers to any questio ns they may have. For those who cou ld not make it, feel free to contact gaby@ramah.org to rece ive a re-cap.

What is the role of a yoetz/yoetzet,

Can’t wait to see you at Camp!

Dr. Aviva Levine Jacobs a parent lia

ison?

We are fortunate to have one parent liaison working directly with each eda h.

Each parent liaison: •P rovides support and guidance to rash ei edah and madrichim throughout the summer on the topics of child development, relation ship building skills, active problem-sol ving , and much more • Manages communication with par ents of chanichim during the session • Spends time with the edah and is visible and accessible to any chanich im in need of support Here are some reasons you might con tact the yoet/yoetzet: •Y ou receive a letter mentioning hom esickness and you want to know whe ther it has lessened •Y our travel plans have changed and you want to make sure your child is awa re •Y ou want to make us aware of somethi ng significant that was going on for you r child prior to camp Our parent liaisons check voicemail and e-mail frequently and make eve ry effort to return parent inquiries within 24 hours. Yoatzim spe nd most of their time out around cam p with chanichim and madrichim, and not in the office, so please mention the best times of day /ev enin g to reach you when you leave a message.

How to reach your yoetz/yoetzet: On the first day of camp you will rece ive an e-mail with your child’s bunk assignment and with the name and contact information of you r child’s parent liaison.

These e-mail addresses are great way to reach yoatzim during the summer : Gesheryoetzet@ramah.org • Nitzan imyoetzet@ramah.org Before the summer feel free to be in touch with our Director of Camper Care regarding any questions or concerns at aviva@ ramah.org.

Sample Two & Four Week Schedules SUNDAY Yom Rishon

MONDAY Yom Sheni

TUESDAY 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!

First Day of Gesher Majors

Camp Scavenger Hunt

Getting Ready for Shabbat

Popsicle and Story Time on the Givah

DAY 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

DAY 9

DAY 10

DAY 11

DAY 12

Picture Day

Leil Eilat: Night Swim for Gesher

Laundry Day

Camp Concert in our Amphitheater

Tiyul Experience – Gesher A/C: Treehouse Gesher B/D: Lake Casitas

White Shabbat – Don’t forget to bring your white clothing

Motzash: Rikkud Dance Party on the Basketball Court

DAY 13

DAY 14

Camp Banquet and Final Farewells

L’hitraot and See you Next Summer!

WEDNESDAY Yom Revi'i

THURSDAY Yom Chamishi

FRIDAY Yom Shishi

SATURDAY Yom Shabbat

SUNDAY Yom Rishon

MONDAY Yom Sheni

TUESDAY Yom Shlishi DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

Welcome to Camp!

First Normal Day of Camp and Pick your Chuggim!

Icebreakers with the edah!

Getting Ready for Shabbat

Popsicle and Story Time on the Givah

DAY 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

DAY 9

DAY 10

DAY 11

DAY 12

Picture Day

Leil Eilat: Night Swim for Nitzanim

Yom Balagan – Campwide Fun Day

Camp Concert in our Amphitheater

Mystery Auction Night!

Yom Yisrael: Israeli Carnival

Star Gazing in the Camp Observatory after Havdallah

DAY 13

DAY 14

DAY 15

DAY 16

DAY 17

DAY 18

DAY 19

Nitzanim’s Got Talent

Laundry Day!

Yom Tikkun Olam

Jewish Superhero Night!

Breakfast in the Bishul Kitchen

Shabbat in Kikar Tzion

Motzash: Rikkud Dance Party on the Basketball Court

DAY 20

DAY 21

DAY 22

DAY 23

DAY 24

DAY 25

DAY 26

Celebrating Differences Activity

Maccabiah Opening Ceremonies

Maccabiah – campwide Color wars planned by the oldest edah!

Tiyul: Nitzanim Overnight at Lake Casitas and Trip to the Water Park!

Leil Hofa’ah: Camp Musical!

Mud Hugs from Machon and White Shabbat

Havdallah on the Givah with Nitzanim!

DAY 27

DAY 28

DAY 29

Late Night Bunk Banquet Activity: Warm and Final and fuzzies!

Farewells!

L’hitraot and See you Next Summer!

What Will I Eat?

At Ramah we work to create balanced meals, made from fresh ingredients, that are both healthy and tasty for our campers. All meals are served family style and we have plenty of gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options!

DINNER

BREAKFAST

Sunday Make Your Own Taco

Sunday Bagels & Scrambled Eggs Monday Pancakes & Bananas

LUNCH

Tuesday Breakfast Burrito

Sunday Mac & Cheese

Wednesday Cheese Omelet & Hashbrowns

Monday Pizza with Salad, Carrots & Celery

Thursday Yogurt Parfait Bar – Blueberries and Granola Friday Waffles & Strawberries Saturday Chocolate Muffins & Hardboiled Eggs

EVERYDAY ITEMS

SAMPLE MENU

Tuesday Wrap Sandwiches & Bissli Wednesday Falafel with Pita, Hummus & Israeli Salad Thursday Turkey Burgers Friday Make Your Own Burrito

Monday Stir Fry & Egg Rolls Tuesday BBQ (Hamburgers, Hotdogs, French Fries & Watermelon) Wednesday Chicken Nuggets & Mashed Potatoes Thursday Tortellini & Tomato Soup Friday Shabbat Dinner (Chicken, Broccoli, Potatoes, Chicken Noodle Soup, Challah) Saturday Spaghetti & Garlic Bread

Saturday Deli Sandwiches, Cholent & Cole Slaw

Every Breakfast

• Cereal & Granola • Yogurt & Cottage Cheese • Fresh Fruit • Oatmeal & Berries

Every Lunch and Dinner • Tuna & Hardboiled Eggs • Quinoa or Rice • Salad Bar with Fresh Vegetables • SunButter & Jelly Sandwich

THE BASICS • Kosher – All food is certified kosher and under the supervision of the Conservative Movement.

• Vegetarian – When we serve meat or fish there is always a vegetarian option.

•G luten-Free – While our kitchen is not Gluten-Free and cross-contamination is possible, there is a selection of Gluten-free food offered at meals for those who need.

•D airy-Free/Vegan – At every meal we strive to serve a dairy-free (usually vegan) option for campers and staff as well as offering soymilk and lactaid milk at breakfast.

•D aily Snacks – We provide healthy snacks like fruit, popcorn, or cheese sticks for all campers and staff during the day.

• Nut-Free – Camp Ramah is a nut-free community, however we do serve prodcuts that are made in a facility that also processes nuts.

Tips for Gesher & New Camper Families Before Your Child Goes to Camp

Important Tips to Share with Your Child

• 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 he/she has a difficult time falling asleep or wake up early (i.e. reading, drawing).

• You may want to pack a letter in their luggage 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.

• 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.

What to do While Your Child Is Away at Camp • Write letters frequently but keep them light and upbeat. E-mailing your child through your Ramah account is also an option, but please note that campers cannot e-mail back.

• 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 yoetzet (parent liaison) by email or phone, and they will get back to you as soon as they can, typically within 24 hours.

• Please remember Ramah will only accept flat envelopes, not packages. Letters, cards, and postcards are great ways to send a heartfelt “care package” that highlights “care” over “package.

• Send your child with something that allows him/her 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.

• As we say at Ramah, “Camp starts on the bus”… the send-off at the bus is easy for some and difficult for others. If your child has any friends going to camp try to arrange for them to sit together on the same 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.

Mail letters to: Child’s Name c/o Camp Ramah Bunk # 385 Fairview Road Ojai, CA 93023

t is L g n i k c a P im Gesher/Nitzan l shirts 10 t-shirts/casua s or sweatpants 2–3 pairs of jean

ts 6–7 pairs of shor irts ightgowns/nightsh 3 pairs pajamas/n ts/boxer shorts 14 pairs underpan 14 pairs of socks

toothpaste Toothbrush and n Moisturizing lotio ble size Clip-on fan porta Chapstick

l) Bathrobe (optiona d no Speedos for boys an 2 swimsuits (No * bikinis for girls) im shirts), Rash-guards (sw d for all highly recommende ed rts that can be us 2 plain white t-shi for projects tional required for boys, op t) as le t (a ot pp ki 5

for girls

ses/contact lenses 1 extra pair of glas s king/athletic shoe 1 pair sturdy wal for Shabbat 1 pair nice shoes

r pool and shower 1 pair of shoes fo s tshirts/light jacket 2 sweaters/swea eve shirts 2 warm, long-sle 2 sun hats/caps only) r camping trip use Sleeping bag (fo ily use) 2 blankets (for da cases Pillow and pillow sheets (required!)

2 sets of twin size Comb/brush

hcloths 4 towels and was r the pool) (2 for bathing, 2 fo ash g holder or Body W Soap with travelin 15 or higher) Sunscreen (SPF d.

itte *Tankinis are perm

Bug spray nditioner Shampoo and co d beled with first an 2 water bottles la ah last name, and ed 1 laundry bag Clothes hangers tteries Flashlight and ba stamps Pens, stationery, aypack Small backpack/d ove, racket, baseball gl Suggested: tennis era, extra s, disposable cam le gg go g in m im sw cards, ps, books, playing batteries, extra stam ts musical instrumen

Shabbat

BOYS d Shabbat morning For Friday night an ort) lo shirts (long or sh 3 white dress/po khakis lor dress slacks or 2 pairs of solid co (no jeans)

GIRLS ng and Shabbat morni t gh For Friday ni s and tops/outfits 3–4 dresses/skirt

abbat...

