Over the past twelve months, the Ramah Camping Movement has raised $11.6 million in new philanthropic investment from donors and foundations. The National Ramah Commission, the camping movement’s coordinating body, has received foundation grants and donor pledges of $3.8 million, while individual Ramah camps and Israel programs have raised $7.8 million for scholarships, endowments, capital development, and program innovation since early 2013.
Read MoreTeens welcome with open arms people with differences.
Read MoreWhen I received a phone call from Ramah Darom about attending Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) three years ago, I heard the words “Jewish” and “music” and immediately agreed. Surely something that combined my two greatest passions and involved camp had to be fun, and if nothing else, would be worth missing school for. However, I didn’t know it would also be inspiring and spiritual, with a mesh of incredible individuals, each of whom played a role in creating an experience that kept me coming back the next year, and the next.
Read MoreWhat happens when a group of Ramah alumni gather at the end of the day on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives? Why, they sing “Rad Hayom,” of course! (“Rad Hayom” is the Hebrew version of “Day Is Done,” also known as “Taps.”)
Read MoreA grant of $100,000 by an anonymous donor will now make it possible for students in Jewish day schools to apply for generous scholarship support for the upcoming 2014 camp season.
Read MoreWith cellphones, iPads and computers, children are constantly plugged in to technology. But when it comes time to attend an overnight summer camp, unplugging from technology is crucial.
Read MoreThis past Sunday, February 23, I attended a wonderful Ramah Poconos fundraising dinner, including a silent auction and the honoring of Geoff Menkowitz, current director of Ramah Darom and Avi Orlow of the Foundation for Jewish Camp; Dr. Mark and Ruth Joffe, Ramah Poconos lay leaders and medical director; and Rabbi Arthur “Archie” Ruberg, director of Ramah Poconos from 1976-1980. Over 300 people were in attendance. I have the honor of attending these events at all of our camps from time to time, and I am always moved by the expressions of deep commitment to Ramah and the impact of Ramah on the lives of so many people. This evening, however, was perhaps one of the most memorable, as Archie Ruberg’s speech was truly incredible.
Read MoreIn the late 1960s, when husband-and-wife team Barbara and Herb Greenberg first decided to create a Jewish overnight summer camp program for developmentally disabled children, it was hard to find a camp willing to host it.
Read MoreNostalgia about summer traditions notwithstanding, Jewish camps have changed dramatically from a generation ago.Camp’s value for Jewish education and identity-building is now a major focus of communal attention. Major Jewish foundations, federations and organizations are investing heavily in the sector.
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