Summer 2011 Highlights

What's Growing in our New Garden?

A Message From...David Fox, Founder of the Amir Project

Remember that large Menorah garden coming out of the ground near the orange grove?  Do you recall that it had zucchini and basil and tomatoes growing in it?  Well guess, what.  All those veggies are now delicious food!  We have been donating the fruits of your labor to the Sova Food Pantry of Los Angeles and the Help of Ojai, giving help to those that need it most.  If you helped shape these gardens, then your work has turned into an incredible Mitzvah and good deed.  Even if you didn't pick up a shovel, know that you belong to a camp community that is committing itself to serving others through the power of gardening!  As Thanksgiving rolls around this week and you're busy stuffing yourself with stuffing, think about all the incredible privileges you have in this world and about how you, even as someone in elementary or high school, can make a HUGE difference in the lives of others.  If you don't think that you can, just remember that Menorah....there is no greater difference than feeding people in need.

Live from ... the Givah v6 (Sneak Peak)

In just a short while our acclaimed Live from ... the Givah series will release it's sixth album featuring awesome music from Ramacappella and our rockbands.  In the meantime, enjoy this recording of Lecha Dodi from Ramacappella!

5th Annual "Wear Your Ramah T-shirt Day"

On Thursday, November 10th, Ramah'niks showed off their spirit and pride by wearing their favorite Ramah apparel. 

Take a look at Yael Barrol, as she strikes a pose wearing TWO of her favorite Ramah shirts!

 
Here is a second great photo from Elana Richardson, smiling with all of her friends in front of school!   

Session Videos 

Each summer our campers and staff work hard to produce a video that documents our time together at Ramah.  Check out these feature films (and keep your eyes out when Academy Award nominations are announced - we're hoping to get a nod for Best Documentary!!!).

1st Session Video

2nd Session Video

Kol ha'kavod to Ilan Malker, Rosh Tikshoret (Head of Media Arts) and his incredible team of campers and staff!

Camper Blogs

This past summer our campers had the opportunity to vote on new activities they wanted to experience at Ramah.  One popular activity was Blogging ... and this past summer we made it happen!  Visit our 2nd session camper blogs to see their great work.

Gesher Blog: Gesher C & D (2-week campers entering grade 3-5)

Nitzanim/Abirim Blog: 1st Session OR 2nd Session (4-week campers entering grade 4-5)

Giborei Yisrael Blog: 1st Session OR 2nd Session (4-week campers entering grade 6)

Adat Shalom/Amitzim Blog: 1st Session (4-week campers entering grade 7 & special needs)

Adat Shalom Blog: 2nd Session (4-week campers entering grade 7)

Sollelim Blog: 1st Session (4-week campers entering grade 8)

Ezra Blog (young adult vocational program)

Rick Recht

We love Rick Recht!  During 1st session Camp Ramah in California campers and staff welcomed Jewish music icon Rick Recht to our community for a few days of ruach and music.  The culmination - an awesome concert.  Visit Rick's cool radio station by clicking here.

Tzedakah Project!

Each summer we are so lucky to be part of a fun, ruach-filled community. We spend time with friends, enjoy the outdoors and participate in awesome activities.  As a community, we also make a commitment "l'taken olam" - to improve the world.  There are several ways we do this - by taking care of our own areas in the bunks and tents, by picking up trash around camp and decorating our camp grounds and also by participating in an annual tzedakah project where we donate items towards another community in need of our support.  This past summer our campers selected two organizations to support through our annual tzedakah project. 

Chai Lifeline

What's Chai Lifeline?

Chai Lifeline’s mission is to bring joy, hope and support to seriously ill children and their families. To accomplish it, they have created and implemented two-dozen diverse programs that include summer camps for children with cancer and other illnesses, holiday parties, art therapy, tutoring for homebound children and meals/snacks for hospitalized children and their caregivers.  Chai Lifeline’s programs and services are provided free of charge and are delivered with sensitivity and compassion.

How Did Camp Ramah in California Help?

When children get very sick, a little pick-me-up gift goes a long way to keep spirits high.   This past summer Ramah campers in Nitzanim, Abirim, Adat Shalom, Tzofim and Machon collected gift cards ($5 -10 value) towards iTunes music, toy stores, gas stations, etc. to give to sick children and their families.  Click here to learn more about Chai Lifeline.

Friendship Circle

What's the Friendship Circle?

The Friendship Circle is an organization with branches in cities all over that supports children with special needs.  They try to build a world in which people with special needs and their families experience acceptance, inclusion and friendship as contributing members of society.  

One branch in Los Angeles focuses on the following goals 1) to provide Jewish children who have special needs with a full range of social, recreational and Jewish experiences; 2) to support their parents; 3) to inspire Jewish teens who face few challenges to share themselves with those in need.  In many ways, the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles provides a similar community during the year that our own Tikvah program provides over the summer.

How Did Camp Ramah in California Help?

Campers in Gesher, Giborei Yisrael, Amitzim and Sollelim supported The Friendship Circle by collecting a number of items for these children and families, such as post-its, kushballs, stressballs, bubbles/bubble toys, frisbees, soft balls and small gift cards to Target and Office Depot.  Click here to learn more about the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles.