Ramah Tikvah Programs
for children, teens, & young adults with disabilities

Since the first Ramah Tikvah program opened in 1970, the Ramah Camping Movement has continued to be a pioneer in the inclusion of Jewish campers with disabilities. Tikvah programs now operate in all Ramah camps across North America, offering the inspirational Ramah experience to Jewish children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities.

The goal of the programs in the National Ramah Tikvah Network is to enhance Jewish identity and teach Jewish values in a supportive, inclusive, and fun environment. At Ramah, campers with disabilities have many opportunities to connect and participate in activities throughout camp. Our Ramah Tikvah programs vary widely in their size, structure, and the support needs of their campers, but all strive to integrate campers with disabilities into the wider camp community. Diversity in our Ramah communities benefits the entire Ramah community by fostering an appreciation for individual differences.

Video | Research on Ramah Tikvah Programs

National Ramah Tikvah Network:
Overnight Camp Programs

Berkshires

Wingdale, NY

Elisheva Layman Salant
Tikvah Director
(845) 832-6622

Yael Wallen
Family Relations & Outreach Coordinator
(845) 832-6622

The Tikvah Program currently consists of two tracks:

Breira B’Ramah is a full session inclusion program for campers who need additional support. Campers in Breira live in a bunk, side-by-side with their peers of the same age. All three counselors in the bunk are specially trained to support all of the campers within the bunk. We serve a variety of campers, including those with ADHD, anxiety, autism, communication disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The Tikvah residential program offers campers ages 11-15 the complete scope of Camp’s activities throughout the course of a session. Some of our sessions run for 12 days and others run for close to four weeks. The program is designed for campers who require a higher need of support and may be diagnosed with intellectual or developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders and neurological impairments. The highly structured day offers various opportunities to learn and grow through real camp experience. Campers participate in classic camp activities, such as swimming, athletics, performing and visual arts, and outdoor adventure. They sleep in a separate bunk and have dedicated Tikvah staff. The bunk is equipped with air-conditioning and the staff-to-camper ratio is higher than in a typical bunk.

California

Ojai, CA

Rory Carmer
Tikvah Director
(310) 476-8571

The Amitzim edah (division) is for 10- to 17-year-old campers with disabilities. Our Amitzim campers have opportunities to participate in all our camp programming alongside their peers, with the possibility of support and modifications as necessary. The Amitzim edah is staffed by thoughtful, skilled counselors with a higher camper-counselor ratio. Some highlights of the Amitzim program are:

• An everyday buddy program with our Kochavim campers

• An overnight and day trip out of camp

• Programming with our Machon campers including Maccabia (color wars) and Manhigut (counselors in training)

• Specially crafted programs by dedicated, fun madrichim (counselors)

Canada

Utterson, ON

Casey and Adam Green
Tikvah Directors
(416) 789-2193

The Tikvah Program is a six-week program for teens with developmental disabilities, ages 12-22. The program provides recreational, social, and educational experiences for campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Campers in the Tikvah program enjoy swimming, hiking, sports, and arts and crafts, and also attend daily services, study Hebrew, and learn Jewish customs. Each camper is integrated into the ongoing activities of the camp according to his or her abilities.

Darom

Clayton, GA

Sara Schonwetter
Tikvah Program Director
(470) 381-4016

The Henry and Annette Gibson Tikvah Support Program at Ramah Darom supports campers and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders and other disabilities.

Tikvah Support for Campers: Ramah Darom offers a continuum of care for campers with a wide range of needs. Depending on needs and preferences, campers supported by Tikvah may either reside in a traditional cabin or stay in our uniquely designed cabin, which affords smaller groupings and a more homey environment. Whichever cabin a camper resides in, they will be a part of an integrated aidah (age division) with same-age peers.

New England

Palmer, MA

Dr. Bonnie Schwartz
Tikvah Director
(781) 400-0204

Mini-Amitzim is an incredible 2-week “Taste of Ramah” for children ages 10-12 with learning, social, and developmental differences. Campers in this program require a higher level of support. They are accompanied to activities by their Amitzim staff and enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, sports, electives, Jewish education, Israeli culture, Shabbat and are included in chugim (electives) and activities with other edot (divisions.)

Amitzim is a 4-week or 8-week overnight camping program serving 13- to 18-year-olds with learning, social, and developmental differences, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and neurological impairments. Campers in this program require a higher level of support. Amitzim campers live in accessible bunks with specially trained counselors and participate in an extensive camping program that includes swimming, a variety of electives, sports, Jewish cultural experiences, participation in all-camp programs and activities with other edot (divisions) throughout the day.

Individualized Support is provided for camper-age children and teens who live in and participate in the daily activities of a typical bunk. Campers receive additional support and accommodations as needed to assist them to successfully participate in the full range of camp activities.

Northern California

Monterey, CA

Geoff Menkowitz
Executive Director
(415) 688-4572

The Tikvah Program, founded in 2016 in Ramah Galim’s inaugural summer, is a two-week program for campers with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. Campers in the Tikvah program participate in a wide range of camp activities in three specialty tracks: performing arts, ocean exploration, and adventure sports. Special activities include kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, swimming, singing and dancing, rock climbing, Shabbat, overnights, havdalah on the beach, and bonding with friends. 

Poconos

Lakewood, PA

Orlee Krass
Tikvah Director
(215) 885-8556

The Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos offers children and young adults with special needs and their families a continuum of experiences and opportunities for growth in the areas of Jewish identity, socialization, independence and much more. The Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos is an integral part of our camp and enhances the entire community. Currently serving campers with a wide range of needs, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning differences, and neurological impairments, we are continuously innovating to develop new opportunities and experiences for our campers and their families.

Our inclusion program offers campers an opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of our camp program while living and learning with their neurotypical peers and receiving varying levels of support.

Our Tikvah Residential Program, or Yedidim, is for teenagers ages 13-17. Yedidim offers campers the complete scope of Camp Ramah’s activities within a supported environment, providing the tools they need to successfully navigate daily living activities and the social aspects of camp. Our program serves campers with a wide range of disabilities, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and neurological impairments. While our campers come to us with varying diagnoses, they all have difficulty making and maintaining age-appropriate peer relationships. Our highly staffed and structured programmatic day offers participants various opportunities to learn and grow through real summer camp experiences within a safe, nurturing environment that promotes independence, social skills and self-confidence.

Rockies

Deckers, CO

Talia Horowitz
Director of Camp Wellness
(303) 261-8214

At Ramah in the Rockies, we believe that all Jewish children should be able to experience the transformative experience of Jewish summer camp. We know that each child has their own mental, emotional, social, and physical needs, and whenever possible, we will work closely with parents and guardians to develop a customized plan to enable their child to succeed in our community. At the same time, we know that there are some children we are not able to serve for a variety of reasons, and we will work with parents and guardians to find a Jewish summer camp that is suitable for their child. Read more

Wisconsin

Conover, WI

Erica Schwab
Inclusion Specialist
(312) 606-9316

For nearly 50 years, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin has proudly welcomed campers with unique challenges and disabilities as part of Tikvah and Atzmayim.

During the 2021 season, we successfully piloted a new approach to inclusion we call Shiluv (integration) which is a continuation of gradual changes made to our programs over the last decade in ongoing dialogue with camper families and experts in special education.

Shiluv provides opportunities for campers with various types of challenges and disabilities to live in cabins with their peers. Campers receive additional staff supervision and participate in the day-to-day life of their eidah (age group), which enhances our entire camp community. During our camper intake process, we work with families to develop individually tailored plans for each camper based on each child’s specific needs for a successful summer at camp.

National Ramah Tikvah Network:
Day Camp Programs

Chicagoland

Wheeling, IL

Dina Greenberg
Assistant Director
(312) 690-8330

At Ramah Day Camp in Chicagoland, our campers’ well-being is our most important priority. We make sure that each camper is safe, happy, secure and that we are inclusive of campers with disabilities and special needs. Assistant Director Dina Greenberg utilizes her background in special education to work with families to create individualized plans for each camper. In addition, Ramah Day Camp has a full-time social worker who works with staff on supporting all campers. Through our partnership with Keshet, a Chicago-area program for Jewish children with disabilities, camp is able to provide one-on-one support for campers who require it.

Los Angeles

West Hills, CA

Jesse Zilberstein
Director
(310) 476-8571 x 238

In keeping with Ramah California’s longstanding commitment to inclusion, the Ramah Day Camp LA works with families to include campers with disabilities. Enrollment of campers with disabilities is made on a case by case basis to ensure goodness of fit within the camp program. As the day camp grows in years to come, Ramah Day Camp LA is committed to expanding opportunities for campers with disabilities.

Nyack

Nyack, NY

Rabbi Ami Hersh
Director
(212) 678-8884

Ramah Day Camp in Nyack is committed to the value of inclusion, founded in the Jewish ideal that teaches that we are all created B’tzelem Elohim, in God’s image. Ramah Nyack is committed to providing a Jewish summer camp experience to all children, including those with disabilities. Campers with disabilities follow the regular camp schedule with support and accommodations as needed. Ramah Nyack has a camper care team on staff, including a psychologist, social worker, and occupational therapist. They work closely with camp staff to support all campers. Enrollment of campers with disabilities is made on an individual basis to ensure that children can thrive in the program.