Remember, it’s Srehd by either sleeves

cove Shoulders must be p for all Tfillot. or shoulder cover-u D, and Nitzanim: Gesher B, Gesher t outfit g one white Shabba Make sure to brin for White Shabbat

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. We ask that you label your child’s water bottle with a first and last name and edah in order to help us return bottles to their owners in a timely manner to keep everyone hydrated. 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.

Shir Gesher Anu adat hagesher v’anu chadasheem Lomdeem v’shareem Ut’feelot bayn hehareem S’cheeyah bab’raychah u’shabbat bak’heelah Anu ohaveem et machanaynu Ramah Anu adat hagesher v’anu chadasheem Sport v’chugeem chavayreem m’yuchadeem S’cheeyah bab’raychah v’shabbat bak’heelah Anu ohaveem et machanaynu Ramah

Check out our Soundcloud to hear YOUR edah song: https://soundcloud.com/ramahcalifornia/shir-gesher https://soundcloud.com/ramahcalifornia/shir-nitzanim

Shir Nitzanim Ma ha’aydah hatovah b’ramah Adat hanitzanim Lomdeem, M’sachakeem S’maycheem lee’hiyot Yihoodeem toveem G’doleem vachazakeem N’h’yeh tameed hareeshoneem

Wow! This ____________(season) is going to be so fun! I can’t wait to pack my _____________(noun) and go to Camp Ramah! I am excited to sign up for ____________(chug/elective) and learn how to make ___________ (noun). I hear that every Tuesday there is a barbecue for dinner and everyone sits on the __________________ (Hebrew name for hill) and eats ________________________________________(favorite barbecue food).

Hmm … I wonder what else do we do at camp. I wonder if they will serve _______________________________ (favorite breakfast food)?

I can’t wait to go to the breicha(pool) and I know I won’t forget my ____________(noun) and ______________(noun). After schiya (swimming) maybe I will head down to the sports courts and play ___________________________ (favorite sport) with my new bunkmates!

Yay! That would be a pretty awesome day! I can’t wait until we head to the _______________________ (Hebrew word for dining hall) for dinner and a ruach filled shira session!

After such a long day, I am sure I will be _____________________(adjective) to head back to my tzrif for hargaah. I hope my madrichim sing __________________________(favorite song) or read ______________________________(favorite book). Lilah tov!!

Can’t wait for camp in ________(number) days!

COLOR ME IN!

Check out our MAJOR Options for Gesher Participants* Here is a list of SOME majors that might be offered during your Gesher session.

More information to follow as we approach the summer with specific major options and a sign-up form. Stay tuned …

High Up in the Sky – Have you ever been on a ropes course? Always wanted to go down a zip line? Wait until you see the incredible course located in Ramah’s orange grove. With trained staff, you will have the opportunity to participate in trust games, leadership activities, conquer your fears and hang out up in the sky.

HIYA Martial Arts – Are you all about action? Do movies like Kung Fu Panda and the Karate Kid make you wish you knew some cool moves? Well then it is time to bring out your inner warrior at the Machane this summer. You will get a chance to learn some fun moves from Tae Kwon Do, Kapuera, Krav Maga and more.

You will walk out feeling stronger, and with some amazing self-defense moves.

Someone’s in the Kitchen – Through the magic of cooking, take a trip in Chef Danny’s Jewish kitchen time machine and go back thousands of years to experience the “Four T’s” – Torah, Tikkun Olam and Tasty Treats!

Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or not, get ready for some awesome cooking and yummy creations!

Kindness is Cool Club – We all know how great it feels when we are the recipients of random acts of kindness.

Here is a chance to give a little back and have a blast at the same time! From arts and crafts, food, video making and more, spread fun and ruach around camp!

You’ve Got the Beat! – Do you have a rockin’ air guitar or drum solo you’ve wanted to show off? Do you constantly find yourself singing and rocking out to music? Whether you are a skilled musician, or just a music lover, you will find this workshop and jam session uplifting and fun! *4-Week Nitzanim Campers will learn about these options and more on the first day of camp when they sign up for their chuggim (electives)! We have some amazing options in store.

