Summer Camp
EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CAMP RAMAH, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!!!
Welcome to Camp Ramah in California! We are so glad that you will be at camp this
summer! We know you will have an experience that will last a lifetime!
Whether you are a first time
camper or have been to camp before,
the following list of questions will help answer
some common questions.
- I can never go a whole summer without my cell phone, TV, and computer. How will I ever survive?
- I packed all of these pens and stationery, what am I supposed to do with them?
- I never do laundry at home, how does it get done at camp?
- I can't find my kippah. Is it okay to wear my baseball cap in tefillot?
- What happens if I get sick at camp?
- I take medicine every day. Can I keep it in my cabin so it is easier to take?
- My friends and I like to play cards. Can we play for small bets?
- I love camp, but I miss my family and friends. When do I get to use the phone?
- I don't know how to make my bed. Can I sleep in my sleeping bag?
- I just can't seem to fall asleep at night. What can I do until I am ready to fall asleep?
- Will I be in a bunk with all my friends?
- In the morning I have both sports and schiyah (swimming). I am always hungry. Can I bring my own snacks to camp?
- Can I leave the campgrounds at any time during the summer?
- What is Maccabiah?
- There is no plug by my bed and it is so hot I need to use my fan. Can I use an extension cord?
- I love the 4th of July at camp, but it just isn't the same without fireworks. Couldn't we light just one little sparkler?
- My buddies and I like to arrange our own WWF matches. Can we do this on the hill?
- What do I do if I have a problem with another camper?
- Sometimes I get mad and use foul language. Is this cool?
- Can I bring a water gun to camp?
- I play a musical instrument. Should I bring it to camp?
- Does camp have a policy about illegal drugs and alcohol use?
- It would be so much cooler and easier if I could just shave my head for the summer once I get to camp. Is that okay?
- Is it okay if I wear earrings at camp?
- My birthday is in July. Can my parents send me a birthday cake or other snacks?
- Some of my best friends are members of the opposite sex and we have nowhere to hang out together. Is it okay if we just hang out in one of our cabins?
- I like someone! What is an appropriate display of affection?
- Is smoking permitted at camp?
- What am I allowed to do on Shabbat?
- What should I bring to wear for tfillot and for Shabbat services?
- I love camp and want to leave my name on my bunk wall. Is that o.k.?
- Camp is such a beautiful place. How can I help to keep it that way?
- There is a lot of Hebrew spoken at Camp. How am I going to understand what is going on?
- Hebrew at Camp Ramah
Q: I can never go a whole summer without my cell phone, TV, and computer. How will I ever survive?
A: All of us rely heavily on technology during the year. It can enhance and simplify
our lives in the city. At camp, we focus on different things - building a community,
making friends, being outdoors, playing sports, singing, studying and having a great
time! You will probably watch a movie during the summer and maybe even see a
computer. But you can't bring your own movies or laptop. In fact, there are a
number of technological wonders that you can't bring to camp: cell phones,
refrigerators, video cameras, pocket TV's, walkie talkies, and Gameboys.
Q: I packed all of these pens and stationery, what am I supposed to do with them?
A: With the invention of e-mail there aren't too many people writing letters with a pen and paper anymore. But a summer at camp is an opportunity to practice your creative writing skills in your letters to friends and family. At camp you will be able to receive, but not send e-mails during the summer. You'll have a lot to write about- new friends, great counselors and more!
Q: I never do laundry at home, how does it get done at camp?
A: Camp has its own laundry facility on site. Twice each session your laundry will be washed together with the other
campers' in your bunk/tent (4-week campers). Every edah does laundry, so it is important to label all your clothes.
Laundry is not available to Gesher campers.
Q: I can't find my kippah. Is it okay to wear my baseball cap in tefillot?
A: Praying is a holy act in Judaism. Baseball caps are a fashion statement, not a religious one. All banim (boys) must wear a kippah during tfillot. Banot (girls) who want to wear a kippah are welcome to do so.
Q: What happens if I get sick at camp?
A: Camp has a fully staffed Mirpa'ah (infirmary). Every day there is one regular sick call for campers who don't feel well. There is a nurse and doctor on campus at all times. If you don't feel well during the night or outside of sick call, talk to your counselor first.
Q: I take medicine every day. Can I keep it in my cabin so it is easier to take?
A: No, the state of California does not allow any medicine to be kept in your cabin, including Tylenol or any other over-the-counter drug. Campers who take medicine go to the Mirpa'ah (infirmary) to take their medicine or have their medications brought to them at meals. If you have an inhaler for asthma, you should carry it with you at all times so you have it when you need it, and bring an extra (just in case)!
Q: My friends and I like to play cards. Can we play for small bets?
A: You can certainly play cards at camp, but betting or gambling with money is illegal and not permitted.
Q: I love camp, but I miss my family and friends. When do I get to use the phone?
A: Telephones and office equipment- computers, copiers, FAX, etc.- are off-limits. We will not take campers away from activities to make or receive phone calls. No exceptions. Cell phones may not be brought to camp. All cell phones brought to camp will be confiscated and MAY be returned on the last day of the session.
Q: I don't know how to make my bed. Can I sleep in my sleeping bag?
A: Eventually, we all have to learn how to change our sheets and make our bed. Camp is now the time. Everyone's bed must have a bottom and top sheet, as well as a blanket. Your counselors are there to help you. Sleeping bags are used for overnights only.
Q: I just can't seem to fall asleep at night. What can I do until I am ready to fall
asleep?
A: There are lots of ways to relax before you fall asleep at camp. If you are still awake, try these simple techniques: read a book in bed with your flashlight, write a letter, play solitaire or count sheep! BUT REMEMBER- NEVER LEAVE YOUR CABIN AFTER LIGHTS OUT!
Q: Will I be in a bunk with all my friends?
A: We will do everything we can to bunk you with at least one of your requested friends. Don't forget that making new friends is what camp is really all about! Bunking assignments will not be announced until you arrive at camp.
Q: In the morning I have both sports and schiyah (swimming). I am always hungry.
Can I bring my own snacks to camp?
A: We serve three healthful, balanced meals each day and at least two snacks daily. In addition, your bunk will be ordering "treats" from our canteen, two days a week. Any food brought to camp or sent to camp will be removed by your counselors and donated to a Tzedakah project. Don't bring it!
Q: Can I leave the campgrounds at any time during the summer?
A: During the summer, you may have several opportunities to leave camp with your bunk or edah (divission). You will go on an overnight trip with your edah or maybe to the park or on a hike. No one can leave the campgrounds for any reason without the permission of the camp director.
A: Some people call it Yom Sport or Color War or Mini-Olympics. Whatever you call it, it is great fun! The whole camp participates in a daylong competition of different events.
Q: There is no plug by my bed and it is so hot I need to use my fan. Can I use an extension cord?
A: Extension cords are a major fire hazard. The electrical system at camp is not wired to handle large overloads. One of the great opportunities at camp is to learn to solve problems in your cabin and to create a community with your cabinmates. How do you share the plugs in the cabin? You'll figure it out together. But here's the final answer- no extension cords are allowed in camp! (Helpful hint: If you need a fan, bring a small battery operated one).
Q: I love the 4th of July at camp, but it just
isn't the same without fireworks. Couldn't we light just one little
sparkler?
A: Fire is a serious danger at camp. One little sparkler, one little match, could start a fire that would not only impact the camp, but the beautiful forest that surrounds it as well. We must do everything we can to avoid a fire. Therefore, fireworks, incense and candles are not allowed by campers at camp.
Q: My buddies and I like to arrange our own WWF matches. Can we do this on the hill?
A: While we aren't sure if Goldberg has sent in his application, we do know that there aren't any other professional wrestlers at camp. So, let's stick to non-contact sports. Don't ever touch another person in a way that would make them feel uncomfortable. Even if you are just playing around, it might seem threatening to someone else.
Q: What do I do if I have a problem with another camper?
A: Spending a summer at camp means living in a diverse community. You live in a cabin
or tent with campers from all over the West and are involved with an even larger group of
kids in your edah. There are many ways that we try to keep relationships at camp healthy
and respectful. Here are some different issues that may come up and some suggestions on
how to deal with them:
- Talk, don't hit! When you get really angry, never hit another person. Walk away from
the situation and seek out someone to talk to after you have cooled down. Find a
friend, your counselor, your rosh edah or another staff member with whom you feel
comfortable discussing the problem.
- If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all! What you say can be hurtful to others
so choose your words carefully. Think before you make a rude comment to another
camper about their appearance or a rumor you might have heard.
Q: Sometimes I get mad and use foul language. Is this cool?
A: It is very easy to get into the habit of swearing when you get hurt, or frustrated or even when using these words as slang in everyday speech. Polluting the camp air with cursing is not a "cool" way to express yourself.
Q: Can I bring a water gun to camp?
A: No, we do not allow any kind of weapons in camp. This includes Swiss Army knives, water guns and toy weapons. The environment that we seek to create for our camp community is a peaceful one. Weapons of ANY kind- real or not- will be confiscated and brought to the attention of the camp director.
Q: I play a musical instrument. Should I bring it to camp?
A: Yes, but you must be responsible for your own equipment. In fact, this summer we plan to coordinate a camp band for 8th-10th-grade campers. Take care of your instrument. If you are worried about damage or loss, DON'T BRING IT. Camp Ramah in California will not be held responsible if it is lost, missing or broken.
Q: Does camp have a policy about illegal drugs and alcohol use?
A: Absolutely! Camp has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drug and alcohol use in camp. If you use drugs and alcohol at camp you will be sent home. No refunds. No exceptions.
Q: It would be so much cooler and easier if I could just shave my head for the summer once I get to camp. Is that okay?
A: The way you wear your hair is a great way to express yourself. However, we do not allow campers to shave their heads at camp for safety and hygienic reasons. No camper is permitted to cut another camper's hair. Please do not bring hair clippers with you to camp as they will be confiscated and held for the summer.
Q: Is it okay if I wear earrings at camp?
A: Judaism views that the human body is a vessel that should be treated with respect. At camp, staff and campers are only allowed to wear earrings in their ears. We do not allow any other piercing, for example: belly button rings, etc. If you come to camp wearing body-piercing rings, you will be asked to remove them for the summer. Campers are also not allowed to pierce their ears (or anything else) while at camp.
Q: My birthday is in July. Can my parents send
me a birthday cake or other snacks?
A: Every camper who has a birthday during the summer gets a personalized birthday cake made by our own baker. The entire camp will sing to you and you can have a party with your cabin group. Additional snacks are not provided for birthdays.
Q: Some of my best friends are members of the opposite sex and we have nowhere to
hang out together. Is it okay if we just hang out in one of our cabins?
A: Why do campers return to Ramah year after year? To be with their friends! And we know the importance of these special friendships. However, camp consists of private and public spaces. Cabins/tents are private spaces where people change clothes, shower, rest and relax. While you might feel comfortable with a certain situation, someone else might not! Therefore, boys are not allowed inside girls' cabins/tents and girls are not allowed inside boys' cabins/tents. Also, boys cannot be in girls' tent areas and vice versa.
Q: I like someone! What is an appropriate display of affection?
A: Judaism has much to teach about this subject. We hope that during the summer, you
will have the opportunity to discuss some of your questions and other issues in an appropriate
framework. But for now, here are some guidelines for the summer: Touching people
inappropriately, against their will or speaking to them in an inappropriate sexual manner is
not permitted in camp. Sexually explicit material is also not allowed in camp. If you have
any questions or feel uncomfortable with someone else's behavior, please talk to a staff member.
Q: Is smoking permitted at camp?
A: No, campers are not allowed to smoke at camp. If you are caught smoking at camp it will result in a phone call to your parents and you may be sent home.
Q: What am I allowed to do on Shabbat?
A: Spending Shabbat at camp is one of the best experiences of your summer. But Shabbat isn't just what we make of it- it is what you make of it, as well. There are certain public behaviors that are not allowed on Shabbat and certain private behaviors that you can decide upon. You may use a personal flashlight. You can read a book but you cannot play music on your stereo. You can get a drink of water but you can't buy soda. You can go swimming and take showers, but you can't blow dry your hair. You can rest.
Q: What should I bring to wear for tfillot and for Shabbat services?
A: Friday night services are a very special time at camp. The whole camp comes together
for Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv. We even have special music and dance
presentations before Kabbalat Shabbat. What you wear is a personal choice, but there
are certain guidelines that we have in order to create that special Shabbat ruach.
Dress for Shabbat tfillot should be modest. All banim must cover their heads with
kippot. Banot are welcome to wear kippot. We do not wear jeans to tfillot on Friday
night. On the second Friday of each session everyone will be wearing white to add to
the sanctity of Shabbat. We suggest at least a white top and light colored slacks or
skirt.
| Yes! Button DownShirts/Blouses Sweaters Khaki Pants Dresses Skirts |
No! Jeans Micro Mini Skirts Tight Fitting Dresses Spaghetti Straps/Sleeveless Shirts- (unless you wear a jacket or sweater) |
Q: I love camp and want to leave my name on my bunk wall. Is that o.k.?
A: To many of us, camp is like a second home. We may be tempted to do things at camp that we wouldn't normally do simply because we feel so comfortable there. It is important that the buildings and furniture in camp remain in good shape for all of the campers who will be using them after you. Graffiti is not attractive and doesn't add to the beauty of camp. Therefore, graffiti is not permitted in the cabins or any other place in camp. Find a more creative and positive way to "leave your mark" on camp!
Q: Camp is such a beautiful place. How can I help to keep it that way?
A: With the help of campers and staff, we will preserve our environment by our own acts. We all pitch in several times a week taking turns doing nikui hamachaneh. Don't throw your garbage on the ground! Make sure that you put it in a garbage can.
Q: There is a lot of Hebrew spoken at Camp. How am I going to understand what is going on?
A: One of the founding missions of Ramah was to introduce Hebrew as a living language. We do this now by bringing Israelis to camp to work in all kinds of positions, by performing the plays in Hebrew, offering special "peulot" (activities), and by making Hebrew the public language of the camp. Words and phrases are used over and over, such as places and numbers for telling time. Before you know it, you will be very familiar with the Hebrew at camp with the help of your counselors and friends. Remember, if you don't know, ask!
Q: How many campers are in a bunk?
A: Campers are organized at Camp Ramah by their grades and gender for the following summer school grades. Our youngest campers, entering grades 3-6 live in bunks that can accommodate up to 16 campers. Our older campers entering grades (7-10) live in tents with up to 14 other campers. In addition, we have 2-4 staff in each bunk or tents.
Q: Are the bathrooms attached to the bunks?
A: The bunks do have an attached bathroom and shower stalls. The older campers reside in tents and their restrooms are nearby.
Q: What if my child can't drink milk or has allergies to peanuts or wheat?
A: These campers are offered alternatives such as soy milk, soy nut butter, and gluten free meal substitutes.
Q: Can I visit my child at camp?
A: There is one visitor's day during the summer. Each year, the visiting day alternates between our Session 1 and Session 2. Due to the potential disruptions, we are unable to allow additional visiting time. However, we encourage you and your child(ren) to write each other during their stay at camp.
A: Nestled in the lovely hills of Ojai, our campground offers fresh mountain air and several natural vistas in a peaceful setting. Yournger campers sleep in wooden bunks with private bathrooms, heating, air conditioning, while older campers sleep in tent quarters with electricity and overhead lights.
Glossary
Abirim/Nitzanim- edah name for 4th & 5th graders
Adat Shalom- edah name for 7th graders
Amitzim- edah for campers with special needs
Banim - boys
Banot- girls
Birkat Hamazon- the prayer after a meal
Birkat Hamotzi- the prayer for bread before a meal
Breichah- 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
Gesher-1 or 2 week edah for entering 3rd-5th graders
Giborei Yisrael- edah name for 6th graders
Harga'ah- story or other "soothing" program in cabin before sleep
Kikar Zion- the outdoor sanctuary area in front of the breichah
Machon- edah name for 10th graders
Michzoor- recycling
Mirpa'ah- (known as the "Marp")- infirmary or health center
Mirpeset- porch or patio area
Nikui HaMachaneh- camp clean up
Nitzanim- edah name for 4th/5th graders
Pe'ulat Erev- evening activity
Pe'ulot- activities
Rosh Edah- a division head
Ruach- spirit
Schiyah- swimming
Sollelim- edah name for 8th graders
Tefillot- morning, afternoon or evening prayers
Tzevet - staff
Tzofim- edah name for 9th graders
Tzrif - cabin
Click here to see the camp map!