Philadelphia

Elkins Park, PA

Karyn Salkin
Assistant Director
(215) 885-8556

Ramah Day Camp in Philadelphia is committed to providing a Jewish summer camp experience for campers ages 4-13 with social and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning and processing differences, and anxiety disorders. Campers with disabilities follow the regular camp schedule with their peer group with support and accommodations as needed. Ramah Day Camp's camper care team consists of educators and the Tikvah director, who has a background in special education. They work closely with camp staff to provide appropriate support and accommodations to campers while maintaining ongoing and consistent communication with the parents, who are considered an integral part of our team. Enrollment of campers with disabilities is made on an individual basis to ensure that children can thrive in the program.

National Ramah Tikvah Network:
Vocational Training

California

Ojai, CA

Rory Carmer
Tikvah Director
(310) 476-8571

The Ezra program is a 4- or 8-week vocational training program for young adults ages 17-24 that captures the passion and excitement of Camp Ramah. During the summer, Ezra program participants live at camp alongside 1,400 staff and campers. They fill their days with job site experience, life skill classes, recreational activities, and living Judaism. The Ezra Program allows participants to take their existing skills and enhance them in an independent Jewish community. Ezra participants live in communal, independent living quarters with peers under adult supervision. Participants learn lessons of responsibility, kinship, sportsmanship, and sharing. They receive job-training experience in a number of service areas throughout camp and are held accountable for their interpersonal relationships in the Ramah community. Program goals include preparing young adults for independent living and teaching them employment-related skills.

Canada

Utterson, ON

Casey and Adam Green
Tikvah Directors
(416) 789-2193

Tikvah campers ages 18–22 have vocational opportunities, with an emphasis on developing and improving job skills and independent living skills. Our beautiful new Tikvah building is not only a gathering place for Tikvah campers but is also the home to the Keepin’ it Kosh Café, where our participants take pride and ownership over the entire process, from selecting the menu, to preparing and serving the food, to cleaning up afterward.

Vocational education participants might also work in the office, nursery, kitchen, water ski dock, and tuck shop.

Darom

Clayton, GA

Sara Schonwetter
Tikvah Program Director
(470) 381-4016

The Tikvah Vocational Education Program is designed to provide 17-21 year-olds who require extra support the opportunity to learn vocational skills within Ramah Darom’s supportive, joyful Jewish community. Participants work in different areas around camp, learning job skills, time management and teamwork, and enjoy traditional camp activities, such as swimming, boating, art and sports.

Tzevet Tzmicha (Staff receiving Tikvah support): Tzevet Tzmicha staff members contribute to the camp kehillah (community) and receive additional guidance and oversight in their summer roles. They typically work in specialty areas around camp and are assisted with scheduling, organization and social skills. Tzevet Tzmicha is intended for 18-21 year-old former Ramah Darom campers who received Tikvah support and have graduated high school.

New England

Palmer, MA

Dr. Bonnie Schwartz
Tikvah Director
(781) 400-0204

Voc Ed Ma’avar is a transition program for young adults that bridges our camper and vocational programs. This experience provides young adults with learning, social, and developmental differences, an opportunity to participate in a vocational internship within the Tochnit Avodah (Voc-Ed) program, as well as recreational activities with Amitzim and other edot (divisions.) Our Voc Ed Ma’avar participants continue to benefit from a higher level of support related to independent living skills, vocational experiences, and social interactions.

Tochnit Avodah (Voc Ed) offers vocational training, socialization and a group living experience for young adults with learning, social, and developmental differences. Participants are placed in an internship where they work to contribute to our larger camp community and develop a broad range of skills that can be utilized and transferred to a variety of settings. The program provides numerous formal and informal learning opportunities, including a daily vocational skills class, activities of daily living, Jewish learning, and fitness and recreational opportunities. In addition, some participants from Tochnit Avodah move on to summer employment at camp and are provided with support, as are all staff who may benefit.

Northern California

Monterey, CA

Geoff Menkowitz
Executive Director
(415) 688-4572

The Ezra Program offers vocational training for young adult campers ages 18 to 26. Individualized internship and mentorship opportunities include, but are not limited to, horse care, office/administrative work, and food services/hospitality. Ezra participants develop life and social/recreational skills through participation in age-appropriate camper and staff activities.

Rockies

Deckers, CO

Talia Horowitz
Director of Camp Wellness
(303) 261-8214

Wisconsin

Conover, WI

Meredith Weprin
Director, Atzmayim Vocational Program
(312) 606-9316

The Atzmayim Vocational Program is for high school graduates. Atzmayim, the Hebrew word for “independent,” is designed to strengthen social and vocational skills in participants with challenges and disabilities who are in their late teens and early twenties.

Atzmayim is intended to assist in transitioning to an independent living environment such as a college campus and developing the skills to select and engage in leisure activities at home.

The goals and objectives of the Atzmayim program focus on areas of personal development such as self-image, vocational skills, independent social functioning and active involvement in the Jewish community. The Atzmayim program provides a supportive framework for participants to interact with the general staff population, who serve as their role models.

National Ramah Tikvah Network:
Family Camps & Retreats

California

Ojai, CA

Elana Naftalin-Kelman
Tikvah Director
(310) 476-8571

At Ramah California’s Camp Ohr Lanu, families come together for a retreat of study, prayer, respite, support, and fun in the beautiful hills of the Ojai Valley. Children with special needs ages 4 to 14, along with their parents and siblings, will enjoy specialized, therapeutic programming in a supportive environment. Ohr Lanu’s warm, caring staff includes trained special educators, behavior, and family education specialist, and individual counselors paired with each family. All campers will experience the fun of summer camp participating in activities such as drama, dance, music, and art and siblings will participate in their own group activities, helping create bonds in a supportive environment. Parents will engage in texts, networking, and relaxation. Together families will enjoy everything Camp Ramah offers: an Olympic size swimming pool, ropes course, hiking trails, and more.

Darom

Clayton, GA

Susan Tecktiel
Camp Yofi Director
(404) 531-0801

Camp Yofi at Ramah Darom is a nationally acclaimed program for Jewish families with children with autism spectrum disorders between the ages of 6 and 13. Parents, grandparents, and siblings are invited to attend, and all Jewish families are welcome. The program is held at Ramah Darom’s Kaplan Mitchell Retreat & Conference Center, a 122-acre facility in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

New England

Palmer, MA

Dr. Bonnie Schwartz
Tikvah Director
(781) 400-0204

 The Tikvah Family Shabbaton is a “Taste of Tikvah” experience for the entire family. The Shabbaton includes programming designed specifically for parents, children and teens with learning and developmental differences, and their siblings. The Shabbaton creates a unique, supportive community where everyone is not only accepted, but truly celebrated.

National Ramah Tikvah Network:
Virtual & Alumni Programming

TikvahNet

TikvahNet is the National Ramah Tikvah Network’s virtual programming hub. In addition to year-round programs offered by Reshet Ramah and individual camps, TikvahNet provides innovative vocational and socialization programs for current participants and alumni of Ramah Tikvah programs aged eighteen or older. To date, over 120 current or former campers with disabilities from across the US and Canada have participated in TikvahNet.

Programs take place several times a month on Zoom. Programs have included topics such as healthy living, money management, and job interviews, as well as social activities such as game nights and cooking classes. TikvahNet also regularly welcomes guest speakers, such as personal trainers who offer accessible fitness classes, and representatives from companies that recruit employees with disabilities.

Other Initiatives

In addition to TikvahNet, we offer in-person leadership training and parent programs as part of the National Ramah Tikvah Network.

Each year at our annual Weinstein leadership conference, we welcome leadership tracks for both Tikvah counsellors and a vocational training track. These tracks provide invaluable in-person leadership training opportunities for our Tikvah participants and staff.

In November 2023, we launched the Tikvah Family Speaker Series: Transition Planning and Adulthood. These virtual programs welcome expert guest speakers and allow parents to discuss various topics related to transition planning and navigating adulthood. We have engaged 150+ parents of Ramah Tikvah alumni to date from across North America. Topics covered have included transition planning and housing, and financial planning. 

We are excited to invite parents, alumni, and others who are connected to Tikvah, to the National Ramah Tikvah Network Facebook group. This group will allow parents to continue the connections made on our virtual calls, and serve as a space to share resources with one another.

Camp Programming

Year-round virtual Tikvah programming from our camps has included:

• Ramah Wisconsin - weekly "Shavua Tov" for Atzmayim participants

• Ramah Poconos - weekly "hangouts" for Yedidim edah

• Ramah New England - weekly "Shabbos Is Calling," including special holiday-themed celebrations

• Ramah Darom - monthly Tikvah mifgashim (get-togethers)

Read More About TikvahNet and Other Initiatives

The Bert B. Weinstein Leadership Institute: Tikvah and Vocational Education Track (2024)

Reflections on Our Third Year of TikvahNet: How We've Expanded Social and Leadership Opportunities for Ramah Alumni with Disabilities (2023)

Growing Virtual Vocational and Social Programs for Ramah Alumni with Disabilities (2022)

TikvahNet: Ramah’s Virtual Vocational Training and Socialization Program (2021)

What It Means to Be Essential - During COVID and Beyond (2021)