Here Are a Few of Our Fabulous Gesher MAJOR Teachers Danny Corsun (Someone’s in the Kitchen) Danny Corsun has been a Chef-Educator for 15 years. In 2005, Danny retired from teaching in just one classroom and started Culinary Kids Academy. As a result, schools all over the city (both public and private) began to sign up for CKA’s cutting edge and fun workshops!

Mindy Horwitz (Kindness is Cool Club) Mindy Horwitz has worked at Ramah nine summers first dating back to 1993. She has a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University and has an expertise in group dynamics. Her nurturing and warm personality led to the creation of the Kindness is Cool Club in 2014. Mindy currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri, has three boys who all spend summers at Ramah, and loves her job in Ojai!

Jacob “Spike” Kraus (You’ve Got the Beat) Jacob “Spike” Kraus, has been song leading for over a decade at synagogues, day schools, and summer camps. A member of the Jewish A Cappella group Six13, JSK believes in music’s power as a community-builder. He tours the country singing with communities and using Jewish music as a tool to educate and engage the next generation of Jews.

Who Will Take Care of My Child at Camp?

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Executive Director – Rabbi Joe Menashe Camp Director – Ariella Moss Peterseil Recruitment & Engagment Associate – Gaby Natelson Program Coordinator – Yael Kornfeld

Yoetz/et – Parent Liaison

You can let your child know that there will always be someone he or she can turn to if something is bothering them.

The Marp – Infirmary Staff

Rosh Edah – Unit Head

Madrichim – Counselors

Quick Tip! Parents are our partners. We welcome you to be in touch if you receive a letter with concerning information. We may turn to you for helpful strategies if your child experiences challenges.

Hebrew Words Commonly Used at Camp ‫ גשר‬ ‫ ניצנים‬ ‫ גבורי ישראל‬ ‫ עדת שלום‬ ‫ אמיצים‬ ‫ סוללים‬ ‫ צופים‬ ‫ כוכבים‬ ‫ מכון‬

‫ בנים‬ ‫ בנות‬ ‫ ברכת המזון‬ ‫ ברכת המוציא‬ ‫ בריכה‬ ‫ חדר אוכל‬ ‫ עדה‬ ‫ גן‬ ‫ הרגעה‬ ‫ קיץ‬ ‫ כיכר ציון‬ ‫ מרפאה‬ ‫ מרפסת‬ ‫ ניקוי המחנה‬ ‫ פעולת ערב‬ ‫ פעולות‬ ‫ ראש עדה‬ ‫ רוח‬ ‫ שחייה‬ ‫ תפילות‬

‫ צוות‬ ‫ צריף‬

Gesher – 2 week edah for entering 3rd–5th graders Nitzanim – edah name for 4th/5th graders Giborei Yisrael – edah name for 6th graders Adat Shalom – edah name for 7th graders Amitzim – edah for campers with special needs Sollelim – edah name for 8th graders

Tzofim – edah name for 9th graders Kochavim – edah name for 10th graders Machon – edah name for 11th graders Banim – boys Banot – girls Birkat Hamazon – the prayer after a meal Birkat Hamotzi – the prayer for bread before a meal Breicha – the swimming pool Chadar Ochel – dining hall Edah – a division in camp divided up according to grade Gan – a group of young children with parents working in camp Harga’ah – story or other “soothing” program in cabin before sleep Kayitz – Summer Kikar Zion – the outdoor sanctuary area in front of the breichah Mirpa’ah – (known as the “Marp”) – infirmary or health center Mirpeset – porch or patio area Nikui HaMachaneh – camp clean up Pe’ulat Erev – evening activity Pe’ulot – activities Rosh Edah – a division head Ruach – spirit Schiyah – swimming Tefillot – morning, afternoon or evening prayers Tzevet – staff Tzrif – cabin

‫עברית‬ !‫זה כיף‬

Hello Gesher 2018! mmer) with you as Rosh I am thrilled to spend this kayitz (su and ter Bet d” “Fre a ess Van is e My nam d” by my madrichot ah, I was given the nickname of “Fre Ram at er) mm (su itz kay first my Gesher! In years of being a e — from Gesher to Machon, my 5 sinc r eve me with it t kep e hav I (counselors), and YOU! my 12th kayitz (summer) with all of madricha (counselor), and now for am finishing my B.A. of beaches and burritos. Currently I land go, Die San ny sun from way I hail all the ever looking for el at the University of Haifa. If you’re Isra in te Sta o cisc Fran San from in Jewish Studies ce party givah), or having an enthusiastic dan the on (or k par a in bee fris te ma me, catch me playing ulti (get excited for rikkud!).

the perfect mix of will ever have! Gesher is filled with you rs me sum le edib incr st mo the Gesher is one of looking ing back for more…and ALL of us are com ers oth e, tim first the for ing Ramahniks — some com nding the summer getting to ue) of “chaverut” (friendship) and spe (val ah mid our ng lori exp to ard forw on an adventurous tiyul COOLEST breicha (pool), to going the in ing mm swi m Fro r! the ano know one Gesher Major e Casitas, to learning new skills in our Lak or se hou Tree her Ges the er (overnight) to eith ard to spending time mmer) of your life! I am looking forw program, you are in for the kayitz (su g the best edah (age group) with each and every one you, learnin l) (hil h giva ul utif bea the on er eth tog Kayitz 2018, make RUACH (spirit). As you get ready for the ging brin and ~ !* clap p, sna , cheer ~ *hit it even fits in ves, and ALL of your excitement (if mo ce dan est silli les, smi est bigg r sure you pack you your suitcase!) for Gesher 2018! the endless amount it a secret — as much as I’m loving p kee to e mis pro to e hav ou g…y One last thin s from the chadar ing those delicious chocolate muffin crav elf mys find I el, Isra in e her of falafel and pita over Shabbat chocolate muffins with each of you re sha to t wai ’t can I re. mo and re ochel (dining hall) mo forward to meeting you soon! breakfast, and so much more. Looking Gesher’s got the beat,

Vanessa “Fred” Better

en That’s ME, wh er!

I was in Gesh

Ma ha edah ha tovah b’ramah?!

ADAT HA’NITZANIM!

Shalom! I’m Sophie Beren and I am so excited to be your Rosh Edah (unit head) this upcoming kayitz (summer)! Camp Ramah is a place that I’ve called home for over 13 summ ers and I can’t wait for you to call it your home oh so soon! I started my Ramah journey as a chanicha (camp er) in Gesher, made it through each edah all the way through my Machon summer, went on Ramah Israel Seminar in 2011, and spent four summers as a madricha (counselor) — but guess what? Of all my years at Camp Ramah, I spent the most summers (three to be exact) in none other than the best edah in Macha neh Ramah — Nitzanim!

Besides being a Ramah enthusiast, here’s a little bit about me: I’m from Wichita, Kansas (just like Dorothy), and I took the yellow brick road all the way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for college. I spent the last five years at the University of Pennsylvania (Go Quakers!) singing with my Jewish a cappella group, the Shabbatones, teaching music at West Philly High School, and getting different types of people to meet one another through a club I started on campus called TableTalk! Fun fact about me: I can sing “the Red and the Blue,” Penn’s fight song, in ivrit (Hebrew)! By the end of our four weeks together, we will be singing and dancing together in Hebrew and constantly finding new ways to connec t with new friends within our edah.

Something else you should know about me is that I love food! My favorit e chug (elective) at camp was always bishul (cooking), so I wanted to present you with the official, Rabbi Joe approved, Nitzanim recipe for the best kayitz (summer) EVER! • 4 incredible weeks b’yachad (together) soaking up the Ojai sun (which isn’t NitzaNEARLY enough time together in my opinion) • 1 gigantic cup of Nitzvot (just like mitzvot, meaning good deeds) — this will be the official theme of our edah (age group)!

• 3 slices of Nitza Pizza which will greet you in the chadar(dining room)

on your first day at camp • 1 hour a day of the breicha (pool) where we will be “Finding NitzaNEMO” • 2 ¼ cup of NitzaTEAM work!

• 1 -4 tablespoons of NitzaCREAM© sun screen to be applied every three

hours

• 2 hours of chuggim (electives) and sport where you can blow off some

NitzaSTEAM • 1 fabulous tiyul (overnight) at Lake Casitas where we will NitzaDREAM beneath the stars and of course…

• 1 8 heaping tablespoons of keif (fun) in honor of Kayitz 2018!

Are you ready for the best summer of your life? I hope you’re NitzaSCREAM ING “YES!” with ruach (spirit) right now! I can’t wait to turn our NitzaDREAMS into a Nitzality!

I’m counting down the days until we can finally “nitz” at last!

Sophie Beren

me That’s p! at Cam

17525 Ventura Boulevard Suite 201 Encino, CA 91316

! i a j O n i u o Y See

!‫שלום‬

Summer Contact Info: 385 Fairview Road • Ojai, CA 93023 • Phone: 805-646-4301 • Fax: 805-830-1522 The National Ramah Commission acknowledges with thanks the generous support of The AVI CHAI Foundation and the Zell Family Foundation in making the OpenDoor program possible. *Be sure to remind the new family to list you as their referral on their application.